CHEESY BAKED POTATO ROUNDS
Crispy on the outside, tender on the inside, and loaded with melted cheese and toppings. These are like individual potato skins or mini loaded baked potatoes—perfect as an appetizer, side, or game day snack!
Ingredients
· 4 medium russet potatoes (about 2 lbs / 900g), scrubbed clean
· 2 tbsp olive oil or melted butter
· 1 tsp garlic powder
· 1 tsp smoked paprika
· ½ tsp salt
· ¼ tsp black pepper
For the Topping:
· 1 ½ cups (170g) shredded cheddar cheese (or a Tex-Mex blend)
· 6 strips bacon, cooked and crumbled
· 2 green onions, thinly sliced
· ½ cup (115g) sour cream (for serving)
· Optional extras: diced jalapeños, chopped chives, ranch dressing
Instructions
- Prepare the Potatoes
· Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.
· Slice potatoes into ½-inch thick rounds (no need to peel). Try to keep them even so they bake uniformly.
· In a large bowl, toss potato rounds with olive oil, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper until evenly coated.
- First Bake (Crisp the Potatoes)
· Arrange rounds in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet. Don’t overcrowd.
· Bake for 20 minutes, then flip each round and bake for another 15-20 minutes until golden and tender when pierced with a fork.
- Add Cheese & Toppings
· Remove from oven. Sprinkle shredded cheese evenly over each round, then top with crumbled bacon.
· Return to oven for 3-5 minutes until the cheese is fully melted and bubbly.
- Serve
· Transfer to a serving platter. Top each round with a dollop of sour cream and a sprinkle of green onions (and any other optional toppings).
· Serve immediately while hot and crispy!
Pro-Tips for Success
· Uniform Slices: Use a mandoline for even thickness if you have one.
· Dry Potatoes: Pat potato rounds dry before tossing with oil for extra crispiness.
· Don’t Skip the Flip: Flipping ensures both sides get crispy.
· Customize Toppings: Make them pizza-style with pepperoni and marinara, or BBQ-style with pulled pork and green onions.
· Make Ahead: Par-bake the rounds (through step 2), let cool, and refrigerate. Add cheese and bake just before serving (add a few extra minutes).
Air Fryer Instructions
· Toss rounds with oil and seasonings as directed.
· Air fry at 380°F (193°C) in a single layer for 12-15 minutes, flipping halfway, until crispy.
· Top with cheese and bacon, air fry for 2-3 minutes more to melt cheese.
Dipping Sauce Ideas
· Ranch: Classic pairing.
· Spicy Mayo: Mix mayo with sriracha or hot sauce.
· Cheese Sauce: Warm queso or nacho cheese for extra indulgence.
· Garlic Aioli: Blend mayo, garlic, lemon juice, and a pinch of salt.
Easy, cheesy, and totally addictive—these will disappear fast!