Name: Loaded Baked Potato Rounds with Bacon and Cheese Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 large russet potatoes, sliced into 1/2" rounds; 2 tablespoons butter, melted; salt; pepper; 5 slices bacon; 1 cup cheddar cheese, grated; 1/2 cup sour cream; 3 green onions, green parts sliced

There’s something utterly irresistible about crispy potato slices piled high with melty cheddar, crispy bacon, and tangy sour cream. This Loaded Baked Potato Rounds with Bacon and Cheese Recipe brings all those flavors together in bite-sized rounds perfect for snacking, sharing, or cozy nights in.

Loaded Baked Potato Rounds - Serving Suggestion

Jump to:

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Ingredients & Why They Work
Make It Your Way
Step-by-Step: How I Make Loaded Baked Potato Rounds with Bacon and Cheese Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Loaded Baked Potato Rounds with Bacon and Cheese Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Loaded Baked Potato Rounds with Bacon and Cheese Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

I honestly can’t recommend this recipe enough—it’s one of those simple yet stunning dishes where basic ingredients transform into something seriously special. Every time I make these loaded potato rounds, my kitchen fills with that warm aroma of baked potatoes and bacon, and everyone crowds the table excitedly.

Bite-sized Delight: These potato rounds are perfectly crispy on the outside and tender inside, making them easy to eat and share.
Bacon & Cheese Magic: The combination of sharp cheddar and crispy bacon elevates humble potatoes into a crowd-pleaser.
Easy to Prep and Bake: Minimal hands-on time with straightforward steps, great for busy days or last-minute gatherings.
Customizable Toppings: You can tweak the garnishes and cheese to your liking, so it’s flexible and always exciting.

Ingredients & Why They Work

The beauty of this dish lies in the simplicity of its ingredients, which come together perfectly for flavor and texture. Choosing the right potatoes and quality bacon really makes a difference, and don’t skip the sour cream—it adds that creamy finish that balances everything.

Flat lay of simple white ceramic bowls holding grated cheddar cheese and sour cream, three fresh green onions with bright green tops, two large russet potatoes sliced into thick rounds showing their creamy white interiors and textured russet skin, five crispy cooked bacon slices arranged neatly, a small white bowl with melted golden butter, a small white bowl containing coarse salt, and another small white bowl with cracked black peppercorns, all items fresh and natural, perfectly balanced and symmetrical, placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

Russet potatoes: These are great for baking because their starchy texture crisps up beautifully while remaining tender inside.
Bacon: Use thick-cut if you can for extra crunch; cook it until downright crispy for that ideal contrast to soft potatoes.
Cheddar cheese: Sharp cheddar adds a punch of flavor and melts wonderfully on warm potato rounds.
Sour cream: Adds a cool tang that complements the richness of the cheese and bacon perfectly.
Green onions: The green parts bring freshness and a mild bite that cuts through all the decadence.
Butter: Brushing melted butter on your rounds helps them brown and taste indulgent.
Salt & pepper: Essential for seasoning—don’t be shy here; potatoes love a good seasoning.

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Note: You'll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

I love mixing things up depending on the occasion or what’s in my fridge. This Loaded Baked Potato Rounds with Bacon and Cheese Recipe is so versatile—it practically begs for your signature twist.

Variation: One time, I swapped the cheddar for smoked gouda and tossed in a little chopped jalapeño for a spicy kick—totally delicious and something you might want to try if you like heat.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Loaded Baked Potato Rounds with Bacon and Cheese Recipe

Step 1: Prep the Potatoes with Love

Start by scrubbing your russet potatoes well—no peeling needed here because the skin adds a nice texture and nutrients. Slice them about half an inch thick so they cook evenly. Then, brush both sides of each slice with melted butter and season generously with salt and pepper. This step is crucial for getting that golden-brown crunch on the outside.

Step 2: Bake Till Crispy & Tender

Lay the potato rounds out on a foil-lined rimmed baking sheet in a single layer. Bake at 400°F for about 35 minutes, flipping halfway through to ensure even cooking. You’re looking for a tender inside that yields to a fork and a crisp, lightly browned outside. This part takes patience but trust me, it’s worth it.

