Baked Potato Slices
These Baked Potato Slices are a delicious and versatile dish that fits perfectly for any occasion, from game day snacks to casual get-togethers. With their crispy edges, warm and soft interiors, and toppings like melted cheese and crispy bacon, these slices will surely delight everyone. They’re easy to prepare and are an excellent choice for picky eaters or gatherings.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Crispy Texture: The baking method creates a wonderful crispiness on the outside while keeping the inside fluffy.
- Flavorful Toppings: Topped with melted cheddar cheese, smoked bacon, and Italian seasoning, every bite is packed with flavor.
- Versatile Dish: Perfect as an appetizer, side dish, or snack for parties and gatherings.
- Easy to Make: With simple steps and common ingredients, this recipe is accessible for cooks of all levels.
- Customizable: Feel free to add your favorite toppings or spices to make it your own!
Tools and Preparation
To achieve the best results with these baked potato slices, having the right tools can make all the difference. Here’s what you’ll need:
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Essential Tools and Equipment
- Baking sheet
- Pastry brush
- Kitchen tongs
- Knife
- Cutting board
Importance of Each Tool
- Baking sheet: Provides a sturdy surface for even cooking of the potato slices.
- Pastry brush: Helps in evenly coating the potato slices with oil or drippings for enhanced flavor and texture.
- Kitchen tongs: Essential for flipping bacon and potatoes without mess.
Ingredients
These baked potato slices are topped with melted cheese, crispy bacon, Italian seasoning, and served with sour cream for dipping! Crispy on the outside, warm and soft on the inside!
For the Baked Potato Slices
- 3 russet potatoes (Scrubbed clean)
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil (Canola or Olive Oil work as well)
- Salt/Pepper (to taste)
For Toppings
- 2.5 cups cheddar cheese (shredded)
- 6 slices bacon (uncooked)
- 1 Tablespoon Italian Seasoning
- 2 green onions (diced)
How to Make Baked Potato Slices
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 375 degrees. Take out the bacon and set it aside for 5 minutes; this helps make it crispier during cooking.
Step 2: Prepare the Potatoes
Cut the potatoes into approximately 1/2-inch slices. Use a pastry brush to lightly coat the tops with oil. Flip each slice over and repeat the process. Season both sides with salt and pepper.
Step 3: Bake Initial Layer
Place the potato slices on a baking sheet in the oven. Bake them for about 25 minutes until they start to soften.
Step 4: Cook the Bacon
While the potatoes are baking, cook the bacon over low heat. Use kitchen tongs to flip them periodically until they are crispy. Once cooked, set them aside but keep some of the bacon drippings in the pan.
Step 5: Brush with Drippings
Remove the baked potato slices from the oven. Lightly brush them with bacon drippings on one side. Flip them over and repeat. Return them to bake for another 10 minutes.
Step 6: Add Cheese and Bacon
Lower your oven temperature to 350 degrees. Top each potato slice generously with grated cheese and crumbled bacon pieces. Place back in the oven until melted—about 5 minutes.
Step 7: Final Touches
Once removed from the oven, sprinkle Italian seasoning over each slice and top with diced green onions. Serve hot with sour cream on the side for dipping! Enjoy your flavorful Baked Potato Slices!
How to Serve Baked Potato Slices
Baked potato slices are a delightful appetizer that pairs well with various toppings and dips. Here are some creative serving suggestions to enhance your meal.
Classic Sour Cream Dip
- Sour cream: A traditional companion, sour cream adds a creamy texture and tangy flavor.
- Chives: Sprinkle fresh chives on the sour cream for an extra burst of flavor.
Spicy Salsa
- Fresh salsa: A zesty, fresh salsa can add a kick to your baked potato slices.
- Guacamole: Creamy guacamole complements the crispy texture beautifully.
Cheese Sauce
- Cheddar cheese sauce: Drizzle warm cheddar cheese sauce over the slices for a cheesy indulgence.
- Jalapeños: Add sliced jalapeños on top of the cheese for heat.
Homemade Ranch Dressing
- Ranch dressing: This classic dressing offers a herby flavor that pairs perfectly with potatoes.
- Crumbled feta: Add crumbled feta for a Mediterranean twist.
Barbecue Sauce
- Sweet barbecue sauce: A drizzle of sweet barbecue sauce gives a smoky flavor that enhances the taste.
- Pickled onions: Top with pickled onions for an added crunch and acidity.
How to Perfect Baked Potato Slices
To achieve the best baked potato slices, consider these tips that will elevate your dish.
- Choose the right potatoes: Use russet potatoes for their perfect balance of fluffiness and crispness when baked.
- Don’t skimp on oil: A light coat of oil helps achieve that desired crispy exterior.
