Intro
Hi, I’m Dulcia. These Loaded Mini Baked Potato Bites are one of my go-to party starters when I want something quick, cheesy, and irresistible. They are simple to make, and everyone always goes back for more.
Origins
Mini baked potatoes are a fun spin on classic loaded baked potatoes. Small potatoes roast quickly, so you get that creamy interior with a slightly crisp skin. If you want to read more about potatoes and their varieties, Wikipedia has a great overview: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Potato. For food safety and handling tips, the USDA site is a reliable resource: https://www.usda.gov.
I often make these alongside easy breads or dips from my site, and they pair well with lighter mains. For more of my recipes visit my homepage: https://www.dulciarecipes.com/. I also sometimes serve them with a rustic bread like the one in my Cheesecake Factory bread copycat post: https://www.dulciarecipes.com/cheesecake-factory-bread/.
Ingredients
- 1.5 lb bag of baby potatoes
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1/4 cup sour cream
- 1/4 cup cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1/4 cup bacon bits
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 425 degrees.
- Cut a slice halfway down into each potato.
- Add potatoes to a bowl, pour olive oil over them, and toss until well coated.
- Arrange potatoes on a baking sheet, and bake for 30-40 minutes, until potatoes are nice and tender.
- Remove potatoes from the oven, and allow to cool for a few minutes. Then gently smoosh the sides to open up the center.
- Add the sour cream to a piping bag or ziplock baggie and snip off the end. Pipe a small amount of sour cream onto the center of each potato.
- Sprinkle cheese and bacon bits onto each potato.
- Serve warm and enjoy!
Cheesy Stuffed Potatoes
- Total Time: 40-50 mins
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
Oven-baked baby potatoes stuffed with sour cream, shredded cheddar and bacon bits.
Ingredients
- 1.5 lb bag of baby potatoes
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1/4 cup sour cream
- 1/4 cup cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1/4 cup bacon bits
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 425?F (220?C).
- Cut a slice halfway down into each potato.
- Add the potatoes to a bowl, pour the olive oil over them, and toss until well coated.
- Arrange the potatoes on a baking sheet and bake for 30?40 minutes, until tender.
- Remove from the oven and let cool a few minutes, then gently smoosh the sides to open the center.
- Transfer the sour cream to a piping bag or a zip-top bag, snip off the end, and pipe a small amount into the center of each potato.
- Sprinkle shredded cheddar and bacon bits over each potato.
- Serve warm and enjoy.
- Prep Time: 10 mins
- Cook Time: 30-40 mins
Tips
- Choose baby potatoes that are fairly uniform in size so they bake evenly.
- Use a serrated or small chef knife to make the halfway cut, be careful and steady.
- If you do not have a piping bag, use a small spoon to dollop sour cream into the center.
- For extra crisp skins, place potatoes on a wire rack over the baking sheet.
- If you prefer, bake at 400 degrees for a few extra minutes if your oven runs hot.
Variations
- Vegetarian version: Omit bacon bits and add chopped green onions and a sprinkle of smoked paprika.
- Extra cheesy: Mix extra shredded cheddar into a small bowl with a touch of melted butter and spoon over the potatoes.
- Loaded deluxe: Add a small spoonful of chive-and-garlic cream cheese instead of sour cream.
- Kid friendly: Swap bacon bits for finely chopped ham, or use tiny hot dog pieces.
FAQ
Q: Can I make these ahead of time?
A: You can bake the potatoes ahead, cool them, and store in the fridge. Reheat at 350 degrees for 10-12 minutes, then add toppings right before serving.
Q: How do I keep the potatoes from drying out?
A: Do not overbake. Check for tenderness with a fork around 30 minutes. Also, a light brush of olive oil helps lock in moisture.
Q: Can I freeze these?
A: I do not recommend freezing once topped with sour cream. You can freeze plain roasted baby potatoes, then thaw and finish with toppings when ready.
Q: How many does this recipe serve?
A: This batch serves about 4 as an appetizer, but it is easy to scale up for a crowd.
Conclusion
These Loaded Mini Baked Potato Bites are a small treat with big flavor. They come together fast, and they are perfect for game day, potlucks, or casual dinners. Try the variations to match your crowd, and let me know how you serve them.
Enjoy, Dulcia