Get ready to elevate your snack game with these irresistible Loaded Baked Potato Bites! Perfectly crispy on the outside and bursting with creamy, cheesy goodness on the inside, these bite-sized delights are a must-try for any occasion. Whether you're hosting a party, looking for a game-day treat, or simply craving something delicious, these Loaded Baked Potato Bites will leave everyone coming back for more. With just a handful of ingredients and a straightforward cooking process, you'll be amazed at how easy it is to whip up this crowd-pleaser. Dive into the recipe below and discover the secret to transforming ordinary potatoes into extraordinary bites!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 25 mins
Total Time: 40 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 4 medium potatoes
- 1 cup cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/4 cup green onions, chopped
- 1/2 cup bacon bits
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). This will ensure that your Loaded Baked Potato Bites cook evenly and become crispy.
- Wash the medium potatoes thoroughly under running water to remove any dirt. Pat them dry with a clean kitchen towel.
- Prick each potato several times with a fork. This allows steam to escape during baking, preventing the potatoes from bursting in the oven.
- Place the pricked potatoes directly on the oven rack or on a baking sheet. Bake for about 25 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender when pierced with a fork.
- Once the potatoes are done baking, remove them from the oven and let them cool for about 5 minutes. This will make them easier to handle.
- While the potatoes are cooling, prepare the filling. In a medium bowl, combine the shredded cheddar cheese, sour cream, chopped green onions, and bacon bits. Mix well until all ingredients are evenly distributed.
- After the potatoes have cooled slightly, cut each potato in half lengthwise. Using a spoon, carefully scoop out a portion of the potato flesh, leaving a small border around the edges to maintain the shape of the skin.
- Place the scooped-out potato flesh into the bowl with the cheese mixture. Add salt and pepper to taste, and mix until smooth and well combined.
- Using a spoon or a piping bag, fill each potato skin with the loaded potato mixture. Be generous with the filling to create a delicious bite-sized treat.
- Arrange the filled potato skins on a baking sheet. If desired, you can sprinkle a little extra cheddar cheese on top of each filled potato for added flavor and presentation.
- Return the baking sheet to the oven and bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the edges of the potato skins are crispy.
- Once done, remove the Loaded Baked Potato Bites from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with additional chopped green onions if desired.
- Serve warm and enjoy your delicious Loaded Baked Potato Bites as a perfect appetizer or snack!
Tips
- Choose the Right Potatoes: Opt for medium-sized russet potatoes for the best texture and flavor. Their starchy nature makes them perfect for baking and scooping.
- Don’t Skip the Pricking: Pricking the potatoes with a fork before baking is crucial. It allows steam to escape, ensuring that your potatoes bake evenly and don’t explode in the oven.
- Mix It Up: Feel free to customize the filling! Add your favorite ingredients like jalapeños for a spicy kick, or substitute the bacon with turkey bacon for a lighter version.
- Crisp It Up: For extra crispy potato skins, consider broiling the filled bites for the last few minutes of baking. Just keep a close eye on them to prevent burning!
- Garnish for Presentation: A sprinkle of fresh green onions or a dollop of sour cream on top before serving can elevate your dish visually and add an extra layer of flavor.
- Make Ahead: You can prepare the filling ahead of time and store it in the fridge. Just fill the potato skins and bake when you're ready to serve!
- Serving Suggestions: These Loaded Baked Potato Bites pair wonderfully with a side of ranch or blue cheese dressing for dipping, adding a delightful contrast to the rich flavors.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 280kcal
Carbohydrates: 25g
Protein: 12g
Fat: 16g
Saturated Fat: 8g
Cholesterol: 40mg
