Loaded Potato Rounds

Loaded Potato Rounds are a great choice when you need an easy appetizer or snack for any occasion. Since they come together quickly, they’re perfect to serve when you are watching your favorite team or movie on T.V., or when you want something simple but satisfying.

This recipe makes just enough for two to four people (depending on how hungry you are or if you are serving it with other snacks). Whether you’re watching sports, hosting a casual get-together, or just craving something with cheesy barbecue flavor, these potato rounds will become your go-to appetizer.

This recipe takes basic ingredients that you most likely already have in your kitchen and turns them into something that tastes great without much effort. The combination of crispy potato slices, melted cheese, crumbled bacon, and barbecue sauce gives them a mix of textures and flavors that work well together.

Not to mention, that they’re easy to customize by changing up the toppings, so you can make them your own based on what you like or what you have on hand.

However, the key to making good potato rounds is using the right type of potato and baking them until they’re lightly browned before adding the toppings. This helps them hold the cheese and barbecue sauce without getting too soft.

Choosing the Right Potatoes

The best potatoes for this recipe are standard baking potatoes, such as Russets. They have a high starch content, which helps them get crispy on the outside while staying soft inside. Their size also makes them ideal for slicing into rounds that are big enough to hold toppings.

However, if you prefer a different texture, Yukon Gold potatoes can work too, but they tend to be a little softer and not as crispy. Although either variety will make a great base for these Loaded Potato Rounds.

Topping Variations

This recipe is easy to change up depending on what you like. Instead of Co-Jack cheese, you can use cheddar, Monterey Jack, or even pepper jack if you want a little heat.

The bacon adds a nice salty crunch, but if you want to keep it vegetarian, you can skip it or replace it with crispy fried onions. Green onions give a mild onion flavor, but you could also use chives or red onions for a sharper taste.

If you want to add more toppings, sour cream or ranch dressing can be drizzled over the top after baking. For an extra smoky flavor, you can use smoked barbecue sauce. You can also sprinkle chopped jalapeños on top if you like a little spice.

If you want to make them even more filling, you can add a few strands of pulled pork or shredded chicken on top.

Additional Tips For Loaded Potato Rounds

• Even Slicing: Try to cut the potato slices as evenly as possible to ensure they cook at the same rate. A mandoline slicer can help with this if you have one, just be sure to use a thick cut blade.

• Extra Crispiness: If you prefer extra crispy rounds, you can bake the potatoes for an additional 5 minutes before adding the toppings.

• Barbecue Sauce Options: There are many different kinds of barbecue sauce, from sweet to spicy. If you like a tangier flavor, go for a vinegar-based sauce. If you want a hint of sweetness, a honey or brown sugar-based barbecue sauce works well.

• Make it a Meal: While these are great as an appetizer, you can also serve them as a side dish and serve them with your favorite grilled meat or a side salad.

Loaded Barbecue Potato Rounds Recipe

*A printable recipe card is located at the bottom of this article which contains the specific measurements, temperatures and cook times. However, continue reading below to learn about more helpful tips about this specific recipe.

INGREDIENTS

• 1 large unpeeled baking potato
• Olive oil
• 1/2 cup shredded Co-Jack cheese
• 3 slices bacon, cooked crisp and crumbled
• 3 tablespoons green onion slices
• 2 tablespoons barbecue sauce

INSTRUCTIONS

1. Preheat the oven to 450°F.
2. Cut the potato into 1/4-inch thick slices.
3. Generously spray or brush both sides of the potato slices with olive oil.
4. Place on a rimmed baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
5. Bake for 20 minutes or until lightly browned, then remove from the oven.
6. In a medium bowl, combine cheese, bacon, and green onion.
7. Brush potato slices with barbecue sauce and sprinkle each slice with the cheese mixture.
8. Return the potato slices to the oven and bake for an additional 3-5 minutes or until the cheese is melted.
9. Serve warm.

How To Serve Loaded Potato Rounds

These potato rounds are best served fresh out of the oven while the cheese is melted. If you’re making them for a party or game night, you can prepare the toppings ahead of time so that all you have to do is bake the potatoes and add the toppings. They can be served on their own or paired with other snacks like wings, sliders, or a simple salad.

Another way to serve these is to arrange them on a large platter with different dips on the side. Barbecue ranch, sour cream with chives, or even a spicy chipotle mayo are great dipping options. This allows you to mix and match flavors to get a fresh new taste every time.

Storing and Reheating

If you have leftovers, they can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two days. To reheat, place them on a baking sheet and bake at 350°F for about 10 minutes or until heated through. Microwaving isn’t the best option because it can make the potatoes soft instead of crisp.

If you want to prepare these ahead of time, you can bake the potato slices in advance and store them in the fridge until you’re ready to add the toppings. When you’re ready to serve, just brush them with barbecue sauce, add the cheese mixture, and bake them again for a few minutes until everything is melted and warm.

Easy Appetizer Recipe

Loaded Barbecue Potato Rounds are a simple but flavorful option when you want a small batch appetizer or snack. They work well as a snack during your favorite game watching event, or any other occasion when you need something easy to make.

Making these potato rounds is also a great way to use up ingredients you already have at home. If you have extra cheese, cooked bacon, or leftover barbecue sauce, this is an easy way to put them to good use. Since they bake quickly, they’re a great last-minute option when you need something quick but homemade.

So the next time you’re looking for a simple but satisfying appetizer, give these Loaded Barbecue Potato Rounds a try. They’re crispy, cheesy, and full of barbecue flavor, making them a great choice whether you’re watching the game or just looking for something delicious to eat.

And if you are looking for another delicious (and easy to make appetizer) be sure to make these Loaded Totchos! It takes frozen tater tots to the next level!

Enjoy! Mary

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