If you are searching for a quick, healthy, and restaurant-style potato dish, this potato nest recipe is exactly what you need. Made with mashed potatoes, eggs, cheese, and fresh vegetables, this baked potato nest in 15 minutes is perfect for busy weekdays, family dinners, or even as a party appetizer.
A potato nest is a creative way to transform simple ingredients into an elegant dish. The crispy outer layer of mashed potatoes forms a “nest,” while the centre is filled with a rich, cheesy vegetable mixture. When baked in the oven, the result is a golden, flavour-packed potato nest that looks impressive and tastes incredible.
This recipe is also highly versatile. You can enjoy it as a vegetarian meal, turn it into a potato nest with egg, or even adapt it into a potato nest with minced meat or ground beef for a more filling option.
Checkout the video recipe:
What Is a Potato Nest Recipe?
A mashed potato nest is made by shaping seasoned mashed potatoes into nest-like cups and baking them until lightly crispy. These nests can be filled with vegetables, cheese, eggs, or meat, making them suitable as a main dish, side dish, or potato nest appetizer.
Unlike deep-fried potato nests, this version is baked in the oven, making it lighter and healthier while still delivering excellent texture and flavour.
Why This Potato Nest Recipe Works
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Ready in just 15 minutes
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Made with simple pantry ingredients
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Baked potato nest – not fried
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Perfect for vegetarian or meat-based variations
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Suitable for lunch, dinner, or appetizers
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Customisable for different cuisines and tastes
Whether you are cooking for guests or just want something quick and satisfying, this potato nest in oven recipe fits perfectly.
Ingredients You’ll Need to make potato nest Recipe
Vegetables
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Potatoes – 400g
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Onion – 1 medium
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Carrots – 2 medium
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Bell pepper – 1 large
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Mushrooms – 150g
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Spring onions
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Cherry tomatoes
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Cucumber
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Salad leaves
Dairy & Eggs
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Egg yolks – 4
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Mozzarella cheese – 200g
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Greek yogurt – 3 tbsp
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Feta cheese
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Butter – 1 tbsp
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Mayonnaise – 1 tbsp
Herbs & Seasonings
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Dill
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Parsley
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Salt – 1 tsp + a pinch
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Pepper powder – ½ tsp
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Smoked paprika – 1 tsp
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Olive oil
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Minced garlic – 1 tsp
How to Make Potato Nest in 15 Minutes
Step 1: Prepare the Mashed Potato Nest Base
Peel and boil the potatoes in salted water for about 15 minutes until fork-tender. Drain well and mash while hot. Add butter, chopped parsley, dill, and egg yolks. Mix until smooth and well combined.
Brush a baking tray with olive oil. Shape the mashed potatoes into small nests, pressing the centre gently to create space for the filling.
Step 2: Cook the Filling
Heat olive oil in a pan and sauté the onion for 4–5 minutes. Add carrots, mushrooms, and bell pepper, cooking each for a few minutes until slightly tender. Season with salt, pepper powder, and smoked paprika. Stir in mozzarella cheese and remove from heat.
Step 3: Assemble and Bake
Fill each potato nest with the vegetable mixture. Bake in a preheated oven at 180°C (350°F) for 10 minutes until the edges are lightly crispy and the cheese is melted.
This step makes it a true baked potato nest in oven, not a fried dish.
Step 4: Prepare the Yogurt Sauce and Salad
Mix Greek yogurt, mayonnaise, garlic, dill, and a pinch of salt to make a creamy sauce.
Prepare a fresh salad with lettuce, cucumber, cherry tomatoes, onion, feta cheese, olives, olive oil, salt, and ground pepper.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the potato nests hot with yogurt sauce and fresh salad. They work beautifully as:
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A light dinner
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A vegetarian main course
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A potato nest appetizer
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A brunch or lunch dish
Recipe Variations
Potato Nest with Egg
Crack a small egg into the centre of each nest before baking and cook until the whites are set. This creates a delicious potato nest with egg, perfect for breakfast or brunch.
Potato Nest with Ground Beef or Minced Meat
Cook ground beef or minced meat with onion, garlic, and spices, then use it as the filling. This variation turns the dish into a protein-rich potato nest with minced meat that’s ideal for dinner.
Cheesy Mashed Potato Nest
Add extra cheese to the mashed potatoes for an ultra-creamy and indulgent version.
Health Benefits of Potato Nest
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Potatoes provide energy, fibre, and potassium
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Vegetables add vitamins and antioxidants
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Baking instead of frying reduces excess oil
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Can be adapted for high-protein or low-fat diets
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is a potato nest Recipe?
A potato nest is a dish made by shaping mashed potatoes into nest-like forms and filling them with vegetables, cheese, eggs, or meat before baking.
Can I make potato nest in advance?
Yes. You can prepare the mashed potato nests and filling ahead of time and bake them just before serving.
Is this a baked or fried potato nest?
This is a baked potato nest in oven, making it lighter and healthier than fried versions.
Can I make a potato nest with ground beef?
Absolutely. Ground beef or minced meat works very well as a filling and makes the dish more filling and protein-rich.
Are potato nests suitable as appetizers?
Yes, smaller nests work perfectly as a potato nest appetizer for parties or gatherings.
Can I freeze mashed potato nests?
Yes, you can freeze unbaked potato nests. Thaw and bake when ready to serve.
Final Thoughts
This potato nest recipe is proof that simple ingredients can be turned into a stunning and delicious dish in very little time. Whether you enjoy it as a vegetarian baked potato nest, a potato nest with egg, or a potato nest with minced meat, it’s guaranteed to impress.
If you love quick potato recipes, easy oven-baked meals, and restaurant-style home cooking, this potato nest in 15 minutes deserves a permanent place on your menu. Don’t forget to give your feedback through our get in touch page.