Description

These Loaded Mini Baked Potatoes are a delightful appetizer or side dish featuring tender baby potatoes baked to perfection, then topped with creamy sour cream, crispy bacon bits, and fresh chives. Perfectly seasoned and easy to prepare, they offer a comforting and flavorful bite for any occasion.

Ingredients

Scale

Potatoes

1 pound baby potatoes
1 tablespoon olive oil
½ teaspoon kosher salt

Toppings

¼ cup sour cream
¼ cup bacon bits (or 2 slices cooked bacon, finely chopped)
2 tablespoons chives (finely chopped)

Instructions

Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit to ensure it’s ready for baking the potatoes.
Prepare Potatoes: Place the baby potatoes in a mixing bowl and add 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Toss well to coat each potato evenly with the oil.
Season Potatoes: Spread the coated potatoes on a baking sheet and sprinkle with ½ teaspoon kosher salt. Toss or mix gently on the sheet to ensure even seasoning.
Bake Potatoes: Bake the potatoes in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes or until they are fork-tender and cooked through. Halfway through baking, shake the pan to turn the potatoes for even browning.
Cook Bacon (if using fresh): While the potatoes bake, cook 2 slices of bacon in a skillet over medium heat until crispy. Once cooked, chop finely into bits and set aside.
Cool & Prepare for Filling: Remove the baked potatoes from the oven and let them cool for 5 minutes. Using a paring knife, cut a small wedge out of each potato to create a cavity for the toppings.
Assemble Loaded Potatoes: Fill each potato cavity with a small spoonful of sour cream. Top generously with bacon bits and sprinkle with finely chopped chives for a fresh finish.

Notes

You can substitute bacon bits with vegetarian bacon alternatives to make it vegetarian-friendly.
Fresh chives add a mild onion flavor; green onions can also be used as a substitute.
For a richer dish, add shredded cheddar cheese on top before adding sour cream and bacon bits.
Ensure potatoes are fork-tender before removing from the oven for the best texture.
Adjust salt quantity to your taste preference or dietary needs.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 35 minutes
Category: Side Dish
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

Keywords: mini baked potatoes, loaded potatoes, baby potatoes, sour cream, bacon bits, chives, appetizer, side dish, easy potato recipe