If you love everything about loaded baked potatoes — crispy skins, melty cheese, and savory toppings — then you’re going to adore these Crispy Loaded Hasselback Potato Bites. This fun twist on the classic potato dish turns humble spuds into golden, cheesy, bite-sized appetizers that are perfect for parties, game days, or family dinners. Each little potato is sliced accordion-style, roasted until crisp, stuffed with melted cheese, and finished with light sour cream, bacon, and green onions. They’re irresistibly crispy on the outside and tender on the inside — the perfect combination of flavor and texture!
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love These Crispy Loaded Hasselback Potato Bites
- Fun and shareable: These mini potatoes are an instant crowd-pleaser and make great finger food.
- Easy to make: Just slice, bake, stuff, and top — simple ingredients, big flavor.
- Customizable: Swap toppings to suit your diet — vegetarian, dairy-free, or pork-free versions are all delicious.
- Perfect texture: Crispy edges, creamy centers, and gooey melted cheese in every bite.
- Versatile: Serve them as an appetizer, side dish, or game-day snack.
Ingredients for Crispy Loaded Hasselback Potato Bites
Main Ingredients
- 1 lb small potatoes (about 2″ across, red or Yukon work perfectly)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Kosher salt, to taste
- Sliced cheese, cut into small squares (Colby Jack, cheddar, or your favorite)
For the Toppings
- Light sour cream
- Cooked bacon, chopped
- Sliced green onions
Crispy Loaded Hasselback Potato Bites
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
Description
Mini Hasselback potatoes baked until crispy and golden, stuffed with melted cheese, and topped with sour cream, bacon, and green onions for the ultimate loaded potato bite.
Ingredients
- 1 lb small potatoes (about 2 inches across, red or Yukon Gold)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Kosher salt, to taste
- Sliced cheese, cut into small squares (Colby Jack, cheddar, or preferred type)
- Light sour cream
- Cooked bacon, chopped
- Sliced green onions
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with foil.
- Wash and dry potatoes. Slice thin slits across each, being careful not to cut through completely.
- Place on baking sheet, drizzle with olive oil, and sprinkle with kosher salt. Brush oil into slices for crispiness.
- Roast for 30 minutes or until tender and golden.
- Insert cheese squares between slices and bake another 5–10 minutes until melted.
- Cool slightly, then top each potato with sour cream, bacon, and green onions. Serve warm.
Notes
Use small, uniform potatoes for even cooking. Brush oil between slices for perfect crispiness. Add toppings just before serving. Can be made vegetarian or dairy-free with simple swaps.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: American
Ingredient Notes & Healthy Substitutions
- Potatoes: Baby Yukon Golds or red potatoes hold their shape well and get beautifully crispy edges. If you can’t find small ones, cut larger potatoes in half.
- Cheese: Colby Jack gives a mild, creamy flavor, but cheddar, Monterey Jack, or pepper jack add a nice punch. For a healthier option, use reduced-fat cheese or a dairy-free alternative.
- Bacon substitutes: Smoked turkey bacon or crispy sautéed mushrooms make great pork-free options. For a vegetarian twist, sprinkle on smoked paprika for that same savory flavor.
- Sour cream alternatives: Use plain Greek yogurt, plant-based sour cream, or cashew cream for a lighter touch.
- Oil: Olive oil gives the potatoes a rich crispness, but avocado oil also works beautifully.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1 – Prepare and Slice the Potatoes
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a large baking sheet with aluminum foil for easy cleanup.
Wash and dry the small potatoes thoroughly. Using a sharp knife, make several thin, even cuts across each potato, being careful not to slice all the way through — you want the slices to stay connected at the base. A handy trick is to place the potato between two wooden spoons or chopsticks to prevent cutting all the way down.
Step 2 – Season and Roast
Arrange the sliced potatoes on the baking sheet. Drizzle them generously with olive oil and sprinkle with kosher salt. Use your fingers or a brush to work some oil into the slits for extra crispiness.
Roast in the preheated oven for 30 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender and the edges start to turn golden and crispy.
