Mini Loaded Baked Potatoes are the perfect finger foods for any party or get-together. These tiny morsels take the traditional baked potatoes experience and transform it into a cute and fun appetizer that’s easy to make and incredibly delicious. With a super simple preparation, you can use baby potatoes and olive oil as your base, topped with crispy bacon bits, shredded cheddar cheese, a dollop of sour cream, and a sprinkle of chives. They absolutely make a huge hit at any event, be it a casual game day or holidays.
These miniature potatoes are a great conversation starter at fancier occasions, too. Despite their little size, they pack a heartier punch, proving themselves a crowd-pleasing side dish or even a snack. For those times when you want your guests to have a tasty bite that still looks nice, these mini wonders are your go-to. They turn into the perfect solution every time, bringing that traditional charm into a newer form that everyone can enjoy. Plus, they’re easy to eat and stuffed with flavors that make them an incredible choice for parties.
Mini Loaded Baked Potatoes: The Perfect Crowd-Pleasing Dish for Every Occasion
If you’re searching for an easy but nice enough dish to serve, look no further. These mini loaded wonders are always a hit and are no exception to the rule of being that absolutely delicious dish. You could prepare a batch to serve at any event, and time to time, these will turn into one of those dishes everyone raves about. Whether you need them for a playful game day or a more fancier occasion, they are designed to please, and that’s their tasty magic.
Mini loaded baked potatoes variations/ tips
If you’re looking to make mini loaded baked potatoes at home, here’s a simple tip to elevate your dish. Start with small-sized potatoes, which you can choose based on your preference for yellow or red varieties. Both work well, but I find that yellow potatoes often provide a richer taste. To cook them, an air fryer is perfect. Set it to 400 degrees and let the potatoes cook for 20 minutes. Remember to give the basket a shake halfway through to ensure they cook evenly.
For a delicious finish, consider using sour cream in a piping bag or a squeezable version for a smoother application. Cheddar cheese is a great choice, but you can use any cheese you prefer. Just be sure to shred it yourself; this will help it melt better. If you love bacon, you can either use pre-cooked bacon bits for convenience or chop your own bacon into small pieces for a fresher taste.
Other easy appetizers recipes
If you like easy appetizer try these…
Mahi Mahi Tacos with Mango Salsa
Cilantro Lime Hearts of Palm Rice
Southwest Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta Salad
Crave-Worthy Loaded BBQ Chicken Totchos
Mini Loaded Baked Potatoes Ingredients
To make mini loaded baked potatoes, gather the following ingredients: baby potatoes, olive oil, and salt. After cooking the potatoes, top them with hand shredded cheddar cheese, sour cream, and chives. For extra flavor, add bacon bits or cooked, crumbled bacon. These simple yet essential ingredients will create a delicious and satisfying dish.
Instructions
Start by preheating the oven to 400°. Clean and dry the potatoes, then place them on a baking sheet. Drizzle the potatoes with olive oil and sprinkle them with salt. Next, rub the olive oil and salt evenly into the skin of the potatoes. Bake them in the oven until they are fork-tender, which should take about 20-30 minutes, depending on their size.
Once the potatoes are done, let them cool slightly. Cut a V-shape into the center of the top of each potato, then remove the cut piece along with some of the filling. Add shredded cheddar cheese to let it melt into the warm potato, followed by bacon bits and chives for a final touch. Enjoy your mini loaded baked potatoes!
What Potatoes Should I Use?
For mini loaded baked potatoes, you can use small yellow or golden potatoes, though red potatoes also work well. The key is to consider the size of the potatoes, as it affects cooking times. Smaller potatoes, about 1.5”, will generally need 15-20 minutes to cook, while larger potatoes, over 1.5”, may require 30-35 minutes to become fork tender. Choose the type and size that best suits your preference and cooking time.
Mini Loaded Baked Potatoes
Mini loaded baked potatoes are a delightful treat made from baby potatoes. Start by baking them with olive oil and salt for a crispy exterior. Once cooked, top the potatoes with cheddar cheese for a rich flavor, and add a dollop of sour cream for creaminess. Finish with a sprinkle of chives and bacon bits for a savory crunch. This simple combination of ingredients ensures a delicious and satisfying bite every time.
Ingredients
To make mini loaded baked potatoes, gather the following ingredients:
- 1-1.5 pounds of baby potatoes 🥔
- 2 tbs of olive oil 🌿
- Salt, to taste 🧂
- 1/4-1/2 cup of cheddar cheese, hand shredded 🧀
- 1/4 cup of sour cream 🍶
- 1/4 cup of bacon bits 🥓
- 1 tbs of chives 🌿
These simple ingredients will help you create delicious mini loaded baked potatoes.
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400°. 🕒
- Clean and dry the potatoes, then place them on a baking sheet. 🥔
- Drizzle the potatoes with olive oil and salt. 🌿🧂
- Rub the olive oil and salt evenly into the skin of the potatoes.
- Bake the potatoes in the oven until they are fork tender, which takes about 20-30 minutes, depending on the size. ⏲️
- Cool the potatoes slightly, then cut a v shape into the center of the top and remove the piece with some of the filling. 🔪
- Add shredded cheddar cheese so it can melt into the warm potato, then finish with bacon bits and chives. 🧀🥓🌿
How to Store & Reheat Leftovers
To keep your mini loaded baked potatoes fresh, store the leftover potato bites in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. When you’re ready to enjoy them again, reheat them in the microwave for convenience, or warm them up in the oven if you prefer a crispy texture. This simple method ensures your leftovers taste just as delicious as when they were first made.
NUTRITION INFORMATION:
Serving: 1 Calories: 386kcal Carbohydrates: 19.1g Protein: 15.1g Fat: 28.8g Saturated Fat: 16.1g Polyunsaturated Fat: 13.1g Trans Fat: 1.1g Cholesterol: 71.2mg Sodium: 481.1mg Fiber: 2.2g Sugar: 1.1g
FAQS
Is a Loaded Baked Potato Healthy?
Russet potatoes are quite filling and surprisingly low in calories, with one potato containing just 168 calories. When prepared with careful choices for toppings, a baked potato dinner can be a low caloric meal. Even when served alongside a salad or vegetable side dish, it remains a healthy option. Just keep an eye on the toppings to ensure your meal stays nutritious and satisfying.
What does loaded baked potato mean?
A loaded baked potato refers to a baked potato that comes with a variety of sides or toppings. These toppings are optional and can include ingredients like cheese, sour cream, and bacon bits. When customers order these potatoes, they can choose as many or as few toppings as they like, making each potato uniquely loaded according to their preferences. The term loaded signifies that the potato is served with a substantial number of these extras, making it more than just a simple baked potato.
What’s the difference between mashed potatoes and baked potatoes?
When it comes to mashed potatoes and baked potatoes, the key difference lies in their preparation. Mashed potatoes are made by boiling the potatoes until they’re soft, then mashing them into a creamy texture. On the other hand, baked potatoes are cooked by placing them in the oven, which gives them a crispy skin and a fluffy interior. Additionally, there is the twice baked variant where the potatoes are baked, then scooped out, mixed with ingredients, and baked again. Each method offers a distinct taste and texture, making them unique choices for different meals.