Loaded Baked Potato Rounds

The aroma wafting from the oven as these Loaded Baked Potato Rounds crisp up is simply irresistible. My family? They devour them. Every single time I make these, they disappear within minutes. From game day gatherings to casual weeknight snacks, these little bites of potato heaven are always a hit. The combination of fluffy baked potato, creamy toppings, and a hint of spice makes them incredibly addictive. They’re easy to make, endlessly customizable, and honestly, just pure comfort food in round form. Forget chips and dip; these loaded potato rounds are the new star of our appetizer spread, and I have a feeling they will be for you too!

Ingredients

• Russet Potatoes: The workhorse of baked potatoes, known for their fluffy interior and sturdy skin, perfect for holding their shape as rounds.
• Olive Oil: Used for tossing the potato rounds to encourage browning and crisping during baking, also adds a touch of healthy fat and flavor.
• Salt: Essential for seasoning the potatoes and enhancing their natural flavor, bringing out the savory notes.
• Black Pepper: Adds a subtle spice and depth of flavor, complementing the salt and other toppings.
• Sour Cream: Provides a creamy, tangy base for the toppings, adding moisture and richness to each bite.
• Cheddar Cheese: A classic topping for loaded potatoes, offering a sharp, cheesy flavor that melts beautifully when baked.
• Green Onions: For a fresh, mild onion flavor and a pop of color, adding a final touch of vibrancy.
• Chives: Similar to green onions but with a slightly more delicate onion flavor, adding a refined herbal note.
• Optional: Paprika: For a hint of smoky sweetness and a beautiful reddish hue, sprinkled on top for visual appeal and subtle flavor complexity.
• Optional: Garlic Powder: To infuse the potato rounds with a savory garlic flavor, enhancing the overall taste profile.
• Optional: Onion Powder: For a more rounded onion flavor compared to fresh onions, adding another layer of savory depth.
• Optional: Red Pepper Flakes: For those who like a little heat, adding a spicy kick to balance the richness of the toppings.
• Optional: Fresh Parsley: An alternative to chives or green onions, providing a fresh, herbaceous flavor and vibrant green color.

Instructions

1. Preheat the Oven and Prepare Potatoes: Begin by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). This high temperature is crucial for ensuring the potato rounds bake through and become nicely browned and crispy on the edges. While the oven is preheating, wash and scrub your russet potatoes thoroughly. It’s important to remove any dirt or blemishes from the skin, as we’ll be keeping the skin on for added texture, flavor, and nutritional value. Pat the potatoes completely dry with a clean kitchen towel or paper towels. Excess moisture can prevent the potatoes from browning properly.
2. Slice the Potatoes into Rounds: Carefully slice the potatoes into rounds that are approximately ½ inch thick. Aim for even thickness to ensure they cook uniformly. Thicker rounds will take longer to cook and may not crisp up as well, while thinner rounds might become too dry or burn easily. A sharp knife is essential for clean, even slices. If you have a mandoline slicer, you can use it for perfectly uniform rounds, but it’s not necessary.
3. Toss with Olive Oil and Seasonings: In a large bowl, place the potato rounds. Drizzle generously with olive oil. The olive oil helps to crisp the potatoes and adds flavor. Season generously with salt and black pepper. Don’t be shy with the seasoning, as potatoes can absorb a lot of flavor. If using garlic powder, onion powder, or paprika, add them now as well. Toss the potato rounds with your hands or a spatula to ensure they are evenly coated with the oil and seasonings. This step is crucial for flavor development and proper baking.
4. Arrange on Baking Sheet: Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper. Parchment paper prevents sticking and makes cleanup much easier. Arrange the potato rounds in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet. Make sure they are not overcrowded, as overcrowding can cause them to steam instead of bake and crisp up. If needed, use two baking sheets to ensure a single layer.
5. Bake the Potato Rounds: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes. Halfway through the baking time, around 10-12 minutes, flip the potato rounds using a spatula. This ensures even browning and crisping on both sides. Continue baking until the potato rounds are tender when pierced with a fork and golden brown around the edges. The exact baking time may vary slightly depending on the thickness of your potato rounds and your oven.
6. Add Cheese and Bake Again: Remove the baking sheet from the oven. Evenly distribute shredded cheddar cheese over the top of each potato round. Return the baking sheet to the oven and bake for another 3-5 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Keep a close eye on them during this stage to prevent the cheese from burning. You want it melted and slightly golden brown for the best flavor and texture.
7. Add Sour Cream and Toppings: Remove the baking sheet from the oven once more. Let the potato rounds cool slightly for a minute or two. Then, dollop a small amount of sour cream onto each cheesy potato round. Sprinkle chopped green onions and chives evenly over the top. If using red pepper flakes or fresh parsley, sprinkle them on now as well for an extra layer of flavor and visual appeal.
8. Serve Immediately: These Loaded Baked Potato Rounds are best served immediately while they are warm and the cheese is still melted and gooey. Serve them as appetizers, snacks, or a side dish. They are incredibly versatile and perfect for any occasion. Enjoy!

