Cheesy Bacon Potato Rounds Recipe
If you’re ready to wow your family or friends with a snack that delivers crispy, cheesy, and smoky flavors all in one bite, you’ve got to try this Cheesy Bacon Potato Rounds Recipe. These golden potato slices layered with a perfect blend of cheddar and Monterey jack cheese, topped with savory crumbled bacon and a hint of garlic salt, make for an irresistible treat that’s as easy to make as it is to devour. Whether you’re serving them as a party appetizer or a fun side dish, these potato rounds bring comfort and delight with every crispy, melty mouthful.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Keeping the ingredients simple is key to letting the natural flavors shine through in this Cheesy Bacon Potato Rounds Recipe. Each component plays a crucial role: the red potatoes provide a firm yet tender base, bacon adds smoky richness, and the cheeses create that luscious gooey topping you can’t resist.
- 4 medium red potatoes: Choose firm potatoes with smooth skin for easy slicing and even cooking.
- 1 tablespoon butter, melted: Adds a rich buttery flavor and helps the potatoes brown nicely.
- Garlic salt with parsley flakes: Brings a savory punch and a touch of herby freshness.
- 5 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled: Provides smoky crunch that pairs perfectly with the cheese.
- ½ cup shredded Monterey jack cheese: Offers a mild, creamy melt that blends beautifully with cheddar.
- ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese: Delivers sharp flavor and a gooey, golden crust.
- Sour cream, for dipping: Adds a cool, tangy contrast that complements the warm potato rounds.
How to Make Cheesy Bacon Potato Rounds Recipe
Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Potatoes
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F to get it perfectly warm for baking. While waiting, wash your red potatoes thoroughly. Slice them into thin rounds about ¼ inch thick—this thickness helps them cook evenly and get that satisfying crisp edge.
Step 2: Parboil the Potato Slices
Place the potato rounds into a pot of boiling water and cook for 3 to 4 minutes. This quick parboil softens the potatoes just enough so they’ll cook to tender perfection in the oven, without losing their shape or texture. Once done, drain them well and pat dry to ensure they crisp up properly.
Step 3: Prepare the Baking Pan
Line a baking pan with foil and give it a good spray of cooking oil. This step prevents sticking and makes cleanup super easy. Arrange the dried potato rounds in a single layer on the pan. Then, brush them lightly with melted butter to lock in flavor and encourage beautiful browning in the oven.
Step 4: Add the Flavor Party
Sprinkle the potato slices generously with garlic salt mixed with parsley flakes to season every bite. Follow up with your shredded Monterey jack and cheddar cheeses for that perfect combo of creamy and sharp. Finally, scatter the crumbled bacon pieces on top for bursts of smoky, crispy goodness.
Step 5: Bake to Crispy, Cheesy Perfection
Slide the pan into the preheated oven and bake for 16 to 18 minutes. During this time, the cheese melts, bubbles, and browns slightly while the potatoes become tender on the inside and perfectly crispy on the edges. When they’re done, serve these irresistible Cheesy Bacon Potato Rounds hot and fresh with a side of sour cream for dipping.
How to Serve Cheesy Bacon Potato Rounds Recipe
Garnishes
Sprinkle chopped fresh chives or green onions on top for a fresh pop of color and subtle onion flavor. A light drizzle of ranch dressing or a dollop of guacamole can also add a creamy, flavorful twist to your potato rounds.
Side Dishes
Pair these Cheesy Bacon Potato Rounds with a crisp garden salad or steamed vegetables to balance the richness. They are also fantastic alongside grilled meats or as part of a brunch spread with eggs and fresh fruit.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun party option, serve the potato rounds on a large platter with mini forks or toothpicks for easy sharing. You can also layer them in a casserole dish, add extra cheese between layers, and turn it into a delicious cheesy potato bake.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Place leftover Cheesy Bacon Potato Rounds in an airtight container and refrigerate. They will stay fresh for up to 3 days, making it easy to enjoy this tasty treat even after your initial gathering.
