Loaded Baked Potato Rounds

Loaded baked potato rounds are an absolute crowd-pleaser in my household. I first made them for a family gathering, and it was love at first bite. My family couldn’t stop raving about how these crispy, cheesy potato rounds hit the spot with their perfect balance of savory toppings and buttery potatoes. Now, they’ve become a staple at every game night, holiday feast, or even as a quick snack on lazy weekends. What’s great is that they’re easy to prepare, customizable, and the kind of comfort food that keeps everyone coming back for more. So, let’s dive into how to make this irresistible snack at home, step by step.

Ingredients

To make these delicious loaded baked potato rounds, you’ll need the following ingredients:

• 4 large russet potatoes, scrubbed and sliced into 1/4-inch rounds
• 2 tablespoons olive oil (or melted butter)
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional, for extra flavor)
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (or a mix of your favorite cheeses)
• 6 slices turkey bacon, cooked and crumbled
• 1/2 cup chicken ham, diced
• 1/2 cup sour cream
• 1/4 cup green onions, sliced thin
• 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
• 1/2 cup diced tomatoes (optional)
• 1/2 cup pickled jalapeños (optional for heat)

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Potatoes

Begin by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). As the oven heats, take your washed potatoes and slice them into even rounds, about 1/4 inch thick. You want them to cook evenly, so keeping them uniform is key. Once sliced, place the rounds in a large bowl and toss them with olive oil (or melted butter), salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and smoked paprika. Make sure each piece is well coated in the seasoning. This simple seasoning brings out the best in the potatoes and complements the toppings beautifully.

After seasoning, arrange the potato rounds in a single layer on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Don’t overcrowd the pan; you might need two baking sheets to ensure each potato has enough space to get crispy. Pop the tray into the preheated oven and bake for about 20 minutes. At the halfway point, flip the rounds to make sure they crisp up evenly on both sides. They should be golden brown and tender when you take them out.

Step 2: Prepare the Toppings

While your potato rounds are baking, it’s time to prepare the toppings. Cook your turkey bacon in a skillet over medium heat until it’s crispy, then set it aside to cool slightly before crumbling it into small pieces. Dice your chicken ham into small cubes. For extra flavor, you can quickly sauté the chicken ham in the same skillet where you cooked the turkey bacon to give it a little added texture and color.

Next, shred your cheddar cheese and set it aside in a bowl. Make sure you have all your toppings, like sour cream, green onions, diced tomatoes, pickled jalapeños, and parsley prepped and ready to go. Once the potatoes come out of the oven, you’ll need to work quickly, so having everything prepped in advance makes the process smoother and more enjoyable.

Step 3: Load the Potatoes and Bake Again

Once your potato rounds are golden and crisp, it’s time for the fun part: loading them up with all those delicious toppings! Remove the baking sheets from the oven and sprinkle a generous amount of shredded cheddar cheese over each potato slice. Then, sprinkle the crumbled turkey bacon and diced chicken ham evenly across the tops.

Pop the baking sheets back into the oven for another 5-7 minutes, just until the cheese has melted and become gooey and bubbly. The warm, melted cheese will fuse with the crispy bacon and savory chicken ham, creating a heavenly combination of flavors.

Step 4: Garnish and Serve

Now that your loaded potato rounds are topped and melted to perfection, carefully remove them from the oven. Allow them to cool for just a minute or two. Then, dollop each potato round with a little spoonful of sour cream, and sprinkle the chopped green onions and parsley over the top. For those who like a little extra heat, add some diced tomatoes and pickled jalapeños to bring an extra burst of flavor.

Transfer the loaded baked potato rounds to a serving platter, and they’re ready to enjoy! Trust me, these little bites of goodness disappear fast, so be prepared for everyone to dive in the second they hit the table.

Nutrition Facts

• Servings: 6-8 (depending on potato size)
• Calories per serving: Approximately 250 calories per serving

These values will vary based on the exact portion sizes and topping quantities you use.

Preparation Time

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: 50 minutes

How to Serve

There are endless ways to serve loaded baked potato rounds, depending on the occasion or personal preferences. Here are some ideas to consider:

• As a Party Appetizer: Set them on a platter and let guests help themselves.
• As a Side Dish: Pair them with grilled chicken, steak, or beef burgers for a hearty side.
• As a Game-Day Snack: Perfect for munching on during game nights with friends or family.
• With Dips: Offer some additional dips on the side, such as ranch, salsa, or guacamole.
• As a Topping Bar: Set up a toppings bar so people can customize their potato rounds with various extras like salsa, avocado, or even BBQ sauce.

Additional Tips

1. Keep the Slices Uniform: To ensure even cooking, make sure the potato slices are all about the same thickness. A mandoline slicer can help with this.
2. Use Different Cheeses: Don’t feel limited to cheddar. You can experiment with other cheeses like mozzarella, gouda, or pepper jack for different flavor profiles.
3. Make-Ahead Tip: You can pre-bake the potato rounds the day before your event and store them in the fridge. When you’re ready to serve, simply add the toppings and bake for the second time.
4. Season the Potatoes Well: Be generous with the seasoning before baking. Potatoes need plenty of seasoning to really shine, so don’t skip on the salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
5. Keep It Crispy: After baking, let the potato rounds cool for a minute before adding toppings to ensure they stay crispy. Adding toppings to steaming hot potatoes can sometimes soften them too much.

