If you’re searching for the ultimate crowd-pleasing bite, you have to try Mini Loaded Baked Potatoes! These irresistibly cute morsels deliver everything you love about classic loaded baked potatoes—but in perfect, poppable, party-size form. Creamy, cheesy, salty, and fresh with chives, each one is a flavor-packed celebration that disappears in minutes flat.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Perfect Party Bites: Mini Loaded Baked Potatoes are truly finger food perfection—easy to pass around, yet completely satisfying!
- Big Flavors, Tiny Package: Each bite is loaded with melty cheese, savory bacon, and cool sour cream for the full baked potato experience in miniature form.
- Simple Ingredients: No fancy tools or obscure groceries—just humble pantry staples and fresh toppings elevate baby potatoes to a total showstopper.
- Always a Crowd Favorite: No matter the gathering, watch these disappear faster than you can make them—everyone wants seconds!
Ingredients You’ll Need
You might be amazed at how such simple ingredients come together for the most utterly addictive mini bites. Each component adds a special pop of flavor, color, or texture—so don’t skip a thing!
- Baby potatoes: Choose small potatoes, about 1 to 2 inches wide, so each one is the perfect two-bite snack—Yukon Gold or red potatoes work beautifully.
- Olive oil: Helps the skin crisp up in the oven and gives that silky texture everyone loves.
- Salt: Essential for boosting the potato’s natural flavor and for a crave-worthy skin.
- Cheddar cheese (hand shredded): Melt-in-your-mouth richness; grating the cheese yourself makes it melt smoother and taste fresher.
- Sour cream: Provides that iconic creamy, tangy finish that balances all the hearty flavors.
- Bacon bits: Crunchy, smoky goodness for the ultimate classic loaded potato vibe.
- Chives: A fresh, oniony pop of green that brings everything together and adds that signature color.
Variations
What makes these Mini Loaded Baked Potatoes extra irresistible? You can customize them a million ways! Whether you need to tweak for dietary needs or just want to have fun, they’re as flexible as they are delicious.
- Vegetarian Twist: Skip the bacon or use plant-based bacon crumbles for a meatless version that’s still packed with flavor and crunch.
- Spicy Kick: Swap chives for thinly sliced jalapeños or sprinkle in a little smoked paprika for unexpected heat.
- Loaded Veggie: Add a dollop of guacamole, diced tomatoes, or even sautéed bell peppers for a colorful veggie-forward tray.
- Cheesy Upgrade: Try pepper jack, mozzarella, or crumbled blue cheese for your own signature cheese blend.
How to Make Mini Loaded Baked Potatoes
Step 1: Prep and Bake the Potatoes
Start by giving your baby potatoes a nice scrub and dry—no need to peel them. Place the dry potatoes on a baking sheet, drizzle generously with olive oil, and sprinkle with salt. Use your hands to rub the oil and salt all over the skins—this extra TLC is what gives you that craveable crispness! Pop them into a 400°F oven until they’re fork-tender, which typically takes 20–30 minutes.
Step 2: Scoop & Create the “Mini Boats”
Let the potatoes cool just enough to handle—about 5 minutes. Using a sharp knife, cut a shallow “V” shape across the top of each potato. Carefully lift out the wedge, then gently scoop out a bit of the fluffy middle with a spoon. Make sure to leave enough border so they retain their adorable, sturdy shape!
Step 3: Load ’Em Up!
While the potatoes are still warm, sprinkle the freshly shredded cheddar so it melts into every nook and cranny. Next, top with bacon bits and finish with a dollop of sour cream. Shower each with a flourish of chives and get ready—the temptation to sample is real!
Pro Tips for Making Mini Loaded Baked Potatoes
- Choose Evenly Sized Potatoes: Pick potatoes that are as close in size as possible so they cook evenly and look extra polished on your platter.
- Hand-Shred Your Cheese: Pre-shredded cheese contains anti-caking agents that prevent the gloriously gooey melting you want—grab a grater for the best results!
- Don’t Over-Scoop: Leave a little of the potato flesh around the sides so your mini boats stay sturdy and easy to pick up.
- Serve Warm For Ultimate Wow: These Mini Loaded Baked Potatoes are their most irresistible when the cheese is melty, the bacon is crispy, and the potatoes are just warm enough to make every bite dreamy.