- Bake in a single layer: Ensure the potato slices are spread out evenly on the baking sheet to promote even cooking.
- Adjust cooking time based on thickness: Thicker slices may require additional baking time, so keep an eye on them to avoid burning.
- Experiment with seasonings: Feel free to try different spices or herbs beyond Italian seasoning to customize your flavor profile.
- Serve immediately: These baked potato slices are best enjoyed hot and fresh from the oven!
Best Side Dishes for Baked Potato Slices
Baked potato slices make an excellent appetizer, but they also pair well with several side dishes. Consider these options for a complete meal.
- Grilled Chicken Salad: A refreshing salad with grilled chicken, mixed greens, and vinaigrette complements the richness of the potato slices.
- Coleslaw: The crunchiness of coleslaw adds contrast and freshness, making it an ideal pairing.
- Garlic Bread: Crispy garlic bread offers additional carbs and flavors that work well together.
- Buffalo Wings: Spicy buffalo wings create a fun finger food combination that’s perfect for gatherings or game days.
- Vegetable Platter: A colorful vegetable platter with dip provides a healthy balance alongside rich baked potato slices.
- Macaroni and Cheese: This creamy comfort food is always a hit and pairs wonderfully with crispy appetizers.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Even the best recipes can be derailed by small mistakes. Here are common pitfalls to watch out for when making baked potato slices.
- Skipping the Scrub: Not cleaning the potatoes can lead to grit and dirt on your finished dish. Always scrub your russet potatoes well before slicing.
- Overcrowding the Baking Sheet: If you place too many slices on one sheet, they will steam instead of crisp up. Space them out to allow air circulation for that perfect crunch.
- Ignoring Seasoning: Under-seasoned potato slices can taste bland. Don’t forget to season both sides with salt and pepper for maximum flavor.
- Neglecting Bacon Crispiness: Cooking bacon at too high a heat can make it chewy instead of crispy. Cook it slowly over low heat for the best results.
- Not Monitoring Cheese Melting: Leaving cheese in the oven too long can burn it. Keep an eye on it; just a few minutes is all you need for a gooey finish.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store baked potato slices in an airtight container.
- They will last up to 3 days in the refrigerator.
Freezing Baked Potato Slices
- Place cooled slices in a single layer on a baking sheet.
- Freeze them for about 2 hours before transferring to a freezer-safe bag; they can last up to 2 months.
Reheating Baked Potato Slices
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and bake for about 10 minutes until heated through.
- Microwave: Heat on medium power for about 1-2 minutes, checking frequently to avoid sogginess.
- Stovetop: Reheat in a skillet over low heat, flipping occasionally until warmed through.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some commonly asked questions regarding baked potato slices.
Can I use other types of potatoes?
Yes, while russet potatoes are ideal for their starchy texture, you can experiment with Yukon Gold or red potatoes for different flavors.
How do I enhance the flavor of Baked Potato Slices?
Consider adding spices like paprika or garlic powder along with Italian seasoning for extra flavor.
Can I make these Baked Potato Slices ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the slices and bake them without toppings beforehand, then add cheese and bacon before serving.
What dips pair well with Baked Potato Slices?
Sour cream is classic, but consider ranch dressing, guacamole, or even a spicy aioli for additional flavor options.
Final Thoughts
These baked potato slices are not only delicious but also incredibly versatile. You can customize them with different toppings or seasonings based on your preferences. Perfect as an appetizer or a game-day snack, we encourage you to try this recipe and make it your own!
Baked Potato Slices
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: Serves approximately four people 1x
Description
Baked Potato Slices are the perfect blend of crispy and creamy, making them a hit for any occasion. These delightful potato treats feature golden edges with a fluffy interior, all topped with melted cheese, crispy bacon, and Italian seasoning. Whether you’re hosting a game day party or enjoying a cozy night in, these versatile slices can be served as appetizers or snacks that everyone will love. They are easy to whip up and customizable with your favorite toppings, ensuring that each bite is bursting with flavor. Pair them with sour cream or your choice of dip for an irresistible snack experience!
Ingredients
- 3 russet potatoes
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2.5 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 6 slices uncooked bacon
- 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
- Optional: green onions for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F.
- Slice the scrubbed potatoes into 1/2-inch thick rounds and coat with oil, salt, and pepper.
- Bake the potato slices for 25 minutes until softened.
- Cook bacon over low heat until crispy; reserve drippings.
- Brush potato slices with bacon drippings, flip, and bake for another 10 minutes.
- Top each slice with cheese and crumbled bacon; lower oven to 350°F and bake until cheese melts (about 5 minutes).
- Finish with Italian seasoning and green onions before serving hot.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 3 slices (120g)
- Calories: 290
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 640mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 29g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 8g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
