Cheesy Baked Potato Rounds: A Crispy, Flavorful Delight

Few dishes are as satisfying as cheesy baked potato rounds—crispy on the outside, soft on the inside, and topped with melty cheddar cheese, smoky bacon, and fresh green onions. These bite-sized delights are perfect as a snack, appetizer, or side dish. Whether you’re hosting a game night, making a quick dinner, or just craving a comforting treat, this recipe is a winner.

If you love loaded baked potatoes, you’ll enjoy this easy and delicious twist. The best part? These potato rounds are baked, not fried, making them a healthier alternative to traditional potato skins or French fries. Let’s get started!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

✔ Simple Ingredients – Uses pantry staples like potatoes, cheese, bacon, and seasonings.
✔ Crispy and Cheesy – Golden-baked potato rounds topped with gooey melted cheese.
✔ Perfect for Any Occasion – Serve as a snack, side dish, or party appetizer.
✔ Healthier Alternative – Baked instead of fried for less oil and fewer calories.
✔ Customizable – Swap out toppings to suit your taste.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gather the following ingredients to make cheesy baked potato rounds:

Main Ingredients

Ingredient	Quantity
Russet potatoes (scrubbed clean)	3
Vegetable oil (or olive oil)	1 tablespoon
Salt and pepper	To taste
Cheddar cheese (shredded)	2.5 cups
Bacon (uncooked)	6 slices
Italian seasoning	1 tablespoon
Green onions (diced)	2

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preheat the Oven

• Set your oven to 400°F (200°C).
• Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it to prevent sticking.

2. Prepare the Potatoes

• Slice the scrubbed potatoes into ¼-inch thick rounds.
• In a large bowl, toss the potato slices with vegetable oil, salt, and pepper to coat evenly.

3. Bake the Potatoes

• Arrange the potato slices in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet.
• Bake for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown and tender.

4. Cook the Bacon

• While the potatoes are baking, cook the bacon in a skillet over medium heat until crispy.
• Transfer the bacon to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess grease.
• Once cooled, crumble the bacon into small pieces.

5. Add the Toppings

• Remove the baked potatoes from the oven.
• Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese evenly over each potato round.
• Top with crumbled bacon and a sprinkle of Italian seasoning.

6. Melt the Cheese

• Return the baking sheet to the oven.
• Bake for 5-7 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

7. Garnish and Serve

• Transfer the cheesy potato rounds to a serving platter.
• Garnish with chopped green onions.
• Serve hot with your favorite dipping sauce (such as ranch, sour cream, or barbecue sauce).

Tips for Perfect Cheesy Baked Potato Rounds

✔ Use Russet Potatoes – They have the best texture for crispiness and fluffiness.
✔ Don’t Skip Flipping – This ensures even browning on both sides.
✔ For Extra Crispiness – Bake the potato rounds a few minutes longer before adding cheese.
✔ Customize the Cheese – Try using mozzarella, gouda, or pepper jack for different flavors.
✔ Add More Toppings – Try sour cream, jalapeños, or caramelized onions for extra flavor.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

Nutrient	Amount
Calories	~250 kcal
Protein	~10g
Carbohydrates	~20g
Fats	~15g
Fiber	~2g
Calcium	~180mg

These cheesy potato rounds offer a good balance of protein, fiber, and essential nutrients, making them a better alternative to deep-fried snacks.

Delicious Variations to Try

1. Spicy Loaded Potato Rounds

• Add sliced jalapeños or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes.
• Drizzle with hot sauce or sriracha before serving.

2. Garlic Parmesan Potato Rounds

• Toss the potato slices with garlic powder and grated Parmesan before baking.
• Garnish with fresh parsley instead of green onions.

3. Vegetarian Option

• Omit the bacon and add sautéed mushrooms, bell peppers, or caramelized onions.
• Top with feta cheese or goat cheese for a tangy twist.

4. Ranch-Style Potato Rounds

• Mix ranch seasoning into the shredded cheese before baking.
• Serve with ranch dressing for dipping.

Storage & Reheating Tips

Refrigeration

• Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.

Freezing

• Place cooled potato rounds in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until firm.
• Transfer to a freezer bag and store for up to 2 months.

Reheating

• Oven: Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 10 minutes.
• Air Fryer: Reheat at 350°F (175°C) for 5 minutes.
• Microwave: Heat for 30-60 seconds, though the texture may not be as crispy.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. Can I make these potato rounds ahead of time?

Yes! You can bake the potato slices in advance, store them in the fridge, and add toppings before reheating.

2. What type of potatoes work best for this recipe?

Russet potatoes are ideal because they crisp up well while remaining soft inside. Yukon Golds can also work for a slightly creamier texture.

3. Can I bake these without cheese for a lighter version?

Absolutely! Simply season the potatoes well and bake them for a crispy, flavorful, cheese-free option.

4. How do I prevent the potatoes from sticking to the pan?

• Use parchment paper or lightly grease the baking sheet.
• Avoid overcrowding, which can cause sticking.

5. Can I use turkey bacon instead of regular bacon?

Yes! Turkey bacon is a leaner option and works well in this recipe.

6. What dips pair well with cheesy potato rounds?

Try serving with:

• Ranch dressing
• Sour cream & chives
• Garlic aioli
• Barbecue sauce

Final Thoughts & Call to Action

These cheesy baked potato rounds are the ultimate comfort food, combining crispy potatoes, gooey melted cheese, and smoky bacon into one perfect bite. Whether you’re serving them as a party appetizer, a side dish, or a snack, they’re guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser.

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