If you’re craving a snack that’s crispy, cheesy, and packed with flavor, this Baked Potato Rounds Recipe is exactly what you need. Thinly sliced russet potatoes baked to golden crisp perfection, seasoned with garlic and smoked paprika, then topped with melted cheddar and crunchy bacon—every bite brings comfort and deliciousness. It’s a simple yet impressive treat that turns humble potatoes into a crowd-pleasing appetizer or side dish that feels indulgent but is easy enough to whip up on any day.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering simple, wholesome ingredients is the first joy of making this recipe. Each component plays its role in creating the perfect balance of crispiness, savoriness, and richness that makes these baked potato rounds so addictive.
- Russet potatoes: The starchy texture helps achieve that crispy exterior and fluffy interior you’re aiming for.
- Olive oil: Coats the potato slices to help them bake evenly and brown beautifully.
- Garlic powder: Adds a gentle kick of garlicky aroma without overwhelming.
- Smoked paprika: Brings a smoky depth, enhancing the overall savory profile.
- Salt: Essential for seasoning, it elevates all the flavors.
- Black pepper: A mild heat that complements the other spices perfectly.
- Shredded cheddar cheese: Melts into gooey, sharp pockets of cheesy goodness atop the rounds.
- Cooked bacon: Crumbled for a crunchy, smoky contrast in every bite.
- Green onions: Thinly sliced for a fresh, vibrant finish.
- Sour cream (optional): Its cool creaminess balances the bold spices and melted cheese beautifully.
How to Make Baked Potato Rounds Recipe
Step 1: Prep and Season the Potato Rounds
Start by scrubbing the russet potatoes clean and slicing them evenly into ¼-inch rounds. This thickness is key for getting the perfect texture—crispy on the outside, tender inside. Toss these slices in a large bowl with olive oil, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Make sure each round is well-coated so that every bite bursts with flavor.
Step 2: Bake Until Golden and Crispy
Arrange the seasoned potato rounds in a single layer on a parchment-lined baking sheet. This prevents sticking and helps with even baking. Slide the tray into a preheated 425ºF oven and bake for 20 minutes. Then, flip each potato round carefully to ensure both sides brown evenly, and bake for another 10 to 15 minutes. Keep an eye on them—the goal is a gorgeous golden-brown crispiness that makes these rounds irresistible.
Step 3: Add Cheese and Bacon Toppings
Once the potatoes are perfectly baked, remove the tray from the oven and sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese and crumbled bacon evenly over the hot rounds. Return them to the oven for about 3 to 5 minutes until the cheese melts into luscious, gooey goodness that wraps around every bite.
Step 4: Garnish and Serve
After baking, finish with a generous sprinkle of thinly sliced green onions for a pop of color and freshness. Serve these Baked Potato Rounds Recipe creations warm, either on their own or with a side dollop of sour cream for dipping.
How to Serve Baked Potato Rounds Recipe
Garnishes
Beyond the green onions, you can add a few other delightful garnishes. Fresh chopped chives or a sprinkle of paprika add even more visual appeal and flavor punch. A drizzle of hot sauce or a touch of crispy fried onions works wonders too if you like a little extra zest or crunch.
Side Dishes
This recipe shines as an appetizer, but it also pairs brilliantly with grilled meats, roasted veggies, or even a fresh garden salad. Their crispy texture contrasts beautifully with tender proteins or bright, leafy greens, making your meal well-rounded and satisfying.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the potato rounds stacked like mini towers with cheese and bacon layered between, or arrange them artfully on a platter surrounded by dips such as ranch, guacamole, or a smoky chipotle aioli. They make a fabulous party snack when arranged with toothpicks for easy picking.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftovers, keep them airtight in the fridge for up to 2 days. To preserve their crispiness, consider reheating them in the oven or air fryer instead of the microwave.
Freezing
You can freeze baked potato rounds, but for best results, freeze them before adding cheese and bacon toppings. Lay them flat on a baking sheet to freeze individually, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag. When ready, bake straight from frozen until crispy, then add toppings.
Reheating
The oven or air fryer is your best friend for reheating these potato rounds to retain or regain that crispy texture. Heat at 350ºF for 8 to 10 minutes or until warmed through and crispy again. Skip the microwave if you want to avoid sogginess.
FAQs
Can I use other types of potatoes for this recipe?
Absolutely! While russets give you that classic crispy texture, Yukon gold potatoes work wonderfully too and offer a creamier interior. Just make sure to slice them evenly for consistent baking.
Is there a vegetarian option for the bacon?
Yes, you can easily omit the bacon or swap in a vegetarian bacon alternative. You could also add extra cheese or a sprinkle of smoked paprika for an added smoky flavor without the meat.
How do I ensure the potato rounds get crispy?
Uniform slicing and coating the rounds thoroughly in olive oil are crucial. Baking them on parchment paper and flipping halfway through encourages even crisping. Avoid overcrowding the pan to allow hot air to circulate freely.
Can I prepare the potato rounds ahead of time?
You can slice and season the potatoes a few hours ahead and keep them covered in the fridge, but it’s best to bake just before serving for optimal crispness and flavor.
What are some dip options for serving with baked potato rounds?
Sour cream is classic, but you can also try ranch dressing, guacamole, spicy chipotle mayo, or even a creamy horseradish sauce to complement the rich flavors of the potatoes and cheese.
Final Thoughts
There’s something so comforting and satisfying about a well-made Baked Potato Rounds Recipe, and I can’t wait for you to try it. With minimal ingredients, straightforward steps, and a result that’s both crispy and cheesy, this dish is sure to become a favorite in your kitchen. Whether it’s a snack, side, or party appetizer, these potato rounds bring warmth and joy to any table. Give them a whirl—you won’t regret it!
Print
Baked Potato Rounds Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Crispy and flavorful baked potato rounds topped with melted cheddar cheese, crumbled bacon, and fresh green onions. This easy American appetizer is perfect for parties or a tasty snack, offering a satisfying combination of textures and smoky, savory flavors.
Ingredients
Potatoes
- 4 medium russet potatoes, scrubbed and sliced into ¼-inch rounds
Seasoning
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
Toppings
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 4 slices cooked bacon, crumbled
- 2 green onions, thinly sliced
- Sour cream for serving (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 425°F (220°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier.
- Prepare the potato rounds: Place the sliced potatoes in a large bowl and drizzle with olive oil. Add garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper, then toss until all slices are evenly coated with the seasoning mixture.
- Arrange and bake: Lay the potato rounds in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet to ensure they cook evenly. Bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes.
- Flip and continue baking: After 20 minutes, carefully flip each potato round to promote even browning. Bake for an additional 10–15 minutes until the rounds are golden brown and crisp.
- Add toppings: Remove the baking sheet from the oven and evenly sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese and crumbled cooked bacon over the potato rounds.
- Melt the cheese: Return the baking sheet to the oven and bake for another 3–5 minutes until the cheese is fully melted and bubbly.
- Garnish and serve: Remove the rounds from the oven, sprinkle with thinly sliced green onions, and serve warm. Offer sour cream on the side as an optional dip.
Notes
- You can substitute turkey bacon or omit the bacon entirely for a vegetarian version of this dish.
- Yukon gold potatoes are a great alternative to russet potatoes if you prefer a slightly creamier texture.
- For crispier rounds, make sure to space the potato slices apart on the baking sheet so they are not overcrowded.
