Loaded Mini Potato Bites are little pockets of joy! Made with crispy potatoes and loaded with melted cheese, bacon, and your favorite toppings, they’re a hit at any gathering!
Trust me, they’re hard to resist! I love serving them with a side of sour cream for dipping. Perfect for impressing friends or just treating yourself during movie night! 🎉
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Mini Potatoes: Baby or new potatoes are great for this recipe. If you can’t find them, try using Yukon gold or red potatoes instead. They are soft and have a nice flavor.
Bacon: I love the flavor of crispy bacon, but for a healthier option, you could use turkey bacon or even omit it for a vegetarian version. You can also try using cooked sausage for a different taste.
Chedddar Cheese: Sharp cheddar adds a bold flavor, but feel free to swap it with Monterey Jack for a milder taste. For a twist, mix in some pepper jack cheese for a little heat!
Sour Cream: Instead of sour cream, Greek yogurt works beautifully. It’s a great alternative and adds a nice creaminess to the mixture.
How Do I Ensure Even Cooking for My Potato Bites?
To get perfectly cooked mini potato bites, follow these steps:
- Cut the potatoes evenly in half so they bake at the same rate.
- Place them cut-side up to allow for easier filling later.
- Be sure to bake them until fork-tender before scooping out the insides. This ensures a soft and fluffy texture!
- Mix the scooped-out potato thoroughly with the butter and seasoning for the best flavor.
Taking these extra steps will help your Loaded Mini Potato Bites turn out perfectly every time!
How to Make Loaded Mini Potato Bites
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 20 mini potatoes (baby potatoes or new potatoes)
- 4 slices bacon
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 2 tablespoons butter, softened
- 2 tablespoons sour cream
- 2 green onions, sliced (for garnish)
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional: ranch dressing or sour cream for dipping
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 40-45 minutes to complete, including a baking time of 30-37 minutes. You’ll spend about 10-15 minutes preparing the ingredients, so gather everything and let’s get cooking!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). This will ensure that your potatoes bake evenly and come out nice and crispy!
2. Prepare the Potatoes:
Wash the mini potatoes thoroughly under cold water. After cleaning them, cut each potato in half lengthwise to create little cups for filling.
3. Bake the Potatoes:
Place the potato halves cut side up on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or foil for easy cleanup. Bake the potatoes for about 20-25 minutes, until they are tender when pierced with a fork.
4. Cook the Bacon:
While your potatoes are baking, heat a skillet over medium heat and cook the bacon until it becomes crispy. Once cooked, remove the bacon and drain it on paper towels before crumbling it into small pieces.
5. Prepare the Filling:
In a small bowl, mix together the softened butter, sour cream, garlic powder, and a pinch of salt and pepper. This mixture will add delicious flavor to your potatoes!
6. Scoop Out the Potatoes:
When the potatoes are done baking, take them out of the oven. Using a small spoon or a melon baller, gently scoop out a bit of the center of each potato half, creating a small well while keeping the potato skin intact.
7. Fill the Potatoes:
Mix the scooped-out potato with the butter mixture and spoon this back into each potato half. Be generous with the filling!
8. Add Cheese and Bacon:
Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over each potato half. Then, scatter the crumbled bacon on top of the cheese.
9. Final Bake:
Return the baking sheet to the oven and bake for an additional 10-12 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and golden.
10. Serve and Enjoy:
Once they’re out of the oven, sprinkle those lovely sliced green onions on top for some extra flavor and color. Serve your Loaded Mini Potato Bites warm with ranch dressing or sour cream for dipping, if desired.
Enjoy your crispy, cheesy, bacon-loaded mini potato bites—perfect for any occasion!
Can I Use Different Types of Potatoes?
Absolutely! While mini or baby potatoes are preferred for their bite-sized nature, you can also use Yukon gold or red potatoes. Just keep in mind that larger potatoes will require more baking time.
Can I Make These Potato Bites Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can! Prepare the potato halves and the filling ahead of time. Assemble them and refrigerate for up to a day before baking. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time if they’re coming straight from the fridge.
What Should I Do with Leftover Potato Bites?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes until heated through. You can also microwave them, but they may lose some crispiness.
Can I Add Other Toppings?
Definitely! Feel free to customize your Loaded Mini Potato Bites with additional toppings like jalapeños for spice, diced tomatoes for freshness, or even avocado for creaminess. The possibilities are endless!
