Introduction
These oven-baked smoked ham potato cups are a cozy, comforting way to turn simple ingredients into something truly special. Tender russet potato skins are filled with a rich and creamy mixture of fluffy potato, smoky ham, sharp cheddar, and cool sour cream, then baked until hot, melty, and lightly golden on top. They make a satisfying dinner, a hearty side dish, or a fun addition to a casual family meal.
Ingredients
- 4 large russet potatoes, scrubbed clean
- 1 1/2 cups finely diced smoked ham
- 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese, plus more for topping if desired
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- Chopped green onions, optional, for garnish
Prep Time, Cook Time, Total Time, Yield
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
- Yield: 8 potato cups
Directions and Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400°F. Lightly grease a 12-cup muffin tin and set it aside.
- Pierce each potato several times with a fork. Place the potatoes directly on the oven rack and bake for 45 to 55 minutes, or until they are fork-tender and easily pierced through the center.
- Remove the potatoes from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes, just until they are comfortable enough to handle. Keep the oven set to 400°F.
- Slice each potato in half lengthwise. Carefully scoop out most of the potato flesh, leaving a thin layer attached to the skin so each potato half stays sturdy and holds its shape.
- Place the potato skins, cut-side up, into the prepared muffin tin. If any potato half wobbles, carefully trim a very small slice from the rounded bottom so it sits flat.
- In a medium bowl, mash the scooped potato flesh with the diced smoked ham, cheddar cheese, and sour cream. Season with salt and black pepper to taste. Stir until the mixture is creamy and evenly combined.
- Spoon the filling into the potato cups, gently mounding it over the top. Sprinkle with extra cheddar cheese if you would like an extra cheesy, golden finish.
- Bake for 15 to 20 minutes, until the filling is heated through and the cheese is melted, bubbly, and lightly golden brown around the edges.
- Let the potato cups rest for 5 minutes before serving. Finish with chopped green onions for a fresh burst of color and flavor, if desired.
Notes or Tips
Choose large, evenly sized russet potatoes so the cups bake at the same rate and are roomy enough for plenty of filling. For the best texture, avoid scooping the potato skins too thinly; leaving a small layer of potato inside helps them stay crisp-edged and sturdy. Taste the filling before adding much salt, since smoked ham and cheddar can both be pleasantly salty.
These potato cups are especially delicious served with a simple green salad, roasted vegetables, or a bowl of soup. Leftovers can be refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 3 days and reheated in a 350°F oven until warmed through.
Cooking Techniques
Baking the potatoes before stuffing them creates a soft, fluffy interior while keeping the skins firm enough to become edible cups. Baking them directly on the oven rack allows hot air to circulate around the potatoes, helping the skins dry slightly instead of becoming soggy.
The second bake is what brings everything together. The sour cream keeps the filling rich and creamy, while the cheddar melts into the potatoes and ham for a savory, cheesy finish. For the most appealing tops, place the muffin tin on the center oven rack and bake until the cheese develops small golden spots.
FAQ
Can I use a different cheese? Yes. Monterey Jack, Colby Jack, mozzarella, or a blend of cheeses all melt beautifully in this recipe.
Can I make these ahead of time? Yes. Assemble the filled potato cups, cover, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Bake at 400°F until hot throughout, adding a few extra minutes as needed.
Do I have to use a muffin tin? The muffin tin helps keep the potato cups upright, but you can also place them in a snug baking dish if needed.
Conclusion
With creamy potatoes, smoky ham, and a blanket of melted cheddar, these baked potato cups bring big comfort-food flavor with very little fuss. Serve them warm and golden from the oven for an easy meal everyone will be happy to gather around.