Freezing
If you want to save them for longer, freeze the cooked potato rounds on a baking sheet first, then transfer them to a freezer-safe container or bag. They freeze well for up to 2 months and can be baked straight from frozen.
Reheating
To reheat, pop the potato rounds in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes or until heated through and crispy again. Avoid microwaving to keep that delicious crisp texture intact.
FAQs
Can I use other types of potatoes for this recipe?
While red potatoes work best here for their firm texture and thin skin, Yukon gold potatoes are another great option to try if you want a slightly creamier base with similar baking results.
Is it necessary to parboil the potatoes before baking?
Yes, parboiling helps soften the potatoes just enough to cook through evenly while allowing the rounds to crisp up beautifully in the oven without becoming too dry or tough.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
Absolutely! Simply omit the bacon and consider adding sautéed mushrooms or caramelized onions for an extra flavor boost that complements the cheeses nicely.
What’s the best cheese combination for this recipe?
The blend of Monterey jack and sharp cheddar provides a balance of creaminess and bold flavor, but feel free to experiment—mozzarella and smoked gouda can also create delicious variations.
How can I make the potato rounds extra crispy?
Make sure to pat your potato slices dry after boiling and use melted butter or oil to coat them. Baking them spaced out on the pan so they don’t touch helps air circulate for maximum crispness.
Final Thoughts
There’s nothing quite like sharing a plate of warm, cheesy, bacon-topped potato slices straight from the oven, and this Cheesy Bacon Potato Rounds Recipe makes that easy to do. It’s a crowd-pleaser through and through, perfect for any occasion when you want something comforting yet impressive. So grab your potatoes, get cooking, and prepare to watch these tasty rounds disappear in no time!
Print
Cheesy Bacon Potato Rounds Recipe
- Total Time: 28 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Description
Crispy and flavorful Potato Rounds baked with melted butter, garlic salt, cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses, and topped with savory bacon bits. These bite-sized potato slices make a perfect appetizer or side dish, served warm with a dollop of sour cream for dipping.
Ingredients
Potatoes
- 4 medium red potatoes
Butter and Seasoning
- 1 tablespoon butter, melted
- Garlic salt with parsley flakes, to taste
Toppings
- 5 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
- ½ cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
- ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese
For Serving
- Sour cream, for dipping
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F to ensure it is at the perfect temperature for baking the potato rounds evenly.
- Prepare the Potatoes: Wash the red potatoes thoroughly, then slice them into thin rounds about ¼-inch thick to ensure they cook evenly and become tender.
- Parboil the Potatoes: Place the potato slices into a pot of boiling water and cook for 3-4 minutes. This partially cooks the potatoes for a tender inside after baking. Drain the slices and pat them dry to remove excess moisture.
- Arrange on Baking Pan: Line a baking pan with foil and spray it lightly with cooking spray to prevent sticking. Lay the potato rounds flat on the pan, making sure they are in a single layer for even baking.
- Brush with Butter and Season: Lightly brush the potatoes with melted butter, then generously sprinkle garlic salt with parsley flakes over them for flavor.
- Add Cheese and Bacon: Evenly distribute shredded Monterey Jack and cheddar cheeses over the potato rounds, then top with the crumbled cooked bacon pieces.
- Bake: Bake the potato rounds in the preheated oven for 16-18 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the potatoes are tender and golden.
- Serve: Remove from the oven and serve warm with sour cream on the side for dipping. Enjoy your delicious potato rounds!
Notes
- Use red potatoes for their creamy texture and ability to hold shape when sliced thin.
- Parboiling helps ensure potatoes are cooked through without burning during baking.
- Feel free to customize toppings with your favorite cheeses or add green onions for extra flavor.
- For a crispier texture, you can broil the potato rounds for the last 1-2 minutes, watching closely to avoid burning.
- Sour cream adds a cool tangy contrast but can be substituted with Greek yogurt or ranch dressing if preferred.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 18 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
