Description
These Loaded Potato Bites are a comforting and delicious appetizer or snack featuring tender baked potato skins filled with a flavorful mixture of cheddar cheese, crispy bacon, and green onions, topped off with a side of creamy sour cream. Perfect for parties or cozy nights in, they deliver warmth and satisfaction in every bite.
Ingredients
Scale
Potatoes
- 4 medium potatoes
Filling
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup cooked bacon, chopped
- 1/4 cup green onions, chopped
- Salt to taste
- Pepper to taste
Topping
- 1/2 cup sour cream (for serving)
Instructions
- Preheat oven: Set your oven to 400°F (200°C) to prepare for baking the potatoes.
- Prepare potatoes: Wash each potato thoroughly and pierce them several times with a fork to allow steam to escape during baking.
- Bake potatoes: Place the potatoes directly on the oven rack and bake for 45 minutes, or until they are tender when pierced with a fork.
- Cool and scoop: Remove the potatoes from the oven and allow them to cool enough to handle. Then carefully cut each potato in half and scoop out the insides, leaving a sturdy shell.
- Mix filling: In a bowl, combine the scooped-out potato flesh with shredded cheddar cheese, chopped bacon, green onions, salt, and pepper, blending together until well incorporated.
- Fill skins: Spoon the mixture back into the empty potato skins, packing it evenly.
- Second bake: Place the filled potato skins back on a baking sheet and bake for an additional 15 minutes, or until the tops are golden and bubbly.
- Serve: Remove from the oven and serve warm, accompanied by sour cream on the side for dipping.
Notes
- Use russet potatoes for best texture and flavor.
- For a vegetarian version, omit bacon and add sautéed mushrooms or bell peppers instead.
- Make sure to not scoop out too much potato flesh to keep the skins sturdy.
- Can be prepared in advance and reheated before serving.
- Feel free to add extra toppings like chives, jalapeños, or shredded Parmesan for variation.
