bacon and cheese potato bites

Bacon and Cheese Potato Bites are a delicious and savory snack that combine the comforting flavors of crispy bacon, gooey melted cheese, and tender potato. These bite-sized morsels are perfect for parties, game days, or as an appetizer. They’re easy to make and packed with flavor, making them a hit with everyone!

Here’s how to make Bacon and Cheese Potato Bites:

Bacon and Cheese Potato Bites Recipe

Ingredients:

• 4 medium russet potatoes
• 6 slices of bacon, cooked and crumbled
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (or cheese of choice, like Monterey Jack or a cheese blend)
• 1/2 cup sour cream (for topping or mixing)
• 2 green onions, chopped (for garnish)
• Salt and freshly cracked black pepper, to taste
• Olive oil or cooking spray (for greasing)
• Optional: 1/4 tsp garlic powder or onion powder (for extra flavor)

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it with olive oil or cooking spray.
2. Prepare the potatoes:
   • Wash the potatoes thoroughly, and then cut them into thick slices (about 1/2 inch each).
   • If you prefer, you can leave the skins on for extra texture and flavor.
   • Toss the potato slices with a little bit of olive oil, salt, and pepper. If you like, add a pinch of garlic powder or onion powder for additional seasoning.
3. Roast the potato slices:
   • Arrange the potato slices on the prepared baking sheet in a single layer.
   • Roast in the preheated oven for about 20-25 minutes, flipping them halfway through until they are tender and golden brown.
4. Prepare the bacon:
   • While the potatoes are roasting, cook the bacon in a skillet over medium heat until crispy (about 5-7 minutes). Alternatively, you can bake the bacon in the oven at 400°F for about 15-20 minutes.
   • Once the bacon is done, remove it from the pan, let it cool, and crumble it into small pieces.
5. Assemble the potato bites:
   • When the potato slices are roasted and slightly crispy, remove them from the oven.
   • Top each potato slice with a generous spoonful of shredded cheese and some of the crumbled bacon.
   • Return the potato bites to the oven and bake for another 5-7 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
6. Garnish and serve:
   • Once the cheese is melted, remove the potato bites from the oven.
   • Top each one with a dollop of sour cream, and garnish with chopped green onions.
   • Optionally, you can sprinkle on more bacon crumbles and a little extra salt and pepper if desired.
7. Serve: Arrange the bacon and cheese potato bites on a serving platter and serve warm. Enjoy!

Tips:

• Make ahead: You can cook the potatoes and prepare the bacon ahead of time. When ready to serve, just top the potatoes with cheese and bacon and bake to melt the cheese.
• Cheese variations: Experiment with different types of cheese like Monterey Jack, pepper jack, or Parmesan for a twist on the classic cheddar flavor.
• Add vegetables: If you want to sneak in some veggies, try adding finely chopped green peppers, jalapeños, or mushrooms on top of the cheese before baking.
• Spicy kick: For some heat, sprinkle some crushed red pepper flakes over the cheese and bacon before baking.
• Make them mini: For even more bite-sized portions, cut the potatoes into smaller rounds for mini potato bites.

Why It’s Great:

• Bite-sized and easy to serve: Perfect for parties or game day gatherings. These bites are easy to pick up and eat without needing utensils.
• Rich and savory: The combination of crispy bacon, melty cheese, and creamy sour cream is irresistible.
• Customizable: You can adjust the toppings based on your preferences, adding more vegetables or experimenting with different types of cheese and seasonings.

These Bacon and Cheese Potato Bites are sure to be a hit at your next party, barbecue, or family meal. They’re packed with flavor and the perfect balance of crispy, cheesy, and creamy! Enjoy!