These Jalapeno Popper Hash Brown Cups are a crispy and cheesy treat! With spicy jalapenos, melty cheese, and golden hash browns, they’re perfect for snacking or appetizers.
Who can resist that crunchy exterior and cheesy inside? I always make extra because they disappear so quickly! Serve them warm, and watch everyone come back for more!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Hash Browns: Frozen shredded hash browns make this quick and easy. If you prefer fresh, you can grate your own potatoes. Just rinse and squeeze out the excess moisture to avoid sogginess.
Cheddar Cheese: Cheddar adds a wonderful flavor, but you can use Monterey Jack or pepper jack for a spicier kick. Mixing different cheeses gives it a nice depth!
Cream Cheese: This adds creaminess to the cups. If you’re looking for a lighter option, consider using Greek yogurt or a dairy-free cream cheese alternative.
Jalapeños: Adjust the heat level to your liking. If fresh jalapeños are too spicy, you can use pickled jalapeños for a milder flavor or omit them altogether.
Bacon: For a vegetarian version, you can skip the bacon or use crumbled tofu seasoned with smoked paprika for a similar flavor.
How Do I Form the Perfect Hash Brown Cups?
Getting the hash brown cups right is key for that crispy texture. Here’s how to do it:
- After mixing all ingredients, make sure to press the hash brown mixture firmly into the muffin tin. Create a nice base and walls so they hold their shape.
- Don’t skip the step of squeezing out excess moisture from the hash browns! This ensures they get crispy instead of soggy.
- For an extra crispy finish, you can broil the cups for a minute or two at the end of baking but watch them closely to prevent burning.
How to Make Jalapeno Popper Hash Brown Cups
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 4 cups frozen shredded hash browns, thawed and excess moisture squeezed out
- 1 cup cheddar cheese, shredded
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- 2-3 fresh jalapeños, seeds removed and finely chopped (adjust to taste)
- 4 slices cooked bacon, crumbled
- 2 green onions, chopped (plus extra for garnish)
- 1 large egg
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Cooking spray or a little oil for greasing the muffin tin
- Optional garnish: sliced jalapeños
Time Estimate:
This delicious recipe takes about 10 minutes to prepare and 20-25 minutes to bake. With a total time of around 35 minutes, you can have these tasty bites ready to enjoy!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat Your Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). While it’s heating, take a moment to lightly grease your muffin tin with cooking spray or a little oil. This will help ensure your cups come out easily after baking!
2. Mix Up the Ingredients:
In a large bowl, combine your thawed shredded hash browns, cheddar cheese, softened cream cheese, finely chopped jalapeños, crumbled bacon, chopped green onions, egg, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Use a spatula or your hands to mix everything together until it’s evenly distributed. It’s getting exciting already!
3. Form the Cups:
Now it’s time to shape our hash brown mixture! Grab some of the mixture and firmly press it into the bottom and up the sides of each muffin cup. Make sure to create a nice little cup shape to hold all that delicious filling.
4. Bake the Hash Brown Cups:
Place the muffin tin in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes. Keep an eye on them; they should be golden on the edges and crispy on top. The aroma will be heavenly!
5. Garnish for Extra Flavor:
Once they are out of the oven, let them cool a bit. Then, top each cup with extra chopped green onions and a slice of jalapeño for a colorful presentation.
6. Serve and Enjoy:
Carefully remove the cups from the muffin tin. Serve them warm as an appetizer or a delightful side dish. They’ll be a hit at any gathering!
Enjoy these crispy, cheesy Jalapeno Popper Hash Brown Cups packed with spicy and savory flavors! You won’t be able to stop at just one!
Can I Use Fresh Potatoes Instead of Frozen Hash Browns?
Absolutely! If you prefer fresh potatoes, grate them and rinse well to remove excess starch. Squeeze out as much moisture as possible before mixing to ensure they bake up crispy.
How Can I Make These Cups Spicier?
For extra heat, leave some seeds in the jalapeños or add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the mixture. You can also serve them with a spicy dipping sauce, like sriracha or a jalapeño ranch.
Can I Make These Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can prepare the mixture in advance and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Just fill the muffin tin and bake when you’re ready to serve.
How to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, pop them back in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes for that crispy texture.