Nutrition Facts

(Per serving, approximately 3-4 potato rounds)

• Servings: 6-8 (depending on potato size and round thickness)
• Calories: Approximately 250-350 kcal (depending on toppings and serving size)
• Total Fat: 15-20g

Note: Nutritional values are estimates and can vary based on specific ingredient brands, portion sizes, and optional additions. For accurate nutritional information, use a nutrition calculator with specific ingredient details.

Preparation Time

• Prep Time: 20 minutes (includes washing, slicing, and seasoning potatoes, and chopping toppings)
• Cook Time: 25-30 minutes (baking time, including cheese melting)
• Total Time: 45-50 minutes (from start to finish, ready to serve)

This recipe is relatively quick and easy to prepare, making it ideal for weeknight snacks or last-minute appetizers. Most of the time is hands-off baking time, allowing you to prepare other dishes or relax while the oven does its work. The active preparation time is minimal, mainly involving slicing potatoes and chopping toppings, making it a stress-free recipe even for beginner cooks.

How to Serve

These Loaded Baked Potato Rounds are incredibly versatile and can be served in a variety of ways:

• Appetizer: Arrange them beautifully on a platter as a crowd-pleasing appetizer for parties, gatherings, or game day events. They are perfect finger food and are always a hit.
• Snack: Enjoy them as a satisfying and flavorful snack any time of day. They are a much healthier and more exciting alternative to processed snacks.
• Side Dish: Serve them alongside grilled chicken, steak, burgers, or vegetarian entrees as a delicious and comforting side dish. They complement a wide range of main courses.
• Party Platter: Incorporate them into a larger appetizer platter with other finger foods like vegetable sticks with dip, mini quiches, or cheese and crackers for a diverse and appealing spread.
• Game Day Food: They are the perfect game day snack, easy to eat while watching the game and always a crowd-pleaser. Pair them with other game day favorites like wings and nachos.
• Casual Dinner: Make a meal out of them by serving a larger portion alongside a fresh salad for a light and satisfying casual dinner.
• Kids’ Parties: Kids love these! They are fun to eat and can be customized with kid-friendly toppings. They are a great way to get kids to eat potatoes and vegetables in a fun way.
• Holiday Appetizer: Elevate your holiday appetizer spread with these delicious and festive potato rounds. They are perfect for Thanksgiving, Christmas, or New Year’s Eve gatherings.

