Looking for a quick and delicious snack or side dish that pleases a crowd? Look no further than these Loaded Potato Slices! Crispy on the outside, soft on the inside, and loaded with melted cheese, bacon, and chives, this dish combines all your favorite flavors in one bite-sized delight. Whether you’re planning a game day party, a cozy family dinner, or just need a satisfying snack, these potato slices are guaranteed to impress. Let’s dive into the details of how you can make this irresistible dish at home.

Why This Recipe is Perfect for Any Occasion

Whether you’re hosting a casual gathering or need an easy side dish for dinner, these Loaded Potato Slices hit the mark. The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity—only a handful of ingredients, but packed with flavor. Plus, they’re customizable! You can add toppings like sour cream or jalapeños to suit your taste. It’s a great way to use leftover ingredients, and since it only takes about 35 minutes from start to finish, it won’t keep you long in the kitchen.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s everything you need to make Loaded Potato Slices at home:

• 3 Russet Potatoes (around 1-1.5 lbs total): Russet potatoes work best because they become soft inside while achieving a crispy outer texture.
• ⅓ cup Melted Butter (about 75g): This helps give the potato slices a rich flavor and golden brown finish.
• Salt and Pepper: To season the potatoes.
• 2 cups Shredded Cheese (around 180g): Cheddar is most commonly used, but feel free to use your favorite cheese blend.
• 3 slices Cooked Bacon (cut into chunks): You can adjust the quantity based on how much you love bacon!
• Fine-cut Chives or Green Onion: Adds a pop of freshness and color to the dish.

this RECIPE

Essential Kitchen Tools

Before you start, gather these kitchen tools for easy preparation:

• Baking sheet
• Aluminum foil
• Non-stick cooking spray
• Pastry brush (for buttering the slices)
• Sharp knife (for slicing potatoes)
• Spatula (to handle the baked potato slices)

Step-by-Step Guide to Making Loaded Potato Slices

Follow this easy guide to create the perfect Loaded Potato Slices:

1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). While the oven is heating up, line a baking sheet with aluminum foil and spray it with non-stick cooking spray for easy cleanup.
2. Prepare the bacon. Cook 3 slices of bacon in a skillet, but don’t let them get too crispy since they will cook further in the oven. Once cooked, chop the bacon into bite-sized chunks and set aside.
3. Slice the potatoes. Wash the potatoes thoroughly and pat them dry. Slice each potato into ½-inch to ¾-inch thick rounds, ensuring even thickness for uniform cooking.
4. Butter and season the potatoes. Melt the butter and use a pastry brush to generously coat both sides of each potato slice. Season the slices with salt and pepper to taste, then place them in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet.
5. Bake the potatoes. Pop the tray into the oven and bake for 30 minutes. The potatoes should be soft in the middle and slightly crisp on the edges when done.
6. Add toppings. After 30 minutes, remove the tray from the oven. Sprinkle shredded cheese over the slices, followed by the bacon chunks and chopped chives or green onions.
7. Return to the oven. Place the loaded potato slices back in the oven for an additional 5 minutes, or until the cheese has melted and the toppings are perfectly gooey.
8. Serve hot. Once done, remove from the oven and transfer the slices to a serving dish. Enjoy them while they’re warm and crispy!

Tips for Perfectly Baked Potato Slices

• Uniform slicing is key. Cutting the potato slices to an even thickness ensures they all bake at the same rate. This prevents some slices from being undercooked while others burn.
• Don’t skimp on the butter. A generous brushing of butter is essential for achieving crispy edges and a rich flavor.
• Rotate the tray. Halfway through the baking time, rotate the tray to ensure even cooking on all sides of the potato slices.

Flavor Variations and Add-ons

Feel free to get creative with your loaded potato slices! Here are some exciting variations:

• Swap the cheese. While cheddar is classic, you can mix things up by using Monterey Jack, Gouda, or even a spicy pepper jack cheese for a kick.
• Add some heat. Sprinkle on some diced jalapeños or a dash of chili powder for a spicier version.
• Try a veggie twist. Add toppings like sautéed mushrooms, bell peppers, or even some roasted garlic for a vegetarian-friendly version.
• Herb it up. If you’re looking for a herby flavor, sprinkle on some rosemary or thyme along with the chives.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Overcooking the bacon. The bacon will cook further in the oven, so be careful not to overcook it in the skillet. This ensures you get chewy, flavorful bacon rather than overly crispy pieces.
• Under-seasoning the potatoes. Potatoes soak up a lot of seasoning, so be sure to season both sides generously with salt and pepper.
• Not preheating the oven. To achieve the perfect crispy texture, it’s crucial that the oven is fully preheated to 400°F before placing the potatoes inside.

How to Store and Reheat Loaded Potato Slices

If you happen to have any leftovers (though it’s rare with such a delicious dish!), here’s how to store them:

• Storing: Place the loaded potato slices in an airtight container and refrigerate. They’ll stay fresh for up to 3 days.
• Reheating: To keep the potatoes crispy, reheat them in a 375°F oven for 5-10 minutes. Avoid microwaving, as it can make the potatoes soggy.

Serving Suggestions and Presentation Ideas

• Serve as a side. These loaded potato slices pair well with grilled chicken, steak, or even a hearty salad. They’re also a great option for a potluck or game-day party.
• Dress them up. For added flair, garnish the dish with a dollop of sour cream or a sprinkle of additional fresh chives.
• Serve on a platter. Arrange the potato slices on a large serving platter and garnish with extra chives for a pop of color and a restaurant-quality presentation.

Loaded Potato Slices Recipe FAQs

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes! You can bake the potato slices ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator. When ready to serve, simply reheat and add the toppings before serving.

What other toppings can I add?
Feel free to get creative! Some great options include crumbled sausage, diced ham (or turkey bacon as a pork-free alternative), or even sautéed vegetables like mushrooms and onions.

Can I use a different type of potato?
Yes, though Russet potatoes work best for their high starch content, which gives you that fluffy interior. Yukon Golds or sweet potatoes can be used as well, though the texture may differ slightly.

Conclusion

Loaded Potato Slices are an easy, crowd-pleasing dish that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re looking for a quick snack, a side dish for dinner, or an appetizer for a party, this recipe delivers on flavor and simplicity. Try it out today, and don’t forget to share the recipe with friends or subscribe to our blog for more delicious recipes!

Print