Recipe Variations

One of the best things about this recipe is how adaptable it is. Here are some fun variations to try:

• Vegetarian Loaded Potato Rounds: Skip the turkey bacon and chicken ham, and instead, load up on sautéed mushrooms, grilled bell peppers, or black beans for a meatless option.
• Mexican-Inspired: Swap out the cheddar cheese for queso fresco, and add toppings like diced avocado, salsa, and cilantro for a Mexican twist.
• BBQ Style: Use shredded beef instead of chicken ham and drizzle a little BBQ sauce over the top before serving for a sweet and smoky flavor.
• Buffalo Chicken Rounds: Shred some cooked chicken breast, toss it in buffalo sauce, and sprinkle it over the potato rounds with blue cheese crumbles for a spicy twist.
• Loaded Sweet Potatoes: For a healthier take, use sweet potatoes instead of russet potatoes. The natural sweetness of the sweet potatoes pairs beautifully with savory toppings like turkey bacon and cheese.

Health Benefits Notes

While these loaded baked potato rounds are definitely a treat, they also have a few health perks, especially if you make mindful ingredient choices:

• Potatoes are a good source of vitamin C, potassium, and fiber, especially when you leave the skin on.
• Turkey Bacon is a leaner option compared to traditional pork bacon, offering less fat and fewer calories while still delivering that savory, smoky flavor.
• Chicken Ham offers a protein boost and can be lower in fat than traditional ham.
• Cheddar Cheese provides calcium and protein, though it’s good to enjoy in moderation due to its higher fat content.
• Green Onions and Parsley add a burst of fresh flavor and offer vitamins A, C, and K.

Serving Suggestions

• Pair with a Fresh Salad: Serve alongside a crisp green salad to balance out the richness of the potato rounds.
• Serve with Soup: These rounds would pair beautifully with a hearty soup like tomato bisque or beef chili.
• Make it a Platter: For a more indulgent spread, serve the loaded baked potato rounds with a charcuterie board full of meats, cheeses, and fruits.

Freezing and Storage

• Refrigerating: Store any leftover potato rounds in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When ready to eat, reheat them in the oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes to regain their crispiness.
• Freezing: You can freeze baked potato rounds after the first bake (before adding toppings). Let them cool completely, place them on a baking sheet in a single layer, and freeze until solid. Transfer them to a freezer-safe container or bag for up to 2 months. To serve, thaw in the fridge overnight, add toppings, and bake as directed.

Special Equipment

• Mandoline Slicer: This is helpful for slicing the potatoes evenly, but if you don’t have one, a sharp knife will do.
• Baking Sheets: Two large baking sheets will help ensure all your potato rounds cook evenly and have enough room to crisp up.
• Parchment Paper: Lining your baking sheets with parchment paper prevents the potatoes from sticking and makes cleanup easier.

FAQ Section

1. Can I make these potato rounds ahead of time?
   Yes, you can pre-bake the potato rounds a day in advance and store them in the fridge. Add the toppings and do the second bake right before serving.
2. What’s the best way to reheat them?
   Reheat them in the oven at 350°F for 10 minutes. Avoid microwaving, as it can make the potatoes soggy.
3. Can I use sweet potatoes instead?
   Absolutely! Sweet potatoes work just as well and offer a different flavor profile. They also provide extra fiber and vitamins.
4. How can I make them spicier?
   Add pickled jalapeños, drizzle some hot sauce, or use pepper jack cheese to kick up the heat.
5. Can I skip the cheese to make it dairy-free?
   Yes, you can skip the cheese or use a dairy-free alternative. Toppings like turkey bacon, salsa, and avocado are still delicious without the cheese.
6. Can I use another type of potato?
   Yes, Yukon gold or red potatoes can also work, though the texture may be slightly different.
7. Can I use regular bacon instead of turkey bacon?
   If you prefer, you can use regular bacon, but turkey bacon is a leaner alternative with less fat and fewer calories.
8. What other toppings can I add?
   Try avocado, grilled veggies, black olives, or even a drizzle of ranch or BBQ sauce for a fun twist.
9. Do I need to peel the potatoes?
   No, it’s not necessary to peel the potatoes. Keeping the skins on adds extra fiber and nutrition.
10. Can I freeze leftovers?
    You can freeze the baked potato rounds without toppings for up to 2 months. Add the toppings after thawing and reheating them in the oven.

Loaded baked potato rounds are the perfect combination of crispy, cheesy, and savory flavors. With the right toppings and tips, they’re sure to be a hit with your family and friends!er you’re serving them as an appetizer, side dish, or snack, they’re sure to impress!

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