Print

Best Loaded Baked Potato Game Day Bites – Easy 30-Min Recipe

loaded baked potato game day bites - featured image
Print Recipe

These Easy Loaded Baked Potato Game Day Bites are crispy on the outside, creamy on the inside, and loaded with all the good stuff that makes a loaded baked potato so irresistible. Perfect for game day gatherings, they come together in under 30 minutes and are a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 medium russet potatoes (about 6 ounces each, scrubbed clean)
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 4 ounces cream cheese (softened to room temperature)
  • 1/4 cup sour cream
  • 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese (plus extra for topping)
  • 4 slices bacon (cooked crisp and crumbled)
  • 2 green onions (thinly sliced)
  • 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
  • Extra sour cream (for garnish)
  • Additional green onions (for garnish)
  • Extra crumbled bacon (for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or foil.
  2. Scrub the potatoes thoroughly under running water and pat them dry. Prick each potato several times with a fork.
  3. Microwave the potatoes on high for 5 minutes. Flip them over and microwave for another 4-5 minutes, until they are fork-tender but still hold their shape. Let them cool for 5 minutes.
  4. Cut each potato in half lengthwise and let them cool for another 2-3 minutes. Using a small spoon, carefully scoop out the insides, leaving about 1/4-inch thickness of potato attached to the skin. Place the scooped potato flesh in a small bowl.
  5. Brush the potato skins with olive oil on both sides and sprinkle with a little salt and pepper. Place them skin-side down on the prepared baking sheet. Bake for 8-10 minutes, until the skins start to crisp up and turn golden around the edges.
  6. While the skins bake, make the filling. Add the cream cheese to the bowl with the scooped potato and mash everything together with a fork until fairly smooth. Stir in the sour cream, shredded cheddar, crumbled bacon, green onions, garlic powder, and smoked paprika. Mix until everything is well combined. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
  7. Remove the skins from the oven and carefully flip them over so they are skin-side up. Spoon the filling evenly into each potato skin, mounding it slightly. Sprinkle the tops with the extra shredded cheddar cheese.
  8. Bake for 10-12 minutes, until the filling is hot and bubbly and the cheese on top is melted and golden. If you want extra crispy tops, switch the oven to broil for the last 1-2 minutes, but watch closely so they do not burn.
  9. Remove from the oven and let them cool for 2-3 minutes on the baking sheet.
  10. Garnish with a dollop of sour cream, extra crumbled bacon, and a sprinkle of fresh green onions. Serve warm.

Notes

Don’t over-microwave the potatoes; they should be tender but still firm. Let the potatoes cool before handling. Use room temperature cream cheese for easier mixing. Double up on the bacon for extra crunch. Make the filling ahead of time to save time on party day. Watch the broiler closely if using it for extra crispiness.

Nutrition

Keywords: loaded baked potato bites, game day snacks, easy appetizer, potato skins, football party food, 30-minute recipe

Find it online: https://twirltaste.com/best-loaded-baked-potato-game-day-bites-easy-30-min-recipe/