Crispy Muffin Tin Potatoes Recipe

You will fall in love with these savory crispy muffin tin potatoes, where thinly sliced potatoes are layered with crispy bacon, rich cheddar cheese, and melted butter, then baked or smoked to golden perfection. Each bite-sized portion is packed with flavor and makes for a perfect appetizer or side dish.

Why This Recipe Works

Unique Side Dish Option: This crispy muffin tin potatoes recipe is a delightful new way to make potatoes! By thinly slicing the potatoes and layering them in a muffin tin, you maximize the crispy edges while keeping the centers tender and flavorful. Plus, the cheese in between the layers creates a gooey texture that is to die for! 

Crispy Perfection: The sides of the muffin tin help to concentrate the heat, creating a crispy golden-brown exterior that’s simply irresistible. A touch of butter and seasoning adds richness and depth to the potatoes, making this crispy muffin tin potatoes recipe my new go-to side!

Versatile: Just like most potato sides, these muffin tin potatoes are super versatile, to serve with all of your favorite main dishes! Or, serve them as a cozy appetizer at your next get together!

Supplies Needed

• Mandolin or Sharp Chef’s Knife
• Mixing Bowls
• Muffin Tin

Ingredients

• Russet Potatoes: Russet potatoes are great here because they will get nice and crispy in the oven. You can also use Yukon gold potatoes if you have them!
• Butter: Butter will add some moisture and help the muffin tin potatoes get super crispy!
• Bacon: Make bacon beforehand and allow it to cool before crumbling it.
• Cheddar Cheese: I used shredded cheddar cheese here. It is melty and has a lovely flavor! If you prefer, you can use other cheeses!
• Spices: I used a combination of salt, pepper, paprika and garlic powder to season these potatoes to perfection!
• Chives: Serve your crispy muffin tin potatoes with some sour cream and chives or chopped green onions!

How To Make Crispy Muffin Tin Potatoes

Preparation:

1. Preheat & Prep: Preheat the oven or a smoker to 375 F. Lightly grease a large muffin tin. 
2. Wash Potatoes: Fill a bowl with water and set it aside. Wash and rinse the potatoes.
3. Slice Potatoes: With a sharp knife or a mandolin, thinly slice the potatoes into thin rounds about 1/6th of an inch thick. Immediately add the potato slices to the water to soak and prevent browning.
4. Soak in Water: Let the potatoes soak in the water for 15 minutes, draining once and refilling. This will help remove excess starch and help the potatoes get crispy.
5. Dry: Dry the potatoes off thoroughly on paper towels to remove all the water.

Assembly:

1. Season: Add the potatoes to a large bowl. Cover in the melted butter and then add in the salt, pepper, paprika and garlic powder. Toss well to combine.
2. Add Fillings: Add in the crumbled bacon and cheese, reserving 1 cup of cheese and a few pieces of bacon for topping.
   Layer in the Muffin Tin: Layer the potato slices in a muffin tin, pressing them down as you go. Fill the muffin tin so that the potatoes are slightly overflowing over the top (they cook down).
3. Top with More Cheese & Bacon: Add the remaining cheese and bacon to garnish over the top of each potato stack.

Baking/Smoking:

1. Bake: Place the potatoes into the oven or smoker and lightly cover the top with foil for 40 minutes.
2. Remove Foil: Remove the foil and continue to bake the last 20 minutes for the cheese to get golden brown.
3. Serve & Enjoy: Remove the muffin tin from the oven and let the potatoes sit for a few minutes, garnish with chives and sour cream if desired. Serve and enjoy.

What To Serve With Muffin Tin Potatoes

You can serve these cheesy muffin tin potatoes with so many different things! They will go with basically all of your favorite grilled proteins, but you can also serve them as a side with a bowl of soup or salad.

They would also be delicious as a breakfast option with a vegetable omelette on the side! Here are some of my personal favorite things to pair with these potatoes:

• Smoked Beer Can Chicken
• Chicken Cauliflower Gnocchi Soup
• Smoked Meatloaf
• Smoked Burgers
• Blackened Pork Chops

Variations

• Switch up the cheese! Add different shredded cheeses between the potato layers for a gooey, indulgent treat. Cheddar, gruyère, pepper jack, or parmesan would all work wonderfully.
• Add a spicy kick. Mix in a pinch of cayenne pepper for a spicier version. A dash of hot sauce on top can also add a nice zing!
• Add herbs! Experiment with different herbs like dill, oregano, or basil to switch up the flavor profile. Fresh or dried herbs would both work here!

More Recipes To Try

• Pulled Beef Sliders
• Smoked Crab Cakes
• Crispy Grilled Potatoes
• How to Make Tostones
• Smoked Potatoes