Name: Loaded Mini Baked Potatoes Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 pound baby potatoes; 1 tablespoon olive oil; ½ teaspoon kosher salt; ¼ cup sour cream; ¼ cup bacon bits (or 2 slices cooked bacon, finely chopped); 2 tablespoons chives, finely chopped

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If you’re craving a bite-sized snack that’s bursting with flavor and comfort, these Loaded Mini Baked Potatoes are absolute game changers. Each tiny potato is roasted to tender perfection, then topped with creamy sour cream, smoky bacon bits, and fresh chives for that perfect combination of textures and tastes. Simply put, they’re the kind of irresistible treat that will have you coming back for more, whether as a party appetizer or a cozy side dish on any night.

Loaded Mini Baked Potatoes Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic behind Loaded Mini Baked Potatoes comes down to a handful of simple ingredients that each play a vital role. From the crispy roasted baby potatoes to the creamy sour cream and flavorful bacon, every component adds a unique layer to this easy yet indulgent dish.

Baby potatoes: Small and tender, these act as the perfect canvas for the toppings.
Olive oil: Helps the potatoes roast to a beautiful golden crisp.
Kosher salt: Enhances the natural potato flavor and balances the dish.
Sour cream: Adds a smooth tang that contrasts the crispy skins.
Bacon bits: Bring in that irresistible smoky crunch; you can also make your own with cooked bacon.
Chives: Fresh and slightly oniony, they brighten every bite with color and zing.

How to Make Loaded Mini Baked Potatoes

Step 1: Prep and Coat the Potatoes

Start by placing the baby potatoes in a mixing bowl and toss them with olive oil to coat evenly. This ensures they get that golden, crispy skin everyone loves after baking.

Step 2: Season and Roast

Spread the oiled potatoes onto a baking sheet, sprinkle with kosher salt, and toss to cover them fully. This seasoning step is crucial because it draws out flavors while the potatoes roast to fork tenderness over 30 to 35 minutes. Don’t forget to shake the pan halfway through for even browning!

Step 3: Prepare the Bacon Bits

If you’re not using pre-made bacon bits, cook two bacon slices to your preferred crispiness, then chop finely. This smoky layer is what transforms simple potatoes into loaded mini marvels.

Step 4: Cool and Fill

Once the potatoes come out of the oven, let them cool for about 5 minutes. Then, carefully slice a small wedge from each potato without cutting all the way through. Into each opening spoon a dollop of sour cream, sprinkle bacon bits, and top with chopped chives for that final burst of color and flavor.

How to Serve Loaded Mini Baked Potatoes

Garnishes

Loaded Mini Baked Potatoes are fantastic on their own, but a little extra garnish can elevate the presentation and flavor. Try adding a sprinkle of shredded cheddar or a dash of smoked paprika for warmth and depth. A small sprig of fresh parsley or extra chives can add a lively green contrast that makes these mini treats pop.

Side Dishes

These potatoes pair wonderfully with fresh green salads, grilled meats, or roasted vegetables. Their creamy, crispy texture even makes them a hearty companion to a simple soup or chili, adding that satisfying crunch and richness that balances soft, comforting dishes.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun party twist, serve your Loaded Mini Baked Potatoes on a wooden board with toothpicks or small forks for easy grabbing. You could also arrange them in muffin tins to keep the toppings neatly in place, or serve them alongside a trio of dipping sauces like ranch, barbecue, and spicy aioli for added variety and fun.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have any leftover Loaded Mini Baked Potatoes, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. The potatoes will stay tender, though the crispy skin may soften slightly, but the flavors will remain delicious.

Freezing

Freezing these potatoes isn’t recommended because the texture of the potato and toppings can be affected once thawed. For best results, enjoy them fresh or store in the fridge and reheat when ready to serve.

Reheating

To bring back a bit of that crispness, reheat your Loaded Mini Baked Potatoes in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 10-15 minutes. This method helps maintain the texture far better than microwaving, which can make them soggy.

FAQs

Can I use regular potatoes instead of baby potatoes?

You can, but baby potatoes are ideal for this recipe because their small size cooks evenly and makes perfect little servings. Using larger potatoes requires cutting them into smaller pieces and may change the texture and cooking time.

What’s a good vegetarian alternative to bacon bits?

For a vegetarian twist, consider using smoked paprika or crispy fried onions for a similar smoky crunch without meat. You can also try tempeh bacon or mushrooms sautéed with soy sauce for an umami-rich topping.

Can I prepare these ahead of time for a party?

Definitely! Bake the potatoes and prepare the fillings ahead, then assemble last minute so everything stays fresh and the sour cream doesn’t make the potatoes soggy.

How spicy are these Loaded Mini Baked Potatoes?

They aren’t spicy by default, but you can easily add a pinch of chili powder, cayenne, or your favorite hot sauce to the sour cream or bacon bits to give them a spicy kick if you like.

What’s the best way to get crispy skins?

Coating the potatoes with olive oil and kosher salt before baking is essential, and shaking the pan halfway through helps them brown evenly, resulting in that perfectly crisp skin everyone adores.

Final Thoughts

Once you try these Loaded Mini Baked Potatoes, they’ll become a staple in your recipe rotation. Their ease, versatility, and irresistible flavors make them perfect for gatherings, snacks, or just treating yourself on a cozy evening. Go ahead and whip up a batch—you won’t regret it!

Loaded Mini Baked Potatoes Recipe

★★★★★

5 from 29 reviews

Author: Sophie
Total Time: 45 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Gluten Free

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Description

These Loaded Mini Baked Potatoes are a delicious and easy appetizer or side dish featuring tender baby potatoes baked to perfection, then filled with creamy sour cream, crispy bacon bits, and fresh chives for a flavorful bite-sized treat.

Ingredients

Scale

Potatoes and Seasoning

1 pound baby potatoes
1 tablespoon olive oil
½ teaspoon kosher salt

Toppings

¼ cup sour cream
¼ cup bacon bits (or 2 slices cooked bacon, finely chopped)
2 tablespoons chives, finely chopped

Instructions

Prepare the Potatoes: Add the baby potatoes to a mixing bowl, drizzle with olive oil and toss until all potatoes are evenly coated.
Season and Arrange: Spread the coated potatoes on a baking sheet and sprinkle with kosher salt. Mix gently to ensure an even coating of salt on all potatoes.
Bake the Potatoes: Place the baking sheet in the oven and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the potatoes are fork-tender and cooked through. Halfway through baking, shake the pan to promote even browning.
Cook Bacon (if using fresh bacon): While the potatoes bake, cook 2 slices of bacon until crispy. Let cool, then finely chop into bacon bits. Alternatively, use pre-packaged bacon bits.
Prepare the Potato Filling: Once baked, remove potatoes from the oven and allow to cool for 5 minutes. Using a paring knife, cut a small wedge out of each potato to create an opening.
Assemble the Loaded Potatoes: Fill each potato cavity with a small spoonful of sour cream, then top with bacon bits and a sprinkle of finely chopped chives.

Notes

For a vegetarian version, omit bacon bits or substitute with crispy fried mushrooms.
Ensure potatoes are evenly coated with oil and salt for optimum roasting.
Use baby potatoes of uniform size for even cooking.
These make great appetizers for parties or a tasty side dish.
Can be served warm or at room temperature.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 35 minutes
Category: Appetizer, Side Dish
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American