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Crispy Loaded Baked Potato Bites

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These crispy loaded baked potato bites are an easy, crowd-pleasing appetizer featuring a crunchy exterior and a warm, cheesy, and savory center. Perfect for parties or casual snacking, they combine simple ingredients like russet potatoes, sharp cheddar, and bacon for a comforting treat.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 medium russet potatoes, boiled and peeled
  • 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
  • 4 slices thick-cut bacon, cooked and crumbled
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
  • 1/4 cup sour cream
  • 2 green onions, thinly sliced
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • 1/2 cup extra shredded cheddar cheese (for topping)
  • Chopped fresh chives or green onions (for garnish)
  • Optional: small dollops of sour cream or ranch dressing (for serving)

Instructions

  1. Place 4 medium russet potatoes in a large pot and cover with cold water. Add a pinch of salt and bring to a boil. Cook until fork-tender, about 15-20 minutes. Drain and let cool slightly.
  2. Peel the potatoes while still warm. Transfer to a mixing bowl and mash with a potato masher until mostly smooth but still a bit chunky for texture. Avoid over-mashing.
  3. Add 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar, 4 slices cooked and crumbled bacon, 2 tablespoons softened butter, 1/4 cup sour cream, and sliced green onions. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Stir gently until combined.
  4. Using a spoon or small cookie scoop, scoop out tablespoon-sized portions and place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet, spacing about 1 inch apart. Flatten each slightly with the back of a spoon to form bite-sized discs.
  5. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Bake the potato bites for 20 minutes, or until the bottoms start to get golden and crispy.
  6. Remove from oven and sprinkle an extra 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese on top of each bite.
  7. Switch oven to broil and return the bites to the oven for 2-3 minutes, watching carefully so the cheese melts and bubbles without burning. The tops should get a nice golden crust.
  8. Let the bites cool for a few minutes, then garnish with chopped chives or green onions and optional dollops of sour cream or ranch dressing.

Notes

Do not overcook potatoes to avoid mushy bites. Keep some lumps in the mash for better texture. The broil step is essential for a crispy, golden top. If mixture is too soft to form bites, chill for 10-15 minutes. Can be made ahead and refrigerated before baking; add extra baking time if chilled. For dairy-free, substitute butter with olive oil and use dairy-free cheese.

Nutrition

Keywords: baked potato bites, crispy potato bites, loaded potato appetizer, easy appetizer, party snacks, cheesy potato bites, bacon potato bites

Find it online: https://chrisfeasts.com/crispy-loaded-baked-potato-bites-recipe-easy-perfect-appetizer-ideas/