Additional Tips

1. Choose the Right Potatoes: Russet potatoes are highly recommended for this recipe due to their high starch content and fluffy texture when baked. They hold their shape well when sliced into rounds and become wonderfully crispy on the outside and tender on the inside. Avoid using waxy potatoes like red potatoes or Yukon gold, as they don’t crisp up as well and may become soggy.
2. Uniform Slicing is Key: Try to slice the potato rounds as evenly as possible, about ½ inch thick. Consistent thickness ensures that all the rounds cook at the same rate and are done at the same time. Uneven slices can lead to some rounds being undercooked while others are overcooked or burnt. Use a sharp knife or a mandoline for best results.
3. Don’t Skip the Olive Oil: Tossing the potato rounds with olive oil is crucial for achieving that desirable crispy exterior. The oil helps to conduct heat and promotes browning and crisping during baking. It also adds flavor and prevents the potatoes from drying out. You can also use melted butter or avocado oil as alternatives.
4. Season Generously: Potatoes can be quite bland on their own, so don’t be shy with the salt and pepper. Season the potato rounds generously before baking to ensure they are flavorful. You can also add other seasonings like garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, or even a pinch of cayenne pepper for a little heat. Seasoning in layers is also a good idea – season the potatoes before baking, and then season the toppings as well.
5. Bake at the Right Temperature: Baking at 400°F (200°C) is ideal for these potato rounds. This high temperature allows the potatoes to cook through quickly and become crispy on the edges without burning. Make sure your oven is properly preheated before placing the baking sheet inside. Oven temperatures can vary slightly, so it’s always a good idea to use an oven thermometer for accuracy.
6. Don’t Overcrowd the Baking Sheet: Arrange the potato rounds in a single layer on the baking sheet, leaving some space between each round. Overcrowding will cause the potatoes to steam instead of bake, resulting in soggy bottoms and less crispy edges. If necessary, use two baking sheets or bake in batches to ensure proper crisping.
7. Customize Your Toppings: Feel free to get creative with your toppings! While sour cream, cheddar cheese, and green onions are classic, you can experiment with other options. Try adding crumbled feta cheese, crumbled blue cheese, Monterey Jack cheese, or pepper jack cheese for different cheese flavors. For toppings, consider adding crispy fried onions, caramelized onions, roasted red peppers, black olives, jalapeños, or even a sprinkle of Everything Bagel seasoning.
8. Make-Ahead Tips: You can prepare the potato rounds ahead of time up to the point of baking. Slice the potatoes, toss them with olive oil and seasonings, and arrange them on a baking sheet. Cover tightly with plastic wrap and store in the refrigerator for up to a few hours. When ready to bake, preheat the oven and bake as directed, adding a few extra minutes of baking time if the potatoes are cold from the fridge. You can also bake the plain potato rounds ahead of time, cool them, and then reheat and add toppings just before serving.

FAQ

Q1: Can I use a different type of potato besides russet potatoes?

A: While russet potatoes are highly recommended for their texture and crispiness, you could technically use Yukon gold potatoes if you prefer a slightly waxier potato. However, Yukon golds might not get as fluffy and crispy as russets. Avoid using red potatoes or other waxy potatoes, as they are not ideal for baking and may become soggy.

Q2: Can I make these potato rounds vegan?

A: Yes, you can easily make these potato rounds vegan! Simply substitute vegan sour cream for regular sour cream and use a vegan cheddar cheese alternative. Ensure your chosen vegan cheese melts well. You can also enhance the flavor with nutritional yeast for a cheesy, umami taste.

Q3: Can I add meat to these loaded potato rounds?

A: Absolutely! While this recipe is written as vegetarian, you can easily add cooked and crumbled vegetarian bacon or vegetarian sausage for a heartier appetizer. Sprinkle the cooked meat over the potato rounds before adding the cheese and baking for the final few minutes.

Q4: How do I store leftover loaded baked potato rounds?

A: Leftover loaded baked potato rounds are best stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days. However, keep in mind that the texture may change upon reheating, and they may not be as crispy as when freshly baked.

Q5: How do I reheat leftover potato rounds?

A: To reheat leftover potato rounds, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the potato rounds on a baking sheet and bake for 5-10 minutes, or until heated through and the cheese is melted again. You can also reheat them in an air fryer for a crispier result, or microwave them for convenience, although microwaving may make them less crispy.

Q6: Can I freeze these loaded baked potato rounds?

A: Freezing loaded baked potato rounds is not highly recommended as the texture of the potatoes and toppings may change significantly upon thawing and reheating. The sour cream and cheese can become watery, and the potatoes may become mushy. If you must freeze them, freeze them after baking the plain potato rounds but before adding toppings. Thaw completely before adding toppings and baking.

Q7: What other toppings can I use besides cheddar cheese and sour cream?

A: The possibilities are endless! Get creative with your toppings. Consider using different types of cheese like Monterey Jack, pepper jack, feta, or blue cheese. Other topping ideas include salsa, guacamole, pico de gallo, caramelized onions, sautéed mushrooms, roasted vegetables, black beans, corn, or different herbs like cilantro or dill.

Q8: Can I make these potato rounds ahead of time for a party?

A: Yes, you can prep the potato rounds ahead of time. You can slice and season the potatoes and store them in the refrigerator for a few hours before baking. You can also bake the plain potato rounds ahead of time, cool them, and then reheat and add toppings just before serving. This can save you time when preparing for a party or gathering.

Print