There’s nothing quite like the comfort of a baked potato—but why not take it a step further? These Loaded Baked Potato Rounds transform humble russets into crispy, cheesy bites piled high with melty cheddar, smoky turkey bacon, cool sour cream, and fresh chives. Think of them as the ultimate crossover between potato skins and nachos.
Whether you’re serving them as a game day snack, a party appetizer, or a side dish that steals the show, these bites are guaranteed to disappear fast.
Why I Love This Recipe
These potato rounds are fast, flexible, and so satisfying. I love that you get crispy edges, gooey cheese, and a customizable topping bar all in one recipe. They’re just as welcome on a brunch table as they are at a tailgate, and they reheat surprisingly well—if you even have leftovers!
They’re also a great way to use pantry staples and elevate them into something seriously crave-worthy.
Ingredients
- 3–4 large russet potatoes
- Olive oil
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 2 cups cheddar cheese, shredded (adjust to taste)
- ½ cup turkey bacon, cooked and chopped
- ½ cup sour cream or crema
- ¼ cup chives or green onions, chopped
Swaps and Notes
- Potatoes: Russets work best for crisp edges and fluffy centers, but Yukon Golds are a solid backup.
- Cheese: Cheddar is classic, but feel free to mix in Monterey Jack, mozzarella, or pepper jack.
- Bacon: Turkey bacon keeps it leaner, but regular bacon or veggie bacon work too.
- Dairy-Free? Use dairy-free cheese and cashew sour cream to make it vegan-friendly.
Step-by-Step Instructions
🔹 Step 1: Prep the Potatoes
Preheat your oven to 425°F (218°C). Wash and scrub your potatoes thoroughly, then slice into ½-inch thick rounds.
🔹 Step 2: Season and Bake
Place the rounds on a baking sheet lined with parchment. Brush both sides with olive oil and season generously with salt and pepper.
Bake for 25–30 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden and crispy on the edges.
🔹 Step 3: Add Toppings
Remove the tray from the oven. Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese over each round and return to the oven for 5–7 minutes, or until the cheese is fully melted.
🔹 Step 4: Garnish and Serve
Top each round with a dollop of sour cream or crema, chopped turkey bacon, and a generous sprinkle of fresh chives or green onions.
Serve warm and enjoy!
Tips for Success
- Don’t overcrowd the pan: Give each round some breathing room for even crisping.
- Slice evenly: Uniform thickness helps everything cook at the same pace.
- Get creative: Set up a toppings bar with jalapeños, salsa, diced tomatoes, or even a drizzle of Beer Cheese Dip.
Serving Suggestions and Pairings
These potato rounds are perfect on their own or as part of a comfort food spread. Serve them with:
- Beer Cheese Dip for dunking
- Dorito Casserole for a full-on game night feast
- Sheet Pan Quesadillas for a Tex-Mex twist
- Easy Turkey Wings for a full Southern-style meal
- One-Pan Breakfast Bake for a killer brunch combo
Storage and Leftovers
- Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Reheat: Use an oven or air fryer at 375°F for 5–7 minutes to revive the crispness.
- Freezing not recommended – they’re best enjoyed fresh for peak texture.
More Recipes You’ll Love
Craving more cozy, cheesy comfort? Try:
- Dorito Casserole – crowd-pleasing, crunchy, cheesy magic
- One-Pan Breakfast Bake – the ultimate brunch hero
- Easy Turkey Wings – slow-baked, juicy perfection
- Sheet Pan Quesadillas – a hands-off favorite
Final Thoughts
These Loaded Baked Potato Rounds are a bite-sized spin on classic comfort that delivers big. With crispy edges, melty cheese, and all your favorite toppings, they’re the kind of snack or side dish that disappears fast and gets requested again and again.
If you make them, tag @chefmaniac and show us your creation—we love seeing your spud masterpieces! 🥔🧀🥓
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