If you’re a fan of crispy, cheesy, and outrageously satisfying comfort food, the Deep-Fried Mashed Potato Cups Filled with BBQ Beef and Cheese deserve a spot at your next gathering! Imagine creamy mashed potatoes hugging gooey cheese and tender, saucy beef, all nestled in a golden, crunchy shell. Every bite delivers a party of flavors and textures that’s impossible to resist. Whether you serve them at a casual family dinner or use them to steal the show at your next party, these Deep-Fried Mashed Potato Cups Filled with BBQ Beef and Cheese truly redefine the term “crowd pleaser.”
Ingredients You’ll Need
It’s amazing how a few staple ingredients can come together to create something as dazzling as these cups! Each ingredient brings its own delicious purpose: from the pillow-soft mashed potatoes that form the base, to the rich trio of cheeses, the zingy BBQ beef, and the perfectly crisp exterior.
- Mashed potatoes (3 cups, firm and chilled): The star of the show; firm and chilled potatoes make shaping so much easier and help the cups hold together when fried.
- Shredded cheddar cheese (1/2 cup): This adds sharp, melty richness to the potato mixture, giving every bite an irresistible tang.
- Grated Parmesan cheese (1/4 cup): Just a hint of umami and salt, elevating the flavor to the next level.
- Large egg (1): Acts as a binder, helping everything hold its shape beautifully.
- All-purpose flour (1/2 cup): A light dusting before breading ensures a perfect crust that adheres well.
- Panko breadcrumbs (1 cup): Panko is what gives these cups their amazing crunch and golden color.
- Cooked shredded beef or brisket (1/2 pound): For that hearty, meaty filling; choose tender and flavorful cuts for best results.
- Barbecue sauce (1/2 cup): Sweet, smoky, and just a little bit tangy—BBQ sauce ties the beef filling together with a punch of flavor.
- Shredded mozzarella cheese (1/2 cup): Melty, stretchy cheese at the heart of every cup equals ultimate comfort food.
- Vegetable oil (for frying): A neutral oil with a high smoke point makes for cups that are deeply golden and crisp, not greasy.
- Chopped green onions (optional, for garnish): A pop of freshness and color to finish things off with flair!
How to Make Deep-Fried Mashed Potato Cups Filled with BBQ Beef and Cheese
Step 1: Mix the Potato Base
In a large bowl, combine your chilled mashed potatoes, shredded cheddar, Parmesan, and egg. Stir until everything is fully incorporated and you have an even, creamy consistency. This base is the foundation of your cups, and chilling it for 20 minutes in the fridge helps make shaping a cinch (trust me, your hands will thank you!).
Step 2: Prepare the BBQ Beef Filling
While the potato base chills, toss your shredded beef or brisket with your favorite barbecue sauce in another bowl. Mix well so every strand is coated in saucy perfection. This is where the magic starts—the beef brings smoky depth and a touch of sweetness that pairs beautifully with the creamy potatoes and gooey cheese.
Step 3: Shape the Cups
Now for the fun part! Scoop about 2 tablespoons of the chilled potato mixture into your hand and press it into a small cup shape, either using your fingers or a mini muffin tin for extra help. Spoon in some of the BBQ beef mixture and a pinch of mozzarella cheese. Then, grab a little more potato mixture, cover the top, and gently seal to close—form a ball or a neat, sealed cup. Repeat until all your delicious supplies are used up.
Step 4: Bread the Cups
Set up a little breading station: roll each potato cup lightly in flour, dip it into water or a beaten egg (either works), then coat it in crunchy panko breadcrumbs. This step gives you the irresistibly crispy coating that makes these Deep-Fried Mashed Potato Cups Filled with BBQ Beef and Cheese show-stoppingly good.
Step 5: Time to Fry
Heat your oil in a deep fryer or a sturdy heavy-bottomed pot to 350°F. Gently lower your breaded cups in batches, frying for 3 to 4 minutes until they’re beautifully golden brown and crunchy. Work in small batches so the oil stays hot and your cups cook evenly. Drain on paper towels for just a moment to keep everything crispy.
How to Serve Deep-Fried Mashed Potato Cups Filled with BBQ Beef and Cheese
Garnishes
Just before serving, sprinkle those piping hot cups with a flurry of chopped green onions for a burst of color and mild heat. If you’re feeling extra indulgent, a finishing drizzle of extra barbecue sauce or even a touch of sour cream takes these over the top.
