These Loaded Mini Potato Bites are little treasures of flavor! Crispy on the outside and fluffy on the inside, they come packed with cheese, bacon, and a dollop of sour cream.
Honestly, who can resist a bite-sized snack that’s cheesy and crispy? I love serving these at parties. They vanish fast, so make sure to grab a few for yourself! 😄
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Mini Potatoes: Baby Yukon gold or red potatoes work perfectly here. If you’re in a pinch, you can use regular-sized potatoes; just cut them into smaller chunks. I prefer both for their creamy texture.
Olive Oil: This adds crispness and flavor. If you need a substitute, avocado oil works great as well, or you can use melted butter for a richer taste.
Cheddar Cheese: Sharp cheddar gives a nice kick, but feel free to switch to pepper jack for a little heat or mozzarella for a milder option. I sometimes blend in some cream cheese for extra creaminess!
Bacon: Crispy bacon is key! If you’re vegetarian, consider using crispy fried onions or tempeh bacon for that crunch and flavor.
Sour Cream: You can swap this with Greek yogurt for a healthier twist. It’s just as creamy and adds a nice tang!
How Do I Get the Potatoes Just Right?
Getting your potatoes crispy and fluffy is the secret to these bites. Start by roasting them cut side down. This way, they get that nice browned crust. Don’t rush the roasting; let them cook until tender. Here’s how:
- Once your oven is preheated, give the potatoes a good wash and cut them in half.
- Toss them with olive oil, salt, and pepper; it really brings out the flavor.
- Arrange them cut side down and let them roast. The goal is tender inside and crispy outside!
After you scoop a bit of the potato out, don’t forget to mash it lightly before adding toppings. This allows for more cheese to melt in. Enjoy those little bites!
How to Make Loaded Mini Potato Bites
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For The Potato Bites:
- 1.5 lbs mini potatoes (such as baby Yukon gold or red potatoes)
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
For The Toppings:
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 6 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 3 green onions, thinly sliced
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take about 10 minutes to prep and 40 minutes to cook, giving you about 50 minutes in total. You’ll spend some time washing, roasting, and assembling these delicious bites!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepping the Oven and Potatoes:
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). While the oven warms up, give the mini potatoes a good wash to remove any dirt and then dry them with a kitchen towel. Cut each potato in half, which will help them cook evenly and make them perfect for loading!
2. Seasoning and Arranging:
In a large bowl, toss the halved potatoes with olive oil, salt, and pepper until they’re well coated. Then, take a baking sheet and line it with parchment paper for easy cleanup. Place the potatoes cut side down on the sheet. This will help them get crispy while roasting!
3. Roasting the Potatoes:
Roast the potatoes in the preheated oven for about 25-30 minutes, or until they are fork-tender and the skins are crispy. Once they’re done, carefully take them out of the oven.
4. Scooping and Mashing:
Let the potatoes cool for a moment, then take a small spoon and scoop out a little bit of the inside of each half. Leave enough of a border so they keep their shape. Lightly mash the scooped potato in a bowl, add a bit more salt and pepper, and then spoon this mixture back into each potato half.
5. Adding Cheese and Bacon:
Now for the fun part! Sprinkle generous amounts of shredded cheddar cheese on top of the mashed potatoes in each half. Next, return the potatoes to the oven and bake them for an additional 5-7 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
6. Topping and Serving:
Once the cheese is perfectly melted, remove the baking sheet from the oven. Top each mini potato bite with a dollop of sour cream and crumbled bacon. Finally, sprinkle with sliced green onions for a fresh crunch!
Serve these Loaded Mini Potato Bites warm and enjoy them as a perfect appetizer or side dish meant to impress!
Can I Use Other Types of Cheese?
Absolutely! While sharp cheddar is a classic choice, you can experiment with different cheeses like pepper jack for a spicy kick or mozzarella for a milder taste. Just remember to adjust the quantity based on how cheesy you like it!
Can I Make These Potato Bites Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can prepare the potatoes up to the roasting step, then store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a day. When you’re ready to serve, just add the toppings and bake until they’re hot and the cheese is melted.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover Loaded Mini Potato Bites in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, pop them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes or until warmed through. You can also microwave them, but the oven keeps them crispy!
Can I Make These Vegetarian?
Definitely! For a vegetarian twist, skip the bacon entirely or replace it with crispy fried onions or sautéed mushrooms. They’ll add great texture and flavor without compromising the overall yumminess!
