These Mini Loaded Baked Potato Bites are the perfect little snacks! Imagine crispy potato skins filled with cheese, bacon, and a touch of sour cream. Delicious!
They’re bite-sized, so you can pop one in your mouth without a second thought. I love making these for game nights—everyone always wants more! 🥔✨
Plus, they’re super easy to whip up. Just bake, stuff, and serve! They’re a hit at parties or whenever you crave a fun treat. Enjoy every cheesy bite!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Baby Potatoes: These small potatoes are perfect for bite-sized snacks. If you can’t find them, try using new potatoes or even halved larger potatoes, but adjust cooking time accordingly so they cook through.
Cheddar Cheese: Sharp cheddar gives these bites a lovely flavor. In need of a substitute? You can use Monterey Jack, pepper jack for a kick, or even a cheese blend for varied taste.
Bacon: Cooked bacon adds a salty crunch! If you’re looking for alternatives, try turkey bacon, crispy chickpeas, or omit it for a vegetarian version—just add extra cheese instead.
Sour Cream: For creaminess, use sour cream. If you prefer, Greek yogurt is a thicker, healthier alternative that works wonderfully.
Green Onions: They provide a fresh, oniony flavor. If you don’t have them, consider regular onions (just use less) or even chives for a milder taste.
How Can I Perfectly Scoop Out the Potato Flesh?
Scooping out the potato flesh can be tricky! Here’s how to do it cleanly:
- After baking, let the potatoes cool just enough to handle them safely.
- Use a small spoon or a melon baller for scooping; it’ll help you get just the right amount without tearing the skin.
- Be gentle! Leave enough of the inner flesh so the skin can hold its shape and provide a sturdy bite.
- Work slowly and carefully, especially if you’re new to this technique—practice makes perfect!
With these tips, you’ll have mini loaded baked potato bites that are a hit every time. Enjoy serving them at your next gathering!
How to Make Mini Loaded Baked Potato Bites
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Potato Bites:
- 12 small baby potatoes (about 1 inch in diameter)
- 3/4 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 6 slices cooked bacon, crumbled
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 green onions (scallions), sliced (white and green parts separated)
- Salt and pepper to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10-15 minutes to prepare and approximately 50 minutes to cook. You’ll bake the potatoes, scoop them out, mix the filling, and bake again. In no time, you’ll have delicious bites that are crispy and stuffed!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheating the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). This ensures it’s hot enough for baking those yummy potatoes! Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it to prevent sticking.
2. Preparing the Potatoes:
Give the baby potatoes a good wash and dry them off. Use a fork to prick each potato a few times to allow steam to escape. Then, place them directly on the baking sheet for baking!
3. Baking the Potatoes:
Pop the potatoes into your preheated oven and bake for about 40-50 minutes, until they’re tender when you poke them with a fork. Once baked, take them out and let them cool slightly so you can handle them safely.
4. Scooping Out the Flesh:
Once the potatoes are cool enough, slice each one in half. Using a small spoon, gently scoop out the center of each half, being careful to leave a little edge all around. This will make sure the skins don’t fall apart!
5. Making the Filling:
In a mixing bowl, combine the scooped potato flesh, butter, half of the cheddar cheese, half of the crumbled bacon, sour cream, the white parts of the green onions, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Mix everything together until it’s creamy and smooth.
6. Stuffing the Potatoes:
Spoon the creamy potato mixture back into the potato skins. Pack it in a bit so it stays put!
7. Baking Them Again:
Place the stuffed potato halves back on the baking sheet. Now sprinkle the remaining cheddar cheese and bacon on top of each one.
8. Final Baking:
Put them back into the oven and bake for another 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Keep an eye on them so they don’t overcook!
9. Garnishing the Bites:
After baking, take the potato bites out of the oven and cool for a minute. Garnish with the green parts of the sliced green onions for a fresh touch.
10. Serving Time!
Serve these little beauties warm as a delightful appetizer or snack. Enjoy every cheesy, crispy, and bacon-y bite!
Your Mini Loaded Baked Potato Bites are ready to impress! Happy cooking!
Can I Use Different Types of Cheese?
Absolutely! While sharp cheddar is the classic choice, you can experiment with other cheeses like Monterey Jack, pepper jack for a spicy twist, or even a cheese blend for added flavor.
Can I Make These Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can prepare the potato filling a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Just scoop out the potatoes and assemble them when you’re ready to bake.
What Should I Do with Leftover Potatoes?
If you have any filling left over, it makes a delicious side dish on its own! Just store it in the fridge for up to 3 days, and you can even stuff it into baked potatoes or serve it as a topping for nachos!
Can I Make This Recipe Vegetarian?
Absolutely! Simply omit the bacon, and you can add extra cheese or even sautéed mushrooms or spinach for that added flavor and texture. The bites will still be delicious!