These Mini Loaded Baked Potato Bites are fun little snacks that pack a big taste! They’re filled with creamy cheese, crispy bacon bits, and a sprinkle of green onions. Yum!
Serving these as appetizers always impresses my friends. Let’s be real, who can resist a bite-sized potato party? It’s the perfect way to enjoy a classic in a mini form!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Baby Potatoes: These small potatoes are perfect for bite-sized treats. If you can’t find baby potatoes, you can use regular potatoes; just cut them into smaller pieces. Red or Yukon Gold potatoes are my favorites for their creamy texture.
Bacon: Crispy bacon adds a lovely crunch and flavor. If you’re looking for a vegetarian option, crispy cooked mushrooms or smokey tempeh can give a similar experience. I sometimes use turkey bacon for a lighter version!
Cheddar Cheese: Sharp cheddar brings a nice tanginess. If you prefer a milder cheese, try Monterey Jack or a blend of cheeses. Vegan cheese can also work well for a dairy-free version.
Sour Cream: This adds creaminess and a touch of tang. Greek yogurt is a great substitute for a healthier option, while a dairy-free sour cream works for a vegan dish. I like to add a bit of lemon juice to yogurt for extra flavor!
How Do You Achieve Creamy Potato Filling?
The filling is where the magic happens! Getting the right creaminess is key for these bites. Here’s a simple way to ensure your filling is fantastic:
- After scooping out the potato flesh, mash it thoroughly with butter and milk. This creates a smooth base.
- Start with less milk and add more as needed; you want a creamy, not runny, consistency.
- Incorporating cheese and sour cream will help keep things rich, so mix gently to avoid overworking the potatoes.
These steps make the filling deliciously creamy and perfect for stuffing back into the potato shells. Enjoy!
Mini Loaded Baked Potato Bites
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Bites:
- 20 small baby potatoes (about 1 to 1.5 inches in diameter)
- 4 slices bacon
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
- 2 tablespoons milk
- 1/4 cup green onions, thinly sliced (reserve some for garnish)
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 25-30 minutes for baking the potatoes, plus another 15-20 minutes for assembling and baking the filled potato bites. Overall, plan on about 50 minutes total from start to finish. Perfect for serving at a gathering or as a fun family snack!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepping the Potatoes:
First, let’s get those potatoes ready! Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and scrub the baby potatoes clean. Make sure to dry them off well so they roast nicely.
2. Baking the Potatoes:
Place the cleaned potatoes on a baking sheet and pop them into the oven. Bake for about 25-30 minutes or until you can easily pierce them with a fork. Once they’re tender, take them out of the oven and let them cool just a bit.
3. Cooking the Bacon:
While the potatoes are baking, cook the bacon in a skillet over medium heat until it’s crispy and golden brown. Once done, let it drain on some paper towels, and then crumble it into small bits when it’s cool enough to handle. This will add a lovely crunch to our bites!
4. Scooping Out the Potatoes:
Once the potatoes are cool, slice each one in half lengthwise. Using a small spoon, gently scoop out most of the flesh, leaving a little bit to create a sturdy shell. You should aim for about 1/8 inch thickness. Place all the shells back on the baking sheet.
5. Making the Filling:
In a mixing bowl, combine the scooped-out potato flesh with the softened butter, milk, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Mash until it’s nice and creamy. This is where the flavor starts to come together!
6. Adding the Good Stuff:
Now it’s time to stir in the shredded cheddar cheese, sour cream, most of the crumbled bacon (leave some for later), and the sliced green onions. Mix everything together until well combined.
7. Stuffing the Potatoes:
Spoon the creamy potato mixture back into your potato shells, mounding it slightly to fit. Don’t be shy with the filling—it’s the best part!
8. Final Baking:
Return the filled potato bites to the oven for another 10-15 minutes. You want them to heat through and for the cheese to melt beautifully.
9. Garnishing:
Once they’re out of the oven, it’s time to add the final touches! Garnish each bite with a little dollop of sour cream, a sprinkle of reserved bacon bits, and some fresh green onions.
10. Serve and Enjoy:
These Mini Loaded Baked Potato Bites are best enjoyed warm. Serve them up as appetizers or a fun side dish, and watch everyone dig in!
Enjoy these tasty bites—crispy on the outside and oh-so-creamy on the inside!
Can I Use Different Types of Potatoes?
Absolutely! While baby potatoes are perfect for a bite-sized treat, you can use regular potatoes cut into smaller pieces. Red or Yukon Gold potatoes are great alternatives due to their creamy texture.
Can I Make These Mini Bites Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can prepare the potato filling ahead of time! Scoop and fill the potatoes, then cover and refrigerate them for up to a day. Just bake them right before serving, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time if they’re chilled.
What Would Be a Good Substitute for Bacon?
If you’re looking for a vegetarian option, crispy cooked mushrooms or smoked tempeh can provide a similar flavor. You can also use turkey bacon or omit the bacon entirely and add more cheese for richness!
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover potato bites in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes, or until warmed through. Enjoy them as a quick snack!
