These Mini Loaded Baked Potato Bites are little nuggets of joy! Crispy on the outside, soft on the inside, they’re loaded with cheese, bacon, and all your favorite toppings.
Who can resist a bite-sized potato heaven? I love making these for game nights—everyone can enjoy their own little potato creation. So tasty, they’re always a hit!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Mini Potatoes: Baby potatoes add the perfect bite-sized form. If you can’t find baby potatoes, you can also use small red or Yukon Gold potatoes for a similar taste and texture.
Bacon: Traditional crispy bacon gives these bites a savory crunch. If you’re vegetarian or want a healthier option, consider using turkey bacon, or even crumbled tofu for a plant-based twist.
Cheddar Cheese: I recommend sharp cheddar, as it gives a wonderful flavor. You could swap it out for a different cheese like Monterey Jack or pepper jack for a spicier kick!
Sour Cream: While sour cream is classic, Greek yogurt makes a great healthy alternative. You could even use a dairy-free sour cream if needed!
Green Onions: These add a fresh bite. If you don’t have them on hand, chives or regular onions (sauteed) can work as substitutes.
How Do I Get Crispy Potato Skins?
Crispy potato skins are key to making these bites really special. Here’s how to achieve that crispy goodness:
- First, make sure to prick the potatoes. This allows steam to escape and helps prevent them from bursting.
- When coating with olive oil, be generous—this is what helps achieve crispiness!
- Don’t overcrowd the baking sheet. Give the potatoes room to roast so they don’t steam together.
- Turn the potatoes halfway through baking. This ensures they brown evenly and become crispy on all sides.
Following these tips will guarantee yummy, crispy mini loaded baked potato bites that everyone will love!
Mini Loaded Baked Potato Bites
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1.5 pounds baby (mini) potatoes
- 4 slices bacon
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/4 cup green onions, sliced
- 2 tablespoons butter
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
- Olive oil
How Much Time Will You Need?
This tasty recipe will take about 10 minutes to prep and approximately 40-45 minutes to cook, including the baking time. In under an hour, you can whip up a delicious treat that’s perfect for parties or just a cozy night at home!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat and Prepare your Baking Sheet:
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). While it’s heating up, lightly grease your baking sheet or line it with parchment paper—this will make cleaning up easier later!
2. Get the Potatoes Ready:
Wash and dry the mini potatoes thoroughly. To keep them from bursting in the oven, prick each potato a few times with a fork. This lets steam escape while they cook.
3. Season the Potatoes:
Drizzle your potatoes with olive oil and sprinkle on some salt and pepper. Toss them in a bowl to make sure they’re all coated evenly.
4. Bake the Potatoes:
Arrange the potatoes in a single layer on your baking sheet and pop them in the oven. Bake for about 25-30 minutes, or until they’re tender enough to pierce easily with a fork.
5. Cook the Bacon:
While the potatoes are baking, heat a skillet over medium heat and cook the bacon until it’s nice and crispy. When done, transfer your bacon to a paper towel-lined plate to drain and cool. Once cooled, crumble the bacon into small pieces.
6. Scoop Out the Potatoes:
After the potatoes have cooled enough to handle, slice each one in half. Use a small spoon to carefully scoop out some of the soft potato flesh from each half. Make sure to leave a little potato along the edges to keep the skins intact. Transfer the scooped potato flesh into a bowl.
7. Make the Filling:
In the bowl with the scooped potato, add the butter, half of the shredded cheddar cheese, salt, and black pepper. Mash it all together until creamy and well mixed.
8. Fill the Potato Skins:
Spoon the creamy potato mixture back into the skins, and mound it a bit to create a nice presentation.
9. Add Cheese:
Sprinkle the remaining cheddar cheese on top of each filled potato half for extra cheesiness!
10. Final Baking:
Return the potatoes to the oven and bake for another 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is deliciously melted and bubbly.
11. Top it Off:
Once out of the oven, add a dollop of sour cream to each potato bite. Then, sprinkle crumbled bacon and sliced green onions on top for a pop of color and delicious flavor.
12. Serve and Enjoy:
Serve your mini loaded baked potato bites warm. They’re a fantastic appetizer or snack that everyone will love! Enjoy!
These mini bites are not only adorable but packed with flavor too! Perfect for sharing or indulging in all by yourself.
Can I Use Different Types of Potatoes?
Absolutely! While baby potatoes are ideal for bite-sized pieces, you can also use small red or Yukon Gold potatoes as a substitute. Just make sure they are similar in size for even cooking.
What Can I Substitute for Bacon?
If you want a healthier option, turkey bacon works well. For a vegetarian version, try using crumbled tempeh or mushrooms seasoned and sautéed for a similar texture and flavor.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply pop them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through, or microwave them briefly, ensuring they don’t dry out.
Can I Prepare These Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can prepare the stuffed potato skins a few hours in advance and keep them covered in the fridge. When you’re ready to serve, just bake them immediately from the fridge, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time as needed.
