Idaho Sour Cream Cups Recipe

Zesty Idaho Sour Cream Cups Recipe: A Tasty Party Delight

Whipping up these delightful Idaho sour cream cups transports you to a world of comfort and flavor.

Creamy potatoes blend with tangy dairy for an irresistible side dish.

Home cooks adore this simple yet impressive recipe that feels like a culinary hug.

Each bite promises a rich, velvety experience that might become your new favorite potato preparation.

Simple ingredients come together to create something truly magical in your kitchen.

Crisp edges and smooth interiors make these cups a guaranteed crowd-pleaser at any gathering.

You’ll want to savor every delectable spoonful of this comforting classic.

Sour Cream Cups That Capture Baked Potato Flavor In One Bite

  • Speedy Appetizer Delight: Whip up these Idaho Sour Cream Cups in under 45 minutes, perfect for spontaneous gatherings or quick snack cravings.
  • Crowd-Pleasing Simplicity: These potato cups deliver maximum flavor with minimal effort, using basic ingredients like russet potatoes, bacon, and cheese that everyone loves.
  • Versatile Party Starter: Customize the filling with different cheeses, herbs, or toppings to match your mood or event, making these cups a flexible crowd-pleaser for game days, brunches, or holiday parties.
  • Texture Sensation: Enjoy the irresistible combination of crispy potato edges, creamy sour cream center, and crunchy bacon bits that create a mouthwatering flavor and texture experience.

Idaho Sour Cream Cups Ingredient Set

Potato Ingredients:
  • Russet Potatoes: Starchy potatoes perfect for creating crispy cups and providing a golden base. Choose fresh, firm potatoes with minimal blemishes.
  • Melted Butter: Adds rich flavor and helps bind potato mixture. Use unsalted butter for better control of seasoning.
Filling and Topping Ingredients:
  • Sour Cream, Cheddar Cheese: Creamy and tangy mixture that creates a smooth, rich filling. Select full-fat sour cream for best texture.
  • Bacon: Provides salty, crispy crunch to top the potato cups. Thick-cut bacon works best for maximum flavor.
  • Green Onions: Fresh, mild onion flavor that adds brightness and color. Select bright green, firm stalks.
Seasoning and Preparation Ingredients:
  • Salt, Black Pepper: Essential for enhancing overall flavor of potato mixture. Use freshly ground black pepper for more intense taste.
  • Non-Stick Cooking Spray: Ensures potato cups release easily from muffin tin. Choose neutral flavor spray.

Idaho Sour Cream Cups Appetizer Steps

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Fire up your oven to a toasty 400°F.

This hot environment will help transform your potato shreds into golden, crunchy cups that’ll make taste buds dance.

Step 2: Prepare Potato Shreds

Grab your russet potatoes and transform them into delicate shreds using a grater.

Wrap the shredded potatoes in a clean kitchen towel and squeeze out every drop of moisture.

Dry potatoes are the secret to achieving maximum crispiness.

Step 3: Create Potato Base

In a mixing bowl, combine your potato shreds with:
  • Melted butter
  • Salt
  • Black pepper

Blend everything together so each potato strand gets coated with delicious seasoning.

Step 4: Shape Potato Vessels

Spray a muffin tin with non-stick cooking spray.

Gently press potato mixture into each cup, creating little nests with sturdy sides and bottoms.

Make sure the potato mixture covers the entire muffin tin surface evenly.

Step 5: Bake to Golden Perfection

Slide the muffin tin into the preheated oven.

Bake for 20-25 minutes until edges turn golden brown and crispy.

Halfway through cooking, rotate the pan to ensure even browning.

Step 6: Prepare Delectable Filling

While potato vessels bake, cook bacon in a skillet until perfectly crisp.

Crumble the bacon into small pieces.

In a separate bowl, blend:
  • Sour cream
  • Shredded cheddar cheese

Step 7: Assemble and Garnish

Once potato cups cool slightly, fill each cup with the creamy cheese mixture.

Sprinkle crumbled bacon on top and finish with chopped green onions.

Serve immediately and watch everyone’s eyes light up.

Baking Tips for Idaho Sour Cream Cups

  • Squeeze out every drop of liquid from potatoes using a clean kitchen towel to guarantee ultra-crispy potato cups that hold their shape perfectly.
  • Swap bacon for vegetarian alternatives like roasted mushrooms or crispy chickpeas to accommodate different dietary preferences without losing flavor complexity.
  • Allow potato cups to cool for 2-3 minutes after baking to help them set and prevent burning your fingers when adding delicious toppings.
  • Experiment with different cheese varieties like smoked gouda or pepper jack to elevate the flavor profile and create unique taste experiences.
  • Prepare potato cups ahead of time and reheat in the oven at 350°F for 5-7 minutes to maintain their crispiness and serve fresh-looking appetizers.

Sour Cream Cups Storage Ideas

  • Store leftover Idaho Sour Cream Cups in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Place parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking and maintain their crispy texture.
  • Warm the cups at 350°F for 8-10 minutes to restore crispiness. Avoid microwave reheating, which can make the potato cups soggy and lose their delightful crunch.
  • Freeze unfilled potato cups for up to 1 month. Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and place in a freezer-safe container. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating and filling.
  • Keep sour cream and bacon toppings separate when storing. Add fresh toppings just before serving to maintain the best flavor and texture of your appetizer.

