Loaded Sliced Baked Potatoes
Imagine the perfect combination of crispy and cheesy in one bite! That’s what you get with these Cheesy Baked Potato Slices, a delightful variation on the classic baked potato. These potato slices are not just a side dish; they’re a statement of flavor and fun on your dinner table.
Imagine thick slices of potato, baked to a golden perfection, then adorned with a generous topping of melted cheddar cheese, crunchy bacon bits, and a sprinkle of fresh green onions. Served with a side of creamy sour cream for dipping, these potatoes are a surefire hit for any meal.
Why You’ll Love These Potatoes
- Versatile and Delicious: Combining the best elements of a traditional baked potato and loaded potato skins, these slices are versatile enough to complement any main dish.
- Easy to Prepare: Pop these slices in the oven alongside your main course. A simple brush with a secret ingredient—bacon drippings—elevates them to a whole new level of flavor.
- Customizable: Feel free to get creative with toppings. Whether it’s your favorite cheese or a sprinkle of your preferred herbs, these potatoes are a canvas for your culinary creativity.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- Large russet potatoes for that classic baked potato feel
- Vegetable oil, olive oil, or canola oil
- Seasonings like salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning blend
- Cheddar cheese, freshly shredded or pre-packaged
- Crispy bacon for that irresistible crunch
- Fresh green onions for a burst of color and flavor
Preparing Your Potato Masterpiece
- Bake the Slices: After slicing your potatoes, give them a quick oil brush and a seasoning sprinkle. Bake them until they’re just right.
- Add the Magic Touch: Post the initial baking, brush them with bacon drippings, and bake again. This step is what gives these potatoes their unique flavor.
- Load Them Up: Top with cheese and bacon, then bake again until the cheese is deliciously melted. Finish with a sprinkle of Italian seasoning and green onions.
Serving Suggestions
These potato slices are delightful with a dollop of sour cream, perhaps mixed with fresh chives for an extra zing. They’re perfect as a side for a hearty steak, a simple salad, or even as a stand-alone snack.
Storing and Reheating
Leftovers are a breeze to handle. Store them in an airtight container in the fridge and simply reheat in the microwave, oven, or on the stovetop.
Loaded Sliced Baked Potatoes
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat the oven to 375°F.
- Cut the potatoes into ¾-inch thick rounds and arrange them evenly on a large baking sheet.
- Lightly brush both sides of each potato slice with oil using a pastry brush. Season with salt and pepper.
- Bake the potatoes in the preheated oven for 25 minutes at 375°F.
- Meanwhile, cook bacon in a frying pan over low heat, turning occasionally until fully cooked and crispy. Once done, set the bacon aside to cool, then crumble it; reserve the bacon drippings for later use.
- Take the potato slices out of the oven and brush all sides with the reserved bacon drippings.
- Return the potatoes to the oven and bake for an additional 10 minutes.
- Once done, top the potatoes with grated cheese and crumbled bacon. Place them back in the oven until the cheese melts, approximately 5 minutes.
- Remove the potato slices from the oven, sprinkle with Italian seasoning and green onions.
- Serve immediately, accompanied by sour cream.
