These Loaded Mini Potato Bites are the perfect little snacks! Made from tender potatoes and packed with cheese, bacon, and all your favorite toppings, they’re a real treat.
Seriously, who can resist these crispy bites? I could snack on them during a movie or at a party without even sharing. Just remember to keep some for your friends! 😄
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Mini Potatoes: Baby potatoes work best because they are bite-sized and flavorful. If you can only find larger potatoes, just cut them down to size. Yukon gold or red potatoes also make great substitutes!
Bacon: I love the crispiness of bacon in this recipe. If you’re looking for a healthier option, try turkey bacon or even crispy tofu for a vegetarian twist.
Cheddar Cheese: You can’t go wrong with sharp cheddar for flavor. If you’re dairy-free, try vegan cheese alternatives that melt like cashew cheese or soy-based cheese.
Sour Cream: Sour cream adds creaminess. If you want a lighter option, consider Greek yogurt or a dairy-free yogurt for a tangy flavor without the calories.
Green Onions: They add a fresh crunch. If you don’t have green onions, chives or even finely chopped regular onions can work in a pinch!
How Do You Get Perfectly Crispy Potato Bites?
The secret to crispy potato bites lies in roasting them correctly. First, use high heat to ensure they cook quickly without drying out. Also, brushing them with olive oil helps achieve that golden, crunchy exterior. Here’s a simple guide:
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) so it’s nice and hot.
- Cut your potatoes in halves to allow even baking and more surface area for that crispy texture.
- Coat with olive oil, and don’t skip the seasoning – salt, pepper, and garlic powder make a huge difference!
- Lastly, roast until fork-tender and golden brown, that way you ensure they’re crispy on the outside.
With these tips and tricks, you’ll have mini potato bites that are not just delicious but also perfectly crispy every time!
How to Make Loaded Mini Potato Bites
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Potato Bites:
- 12 mini potatoes (baby potatoes or new potatoes)
- 4 strips of bacon
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 2 tablespoons butter, softened
- 1/4 cup green onions, chopped (plus extra for garnish)
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Olive oil for brushing
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes to prepare and 35-40 minutes in total to bake and assemble the potato bites. In about an hour, you’ll have a warm, cheesy dish perfect for snacking or serving at gatherings!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepping the Potatoes:
First, you’ll want to preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) so it’s nice and hot when the time comes. After that, wash and dry your mini potatoes well. Slice each potato in half lengthwise to allow them to cook properly and create a nice base for your toppings.
2. Roasting the Potatoes:
Next, lay the potato halves cut-side down on a baking sheet. Brush the cut sides lightly with olive oil, then sprinkle them with salt, pepper, and garlic powder for extra flavor! Pop them in the oven to roast for about 25-30 minutes, or until they’re fork-tender and golden brown.
3. Preparing the Bacon:
While the potatoes are roasting, heat a skillet over medium heat and cook the bacon until it’s nice and crispy. Once it’s done, drain it on a paper towel to remove excess grease and then chop it into small pieces so it’s ready to add on top later.
4. Scooping and Filling:
When the potatoes are done roasting, take them out of the oven and let them cool for a few minutes. Using a small spoon, gently scoop out a little bit of the inside of each potato half, making a small hollow in each one. Don’t scoop too much—you want to keep some potato for the filling!
5. Making the Filling:
In a bowl, mix the scooped potato flesh with softened butter, half of your shredded cheddar cheese, half of the chopped green onions, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Blend it all together until it’s nice and creamy!
6. Assembling the Bites:
Now it’s time to fill those potato halves! Spoon the creamy potato mixture back into each hollowed potato, pressing down lightly to fill them up. Top each filled potato half with the remaining cheddar cheese to make them even cheesier!
7. Melting the Cheese:
Return the stuffed potatoes to the oven for about 5-7 minutes, just until the cheese on top is melted and bubbly. You want it to be perfectly gooey!
8. Finishing Touches:
Finally, once the cheese is melted, remove the loaded potato bites from the oven. Top each one with a dollop of sour cream, some crumbled bacon pieces, and sprinkle on the remaining green onions for that fresh crunch.
9. Serve and Enjoy:
These Loaded Mini Potato Bites are best served warm, right out of the oven. They make a delicious appetizer, snack, or party food. Enjoy every cheesy, crispy bite!
Can I Use Different Types of Cheese?
Absolutely! While cheddar cheese is classic, you can mix it up with Monterey Jack, pepper jack for a spicy kick, or even a blend of your favorites. Just make sure the cheese melts well!
Can I Prepare These Mini Potato Bites Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can prepare the potato halves and bacon in advance! Simply roast the potatoes, scoop them out, and mix the filling. Store everything in the fridge for up to a day. When you’re ready to serve, just fill the potatoes, top with cheese, and bake!
How Do I Store Leftover Potato Bites?
To store leftovers, place them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes to restore their crispiness.
Can I Make This Recipe Vegetarian?
Definitely! You can skip the bacon or substitute it with vegetarian bacon or sautéed mushrooms for a similar texture and flavor. Just ensure your cheese is vegetarian if that’s a concern!