Idaho Sour Cream Cups Serving Ideas

Perfectly Paired Flavor Boosters: Idaho Sour Cream Cups

  • Crisp Craft Beer Companion: Select a hoppy pale ale or light lager that cuts through the rich, creamy potato cups. The beer's crisp carbonation refreshes the palate and complements the salty bacon and sharp cheddar.
  • Wine Lover's Match: Choose a chilled Sauvignon Blanc with bright, zesty notes that balance the potato's richness. Its subtle acidity enhances the creamy sour cream and provides a clean, refreshing counterpoint.
  • Zesty Side Salad Support: Craft a light arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette to add brightness and cut through the heavy appetizer. The peppery greens and tangy dressing create a perfect flavor contrast that elevates the entire dish.
  • Fresh Herbal Garnish Upgrade: Sprinkle extra fresh chives or dill on top to introduce a vibrant, green flavor that adds complexity and freshness to the potato cups. These herbs provide a subtle, aromatic finish that makes each bite more interesting.

New Toppings For Idaho Sour Cream Cups

  • Gluten-Free Potato Cups: Replace regular potatoes with sweet potatoes or cauliflower for a gluten-free alternative that maintains the crispy texture and flavor profile.
  • Vegan Potato Cups: Substitute bacon with crispy tempeh or coconut bacon bits, use plant-based sour cream and dairy-free cheese to create a completely vegan version of the appetizer.
  • Low-Carb Potato Substitute Cups: Use shredded zucchini or turnips instead of potatoes, maintaining the cup structure while reducing carbohydrate content for those following ketogenic or low-carb diets.
  • Herb-Infused Potato Cups: Add fresh herbs like rosemary, thyme, or chives directly into the potato mixture to create an aromatic and flavorful variation that elevates the classic recipe.

FAQs

  • How do I prevent the potato cups from sticking to the muffin tin?

Thoroughly spray the muffin tin with non-stick cooking spray before adding the potato mixture. Make sure to coat every surface evenly to ensure easy removal of the cups after baking.

  • Can I make these potato cups ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the potato cups in advance. Bake them completely, let them cool, and store in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Reheat in the oven at 350°F for 5-7 minutes before adding the filling.

  • What's the best way to remove moisture from grated potatoes?

Use a clean kitchen towel to wring out excess moisture. Squeeze the grated potatoes tightly, removing as much liquid as possible. This step is crucial for creating crispy, golden potato cups.

  • Can I use a different type of potato?

Russet potatoes work best due to their high starch content and ability to crisp up nicely. Other starchy potatoes like Idaho potatoes can also be used, but avoid waxy varieties that won’t crisp as well.

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Idaho Sour Cream Cups Recipe

Idaho Sour Cream Cups Recipe


5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.7 from 40 reviews

  • Total Time: 40 minutes
  • Yield: 6 1x

Description

Creamy Idaho Sour Cream Cups bring potato-inspired comfort to party appetizers with minimal ingredients. Crispy wonton shells cradle rich sour cream, chives, and bacon crumbles that you’ll devour in delightful, one-bite indulgence.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 3 large russet potatoes, grated
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • 6 slices bacon

Dairy and Seasonings:

  • 1/2 cup sour cream
  • 1 tablespoon butter, melted
  • Salt and pepper, to taste

Preparation Ingredients:

  • Non-stick cooking spray
  • 2 green onions, sliced

Instructions

  1. Warm the oven to 400°F (200°C), creating an ideal baking environment for crispy potato vessels.
  2. Shred russet potatoes using a box grater, then extract maximum moisture by wringing them tightly in a clean kitchen towel, ensuring a crunchy texture.
  3. Blend grated potatoes with melted butter, incorporating salt and pepper to distribute seasoning evenly throughout the mixture.
  4. Generously coat a muffin tin with non-stick spray, then carefully press potato mixture into each cavity, crafting delicate cups with structured walls and sturdy bases.
  5. Slide the muffin tin into the preheated oven, allowing potato cups to transform into golden-brown shells with delicately crisp edges, rotating midway for uniform browning.
  6. Simultaneously, render bacon in a skillet until achieving a perfect crispness, then crumble into small fragments and set aside.
  7. Whisk sour cream and cheddar cheese together, creating a smooth, rich filling that complements the potato’s robust flavor.
  8. After cooling momentarily, fill each potato cup with the creamy mixture, then crown with bacon crumbles and a delicate sprinkle of green onions.
  9. Serve immediately while potato cups maintain their irresistible crunch and warmth, presenting an elegant appetizer bursting with hearty flavors.

Notes

  • Always squeeze out maximum potato moisture to achieve ultra-crispy potato cups that hold their shape perfectly.
  • Experiment with different cheese varieties like Gouda or pepper jack for unique flavor profiles that elevate the classic recipe.
  • Consider swapping bacon with vegetarian alternatives like crispy mushroom bits or roasted bell pepper pieces for dietary flexibility.
  • Prep potato cups ahead of time and store unbaked in the refrigerator, allowing for convenient make-ahead entertainment appetizers.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Category: Appetizer
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 6
  • Calories: 300
  • Sugar: 2g
  • Sodium: 600mg
  • Fat: 20g
  • Saturated Fat: 10g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 8g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 25g
  • Fiber: 2g
  • Protein: 10g
  • Cholesterol: 40mg
Katherine Pierce

Katherine Pierce

Recipe Curator & Food Educator

Expertise

  • Curating diverse recipe collections
  • Educating on global culinary traditions
  • Developing informative food content

Education

Boston University Metropolitan College
Certificate Program in the Culinary Arts
Focus: French and international cuisine techniques, Hands-on culinary training with industry professionals, Food industry insights and operations


Katherine grew up believing every dish has a story. She studied the art of food at Boston University and explored the history behind it. She loves pulling easy recipes from every corner of the world and putting them at your fingertips.
When Katherine’s not writing or testing new flavors, she’s teaching cooking classes, baking colorful mooncakes, or dreaming up new ways to mix old favorites with new twists.

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