Side Dishes
Pair the Deep-Fried Mashed Potato Cups Filled with BBQ Beef and Cheese with crisp coleslaw, crunchy pickles, or a fresh green salad to balance out their rich, smoky flavor. For a party platter, add some dipping sauces—try ranch, chipotle mayo, or extra BBQ sauce to make everyone swoon.
Creative Ways to Present
Arrange these beauties on a rustic wooden board for game day, or pop them into little serving cups for a more elegant touch at a celebration. Skewer them with colorful picks for easy grab-and-go party snacks. You can even turn them into a hearty main by serving two or three atop a bed of simple greens.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you wind up with extra Deep-Fried Mashed Potato Cups Filled with BBQ Beef and Cheese, don’t worry—they keep well! Let them cool completely, then transfer them to an airtight container. Store in the fridge for up to 3 days. Their flavors meld and deepen, making them almost more delicious the next day.
Freezing
For longer storage, these cups freeze beautifully. Once cooled, arrange in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze individually, then move them to a freezer-safe bag or container. They’ll stay tasty for up to a month—just pull out what you need for a quick snack or easy party prep.
Reheating
The secret to keeping them crispy? Pop the cups in a 350°F oven or air fryer for 10-12 minutes straight from the fridge (or 15-18 minutes from frozen). Microwaving is quick, but the oven keeps everything perfectly crunchy on the outside and melty inside, just like when they were first fried.
FAQs
Can I use leftover mashed potatoes for this recipe?
Absolutely! Leftover mashed potatoes work perfectly. Just be sure they’re on the firmer side and well-chilled before you shape the cups, so they don’t fall apart while frying.
What cuts of beef work best for the filling?
Shredded beef from a pot roast, brisket, or even slow-cooked chuck roast are all fabulous choices. You want beef that’s tender and shreds easily, so it soaks up all that barbecue sauce and turns melt-in-your-mouth delicious.
Can I make these Deep-Fried Mashed Potato Cups Filled with BBQ Beef and Cheese gluten-free?
Yes! Just swap in your favorite gluten-free flour and gluten-free panko breadcrumbs. The result is just as crispy and flavorful—nobody will ever miss the gluten.
Is it possible to bake instead of deep-frying?
While deep-frying gives you that signature crunch, you can bake the cups for a lighter twist. Place them on a greased baking sheet, mist with a little oil, and bake at 425°F for about 20 minutes, turning once for even browning.
Can these be made in advance for a party?
Definitely! You can shape and bread the cups earlier in the day, cover, and chill them until you’re ready to fry. Or, fry them ahead and reheat in the oven just before serving—they are party-planner gold!
Final Thoughts
If you love bold, cheesy, and satisfying bites, the Deep-Fried Mashed Potato Cups Filled with BBQ Beef and Cheese might just become your signature dish. They’re easier than they look, endlessly customizable, and guaranteed to spark conversation. Give them a try and see how quickly they disappear—these cups are made for sharing and savoring!
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Deep-Fried Mashed Potato Cups Filled with BBQ Beef and Cheese Recipe
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 12 cups 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
These Deep-Fried Mashed Potato Cups Filled with BBQ Beef and Cheese are crispy, flavorful appetizers perfect for parties or as a fun snack. Creamy mashed potatoes filled with savory beef, gooey cheese, and a touch of barbecue sauce, all fried to golden perfection.
Ingredients
Mashed Potato Cups:
- 3 cups mashed potatoes (firm and chilled)
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 large egg
BBQ Beef Filling:
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 1/2 pound cooked shredded beef or brisket
- 1/2 cup barbecue sauce
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
Additional:
- Vegetable oil for frying
- Chopped green onions for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Mix Potato Mixture: Combine mashed potatoes, cheddar, Parmesan, and egg. Chill for 20 minutes.
- Prepare Beef Filling: Mix shredded beef with barbecue sauce.
- Form Cups: Shape potato mixture into cups, fill with BBQ beef and mozzarella, seal with more potato.
- Coat and Fry: Roll cups in flour, egg, then breadcrumbs. Fry in oil until golden brown.
- Garnish and Serve: Drain, garnish with green onions, and serve warm.
Notes
- Chill formed cups before frying for better shape retention.
- For a spicier version, add jalapeños or hot sauce to the beef mixture.
- Perfect as appetizers or party snacks.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Deep-Frying
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 190
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 310mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 16g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 9g
- Cholesterol: 40mg
