These Jalapeno Popper Hash Brown Cups are a fun twist on a classic favorite! Crispy hash browns form a perfect little cup filled with creamy cheese and spicy jalapenos.
They’re great for any party or snack time! I can’t help but enjoy them fresh out of the oven, even if I have to wait a moment to avoid burning my tongue. Ouch! 🔥
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Hash Browns: Frozen shredded hash browns work best for their convenience. If you’re feeling adventurous, you can also use fresh grated potatoes. Just make sure to squeeze out excess moisture to keep them crispy.
Cheddar Cheese: I love using a sharp cheddar for a more robust flavor. If you want a milder taste, go for a mild cheddar or a cheese blend. Vegan cheese can be a good alternative if you prefer a dairy-free option.
Cream Cheese: This adds creaminess to the filling. If you’re looking for a lighter version, try Greek yogurt or cottage cheese. They’ll give a similar texture without being as heavy.
Bacon: Crispy bacon adds a nice crunch and flavor. For a vegetarian version, you can use cooked crumbles made from tofu or tempeh, or just skip it altogether and let the other flavors shine.
Jalapenos: Fresh jalapenos bring heat! If you want less spice, you can substitute with green bell peppers or use pickled jalapenos for a tangy kick instead.
How Do I Shape and Bake the Hash Brown Cups Perfectly?
Shaping the hash brown mixture is critical for holding in all the delicious filling. Press the mixture firmly into each muffin cup. Make sure the edges are raised; this helps contain all the cheesy goodness when you bake them!
- To ensure they are crispy, don’t overload with filling too early. Start with the hash brown base, bake, then add cheese for the last few minutes.
- Cook them until golden. This way they’ll hold their shape when removed from the pan.
Letting them cool for a few minutes before removing will make it easier to lift out the cups without breaking them!
How to Make Jalapeno Popper Hash Brown Cups
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Hash Brown Cups:
- 3 cups frozen shredded hash browns, thawed and drained
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (or a cheddar jack blend)
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- 4 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
- 2 large jalapeno peppers, seeded and finely chopped (reserve a few slices for garnish)
- 2 green onions, chopped (reserve some green parts for garnish)
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 large egg
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes to prepare and 20 minutes to bake, totaling around 30 minutes. Perfect for a quick snack when you want something delicious!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). While the oven heats up, lightly grease a muffin tin or spray it with some non-stick cooking spray.
2. Prepare the Hash Brown Mixture:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the thawed and drained hash browns, shredded cheddar cheese, crumbled bacon, chopped jalapenos, and chopped green onions. Give it a good mix until everything is well combined.
3. Make the Cream Cheese Mixture:
In a separate smaller bowl, mix the softened cream cheese with garlic powder, salt, pepper, and egg. Stir it well until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
4. Combine the Mixtures:
Now, fold the cream cheese mixture into the hash brown mixture. Stir gently to make sure everything is well blended without squishing the hash browns too much.
5. Shape the Cups in Muffin Tin:
Take about 2 to 3 tablespoons of the mixture and press it firmly into each muffin cup to form a cup shape. Make sure the edges are slightly raised so they can hold the filling when we bake them.
6. Bake the Hash Brown Cups:
Place the muffin tin in your preheated oven and bake for about 15 minutes. Keep an eye on them; you want the edges to turn golden and crispy!
7. Add Extra Cheese:
If you want, sprinkle a little extra cheese on top of each cup right after taking them out of the oven. Return the muffin tin to the oven for another 5 minutes, until the cheese is fully melted and bubbly.
8. Garnish:
Once baking is done, take the cups out and garnish each with a slice of jalapeno and some green onion pieces for a fresh look!
9. Cool and Serve:
Let the cups cool slightly before carefully removing them from the muffin tin. They’re ready to be enjoyed warm as a tasty appetizer or snack!
Enjoy your crispy, cheesy, and slightly spicy Jalapeno Popper Hash Brown Cups! Perfect for sharing (or keeping all to yourself)! 😋
Can I Use Frozen Hash Browns Directly?
Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw and drain them before using to remove excess moisture, which will help keep your cups crispy.
Can I Make These Cups Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can prepare the hash brown cups and fill them with the mixture, then refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time if the mixture is cold from the fridge.
How Should I Store Any Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them in a toaster oven or regular oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes until heated through and crispy again.
Can I Make These Vegetarian?
Definitely! Simply omit the bacon and consider adding more veggies like bell peppers or mushrooms for added flavor and texture.