How to Serve Mini Loaded Baked Potatoes
Garnishes
Garnishing is where the fun begins! For a classic look, sprinkle extra chives or thin-sliced green onions on top for a fresh, zippy finish. Add a pinch of black pepper or a dash of smoked paprika if you’re feeling fancy—the extra color looks gorgeous in a big platter and makes every Mini Loaded Baked Potato pop!
Side Dishes
While Mini Loaded Baked Potatoes happily steal the spotlight at parties, they’re also fantastic next to grilled steak, roasted chicken, or even as an unexpected side for soup night. Serve with a crisp green salad or some crunchy crudités to keep things light and balanced.
Creative Ways to Present
Line up your finished mini potatoes on a rustic wooden board for a homey feel, or pile them in a shallow white serving dish for a modern pop. For extra dazzle, place them in tiny cupcake liners or on a bed of greens—so each person can easily grab one and go.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you’re lucky enough to have any leftovers, store your cooled Mini Loaded Baked Potatoes in an airtight container in the fridge. They’ll stay tasty and moist for up to three days—just remember to refrigerate them promptly so the toppings stay fresh!
Freezing
You can freeze the baked, un-topped potato shells for future parties! Just allow them to cool, wrap tightly, and pop into a freezer-safe bag for up to 2 months. When you’re ready, rewarm in the oven, add toppings, and finish under the broiler for a few seconds to melt the cheese.
Reheating
For best results, reheat Mini Loaded Baked Potatoes on a baking sheet in a 350°F oven for 10–15 minutes—they’ll crisp up again and the cheese will be melty and wonderful. Microwave works in a pinch, but the skins won’t be as crisp.
FAQs
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Can I make Mini Loaded Baked Potatoes ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prep and bake the potatoes ahead, even scoop them out, and store in the fridge. When you’re ready to serve, just reheat, add the toppings, and serve warm and fresh.
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What’s the best potato type for this recipe?
Baby Yukon golds or baby red potatoes are perfect—they’re just the right size for two-bite nibbles and have tender, delicious skins that crisp beautifully in the oven.
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Can I make these Mini Loaded Baked Potatoes vegetarian?
Of course! Simply swap out bacon for your favorite vegetarian alternative or skip it altogether—pile on the cheese, sour cream, and chives for plenty of flavor.
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How do I keep them warm for a party?
Try arranging them on a baking sheet in a low oven (about 200°F) until ready to serve. This keeps the cheese melty and the skins crisp, so guests can enjoy them at their best!
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly special about sharing a platter of Mini Loaded Baked Potatoes—little bites that bring big smiles! Whether for a game day, holiday, or just a cozy Friday night, these are guaranteed to disappear in a flash. I hope you’ll fall in love with this recipe as much as we have. Don’t be surprised if you start making them for every occasion—you’ll always be the star of the snack table!
Print
Mini Loaded Baked Potatoes Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Appetizer, Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These mini loaded baked potatoes are a delightful appetizer or side dish, perfect for any gathering. Creamy sour cream, sharp cheddar cheese, crispy bacon bits, and fresh chives top tender baby potatoes for a burst of flavor in every bite.
Ingredients
Baby Potatoes:
- 1–1.5 pounds Baby potatoes
Seasoning:
- 2 Tbs Olive oil
- Salt (to taste)
Toppings:
- 1/4–1/2 cup Cheddar cheese, hand shredded
- 1/4 cup Sour cream
- 1/4 cup Bacon bits
- 1 Tbs Chives
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400°F: Get the oven ready for baking.
- Prepare the Potatoes: Clean, dry, and season the potatoes with olive oil and salt.
- Bake: Roast the potatoes until fork-tender.
- Hollow out the Potatoes: Create a cavity in each potato and fill with cheese.
- Add Toppings: Sprinkle with bacon bits and chives.
- Serve: Enjoy these mini loaded baked potatoes!
Notes
- You can customize the toppings with your favorite ingredients like jalapenos or diced tomatoes.
- For a vegetarian option, skip the bacon bits or use vegetarian bacon.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 potato
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 350mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 8g
- Cholesterol: 25mg
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