These mini potato bites are packed with flavor and fun! They are crispy on the outside, soft on the inside, and loaded with toppings like cheese, bacon, and sour cream. Yum!
Making these bites is a delightful way to enjoy potatoes in a new way. They’re perfect for snacking or sharing at parties—trust me, they won’t last long on the plate!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Mini Baby Potatoes: These are perfect for bite-sized portions! If you can’t find baby potatoes, use small red or Yukon Gold potatoes. They also work well with this recipe!
Bacon: The crispy bacon adds great flavor. Turkey bacon can be a healthier option, or for a vegetarian option, crispy fried onions offer a nice crunch!
Cheddar Cheese: Sharp cheddar gives a great kick! If you’re looking for something milder, try Monterey Jack or mozzarella. Vegan cheese is a good alternative if you’re avoiding dairy.
Sour Cream & Ranch Dressing: For lighter options, Greek yogurt is a healthy substitute. You can also mix in some salsa for a fun twist or even guacamole for a creamy topping!
How Do I Get My Potatoes Crispy?
Achieving crispy potatoes can be tricky, but here’s how to do it right:
- Make sure to brush with enough oil or butter to ensure crispiness.
- Use high heat! Baking at 400°F (200°C) helps create that golden outside.
- Don’t overcrowd your baking sheet; give them some space to allow steam to escape.
Following these tips will give you great texture and mouthwatering results!
Loaded Mini Potato Bites
Ingredients
- 14 mini baby potatoes
- 4 slices bacon
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1/4 cup sour cream
- 2 tbsp ranch dressing
- 2 tbsp fresh chives, chopped
- 2 tbsp butter, melted
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- Olive oil spray or 1 tbsp olive oil
How Long Will It Take?
Preparing these Loaded Mini Potato Bites takes about 15 minutes, followed by 25-30 minutes of baking time. In total, you’re looking at around 45-50 minutes until they’re ready to serve. The best part? Most of that time is just waiting for them to bake!
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Preheat the Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). Grease a baking sheet lightly or line it with parchment paper so the potatoes won’t stick.
2. Prepare the Potatoes
Give those mini potatoes a good wash! Once clean, cut each potato in half and place them cut side up on your baking sheet.
3. Season the Potatoes
Now, brush or spray your potato halves with melted butter or olive oil. Don’t forget to sprinkle some garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper to season them well.
4. Bake the Potatoes
Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake the potatoes for about 20-25 minutes. You want them to be tender with slightly crispy skins—delicious!
5. Cook the Bacon
While the potatoes bake, put a skillet over medium heat and cook the bacon until it’s crispy. Once done, transfer it to paper towels to drain the excess grease, then crumble it up when it’s cool.
6. Add the Cheese
Time to melt some cheese! Take your baked potatoes out of the oven and generously sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese on top of each half.
7. Second Round of Baking
Return the potatoes to the oven and bake for another 5-7 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbling—oh, it’s going to smell amazing!
8. Make the Topping
In a small bowl, mix together the sour cream and ranch dressing to create a creamy topping for those bites.
9. Assemble the Bites
Dollop your creamy mixture on top of each cheesy potato half for an extra layer of flavor.
10. Final Touches
Sprinkle the crumbled bacon and chopped chives over the top to finish them off. They’re looking good!
11. Serve and Enjoy!
Serve these Loaded Mini Potato Bites warm as a fun appetizer or a delicious side dish. Trust me, they won’t last long!
Enjoy your crispy, cheesy, and savory loaded mini potato bites — perfect for any occasion!
Can I Use Other Types of Potatoes?
Absolutely! If mini baby potatoes aren’t available, you can use small red or Yukon Gold potatoes. Just ensure they are similar in size for even cooking.
How Can I Make These Vegetarian?
To make these mini potato bites vegetarian, simply omit the bacon and try substituting it with crispy fried onions or sautéed mushrooms for added texture and flavor!
Can I Make Them Ahead of Time?
You can prepare the potato halves and the toppings in advance! Bake the potatoes, let them cool, then store them in the refrigerator. When you’re ready to serve, just add cheese and toppings and bake until warm.
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes for the best crispiness!
