Get ready to transform the humble potato into a culinary masterpiece that will have everyone at your table begging for seconds! These Loaded Hasselback Potato Bites are not just a side dish; they're a crispy, cheesy, flavor-packed experience that combines the best textures and tastes in one irresistible bite. Imagine golden-brown potatoes fanned out with melted cheese oozing between each delicate slice, topped with crispy bacon and fresh green onions - it's like a loaded baked potato's cooler, more sophisticated cousin that's about to become the star of your next meal.
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 45 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 4 medium potatoes
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/4 cup bacon bits
- 2 green onions, chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 425°F (218°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Wash potatoes thoroughly and pat them dry with a clean kitchen towel.
- Place each potato between two wooden chopsticks or wooden spoons to prevent cutting all the way through. Carefully slice thin, parallel cuts across the potato, about 1/8 inch apart, keeping the bottom intact.
- Brush the potatoes generously with olive oil, ensuring oil gets between the potato slices. Sprinkle with salt and freshly ground black pepper.
- Bake the potatoes for 25-30 minutes, or until the edges start to crisp and the potato fans out slightly.
- Remove potatoes from oven and sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese between the slices, allowing cheese to melt into the cuts.
- Return to oven for an additional 5 minutes until cheese is fully melted and potatoes are golden brown.
- Remove from oven and top with crispy bacon bits, chopped green onions, and a dollop of sour cream.
- Serve immediately while hot and crispy, allowing guests to enjoy the melted cheese and toppings.
Tips
- Use wooden chopsticks or wooden spoons as cutting guides to ensure you don't accidentally slice the potato all the way through.
- Choose medium-sized potatoes with similar shapes for even cooking and a consistent presentation.
- Make sure to brush olive oil between each potato slice to ensure maximum crispiness and flavor penetration.
- For extra crispy edges, you can briefly broil the potatoes for 1-2 minutes at the end of cooking.
- Let the potatoes rest for a few minutes after removing from the oven to allow the cheese to set and make serving easier.
- Experiment with different cheese varieties like Gruyère or pepper jack for unique flavor profiles.
- To make this dish vegetarian, replace bacon bits with crispy mushroom bits or vegetarian bacon alternatives.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 320kcal
Carbohydrates: 35g
Protein: 12g
Fat: 18g
Saturated Fat: 9g
Cholesterol: 45mg
