Irresistible Bacon Cheese Bites

Turn those basic potatoes into something seriously crave-worthy. You get crunchy golden edges, hot gooey cheese, and loads of bacon flavor all in each bite. It’s the kind of comfort food people want seconds (and thirds) of, whether you serve it as a snack or a side.

When I put these potato rounds out for game day, they were gone before halftime. Ever since, everyone asks me to make them anytime we get together, especially when it’s chilly out and we want something cheesy and hot.

Tasty Ingredients

• Green onions add a pop of fresh flavor that wakes everything up and helps balance all the richness
• Bacon brings that delicious smoky crunch look for slices that are thick to make every bite satisfying
• Cheddar cheese melts perfectly and tastes bold use an extra sharp variety if you want lots of flavor
• Butter helps your potatoes turn that beautiful shade of golden and gives a rich finish
• Baking potatoes hold their shape, get crispy on the outside, and stay fluffy inside

Simple Steps to Make It

Final melt

Slide your sheet back into the oven just long enough for the cheese to bubble up and melt all over about 3 to 5 minutes. Keep an eye on things so nothing burns.

Add toppings

As soon as those potatoes come out hot, shower them with lots of cheese. Then follow with a generous sprinkle of chopped bacon and plenty of sliced green onions.

First bake

Bake the rounds for 15 to 20 minutes, then flip them over and give them another 15 to 20 to get golden with crispy edges and be fork-tender.

Season and arrange

Brush both sides and even the edges really well with melted butter. Lay the slices in one layer on parchment paper with just a touch of space so they don’t stick together.

Prepare the potatoes

Slice each potato into even half inch thick rounds so everything cooks at the same time. Rinse and dry them super thoroughly so they get really crispy.

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Bacon is a huge reason these rounds are a hit. When you make it extra crispy before crumbling it on top, every bite pops against the soft cheese and fluffy potatoes. My family even argues over who gets the pieces with the most bacon—no leftovers ever.

Make-Ahead Time Savers

Want to prep in advance? You can slice your potatoes the day before, drop them in a bowl of cold water, and stash them in the fridge. Make sure you pat them totally dry before cooking. Bacon and green onions can also get chopped a day early. Just keep everything separate and airtight until it's time to cook.

Switch It Up

If you’re in the mood for something spicy, swap in pepper jack cheese and throw on some jalapeños. You could go with feta, olives, and dry oregano for a fresh Mediterranean feel. Add eggs to make them breakfast-worthy, or if you skip the bacon just pile on veggies like cooked mushrooms or red peppers.

How to Serve

Toss them next to grilled steak or chicken for a full meal, or put them out with a cool dip like chive sour cream or spicy aioli for a crowd-pleasing starter. Want to get creative? Spread marinara under the cheese for mini pizzas. Arranging the rounds from biggest to smallest on a platter makes things look even fancier for parties.

Keeping and Reheating

You can hold onto leftovers for a few days in a sealed container in your fridge. Pop them back on a baking pan in your oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes so they crisp up again and the cheese gets gooey. Try to skip the microwave—makes them soft instead of crispy. Don’t freeze them—they don’t hold up well in the freezer.

Common Queries

→ Can I swap out the cheese?

Of course! Try something like Gouda, Monterey Jack, or add a kick with a peppery cheese. It's up to you!

→ Is it okay to prep these in advance?

Sure thing! Bake the potatoes first and refrigerate them. When you're ready, just toss on the toppings and finish in the oven.

→ How do I make it vegetarian-friendly?

Skip the bacon and try veggie-friendly substitutes like smoked paprika or store-bought bacon bits made for vegetarians.

→ What dips go well with these?

Pair them with sour cream, barbecue sauce, ranch, or anything you love for dipping!

→ How do I make the potatoes extra crunchy?

Slice them evenly, brush both sides generously with butter, and don't forget to give them room on the baking tray. That'll do the trick.