Bechamel Potato Smash Cups Recipe

How to make Bechamel Potato Smash Cups

Method

  1. Boil the potatoes whole in a large pot of salted water for 20 minutes or until soft. Gently remove and place on a tea towel to dry.
  2. Preheat oven to 180°C (or 160°C fan-forced). Generously brush oil into each hole of a 12-hole metal muffin tin. Add a potato on top and use a pestle to squish it down, creating a little cup to accommodate the filling. Brush generously with more oil and season with salt and pepper. 
  3. Bake for 35-45 minutes or until crispy and golden. 
  4. Meanwhile, make the cheese sauce. Place the butter into a small saucepan over a medium heat until melted. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1 minute. Slowly whisk in the milk until smooth. Whisk until the mixture thickens then add the cheeses. Take off the heat and whisk until smooth. Season with salt and pepper.
  5. Spoon the cheese sauce into the potato cups and bake for 10 minutes. Gently remove and place on a platter. Top with extra parmesan and sprinkle with lots of black pepper.

Tip: Oil the potato cups well to allow them to crisp up and colour nicely. Any leftover cheese sauce can be used to make a fancy cheese on toast! Simply spread the cold sauce over bread and grill until golden and bubbling.

Optional: You can make the cheese sauce a day ahead. When ready to serve, simply scoop the now firm cheese sauce into balls, place in the potato cups and bake until hot and oozy.