Step 3 – Add Cheese and Melt
Remove the tray from the oven. Gently insert small squares of cheese between some of the slices in each potato. Return to the oven for another 5–10 minutes, just until the cheese melts and becomes bubbly.
Step 4 – Add Toppings and Serve
Let the potatoes cool slightly for about 10 minutes — this helps the cheese set a bit. Then top each bite with a small dollop of light sour cream, a sprinkle of chopped bacon, and sliced green onions.
Serve them warm or at room temperature and watch them disappear fast!
Pro Tips for Success
- Use uniform-sized potatoes so they cook evenly.
- Don’t overcut! Stop slicing just before you reach the bottom to keep the potato intact.
- Brush oil into the slices to help each layer crisp beautifully.
- Use a cooling rack on your baking sheet for even air circulation and extra crispness.
- Let them cool slightly before topping so the sour cream doesn’t melt away.
- Double the batch if you’re serving a crowd — they’ll go fast!
Flavor Variations
- Cheesy Ranch Bites: Add a sprinkle of ranch seasoning before baking and top with shredded cheddar.
- Spicy Jalapeño Kick: Mix diced jalapeños into the cheese layer and finish with a drizzle of hot sauce.
- Loaded BBQ Style: Replace sour cream with BBQ sauce and add shredded chicken instead of bacon.
- Mediterranean Twist: Use feta cheese, diced tomatoes, and a drizzle of tzatziki.
- Breakfast Version: Top with scrambled eggs, turkey bacon, and a sprinkle of chives.
Serving Suggestions
- Appetizer: Serve on a platter with extra sour cream or dipping sauces like ranch, chipotle mayo, or garlic aioli.
- Side Dish: Pair with grilled chicken, steak, or burgers for a hearty, flavorful side.
- Party Snack: Perfect for game nights, potlucks, or holidays — they stay tasty even at room temperature.
- Meal Prep: Store and reheat for a quick snack during the week.
Storage and Freezing Instructions
- Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Reheat: Place on a baking sheet and warm in a 375°F oven for about 10 minutes to crisp back up.
- Freeze: You can freeze baked (but untopped) potatoes in a freezer bag for up to 2 months. Reheat directly from frozen at 400°F for 15–20 minutes, then add toppings fresh.
Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | ~165 kcal |
| Protein | 5 g |
| Carbohydrates | 18 g |
| Fat | 8 g |
| Fiber | 2 g |
| Sodium | 260 mg |
(Estimated values for one serving, depending on cheese and toppings used.)
FAQ About Crispy Loaded Hasselback Potato Bites
What type of potatoes work best for this recipe?
Small red potatoes or baby Yukon Golds are perfect because they hold their shape and crisp nicely. Avoid russets — they can crumble when sliced this thin.
Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes! You can roast and stuff the potatoes with cheese in advance. When ready to serve, reheat in the oven for 10 minutes and add the fresh toppings right before serving.
Can I make them vegetarian or dairy-free?
Absolutely. Use vegan cheese and plant-based sour cream, and skip the bacon or replace it with smoky sautéed mushrooms or crispy tempeh bits.
Do I need special tools to slice the potatoes evenly?
A sharp paring knife works fine. To make slicing easier, place the potato between two chopsticks — this prevents cutting all the way through and keeps your slices even.
What can I serve with these potato bites?
They pair wonderfully with grilled meats, roasted vegetables, or party dips. Try them with a side of tangy yogurt sauce, ranch dip, or classic ketchup for extra flavor.
Final Thoughts
These Crispy Loaded Hasselback Potato Bites combine everything we love about loaded baked potatoes into one irresistible, bite-sized package. They’re crispy, cheesy, flavorful, and endlessly customizable. Whether you’re entertaining guests or just looking for a fun side dish, this recipe delivers big taste with minimal effort — and guaranteed smiles all around.
So next time you’re craving comfort food with a twist, grab a bag of baby potatoes and make this simple yet show-stopping dish. You’ll be amazed at how something so small can pack so much flavor!