Step 3: Cook the Bacon Crispy

While the potatoes bake, cook your bacon until it’s nice and crispy—either on the stovetop or in the oven. Once cooled, crumble it into small pieces. This step adds that crave-worthy crunch and smoky flavor that makes the recipe feel indulgent.

Step 4: Top and Melt

When your potato rounds are done, sprinkle about a tablespoon of shredded cheddar on each slice, then scatter the crumbled bacon on top. Pop them back in the oven for 2–3 minutes, just until the cheese is melted and bubbly. This step transforms good potato bites into irresistible little morsels.

Step 5: Finish with Sour Cream & Green Onions

Right after taking them out of the oven, add a small dollop of sour cream on each round and sprinkle with sliced green onions. The cool creaminess and fresh onion flavor balance the richness perfectly—plus, it looks beautiful on the plate!

Top Tip

From my many attempts making this recipe, I found a few tricks that really help get those potato rounds just right every time. These tips boost flavor and texture, plus they’ll save you some frustration in the kitchen!

Use Russets for Best Texture: Their higher starch content crisps up better than waxy potatoes like red or Yukon Gold.
Don’t Skip Butter Brushing: It’s key for golden brown edges and adds so much flavor, way better than just oil or dry baking.
Cook Bacon Separately: That crispy bacon texture is important—don’t add it too early or it’ll get soggy from the potatoes.
Flip Halfway Through Baking: This little step ensures even cooking and browning, which means perfectly tender yet crispy rounds.

How to Serve Loaded Baked Potato Rounds with Bacon and Cheese Recipe

Seven potato slices are arranged on a large white rectangular tray, each slice toasted to a light brown with some darker edges. On top of each potato slice is a layer of melted bright orange cheddar cheese, followed by small pieces of cooked bacon scattered evenly. Each piece is finished with a dollop of white sour cream and garnished with chopped green onions. A woman's hand is holding the bottom left corner of the tray. In the upper right corner, a small white bowl with a few strips of bacon is partially visible, all placed on a white marbled surface with a blue and white checked cloth nearby. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Garnishes

I’m a sucker for the classic sour cream and green onions garnish here—it’s a timeless combo that adds creaminess and freshness. Sometimes I toss on a sprinkle of paprika or a few fresh chives for color and a little extra zing.

Side Dishes

These rounds work beautifully alongside a crisp green salad or some roasted veggies if you want to balance out the richness. Or serve them as a hearty appetizer at your next game day party—I like pairing them with a spicy dip or creamy ranch.

Creative Ways to Present

For entertaining, I arrange these rounds on a wooden board or layered platter, grouping them by topping—like some with jalapeños for heat, others classic with bacon. You could also skewer smaller rounds for easy finger food or stack them up mini potato towers with layers of cheese and bacon in between.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I usually pop leftover rounds into an airtight container and refrigerate. They keep well for up to 3 days, though the crispiness softens a bit. To revive, I'll reheat them in the oven to bring back that crunch.

Freezing

Freezing works surprisingly well! I freeze baked potato rounds before adding the cheese and toppings. When you’re ready to eat, bake them from frozen and then add toppings fresh to keep quality high. Perfect for batch cooking.

Reheating

My go-to is the oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes to crisp them back up without drying out. Microwaving works in a pinch but tends to make them a bit soggy—definitely better to avoid if you can.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use other types of potatoes for this recipe?

While russet potatoes are best for their crispy texture, you can use Yukon Gold or red potatoes but expect a less crispy exterior and a creamier interior. Adjust baking time accordingly.

How can I make these potato rounds vegetarian?

Simply omit the bacon and consider adding smoked paprika or sautéed mushrooms for that smoky, savory depth. You can also sprinkle with extra cheese or a drizzle of vegan sour cream for richness.

What’s the best way to get crispy bacon for this recipe?

Cooking bacon in a skillet over medium heat until it's golden and crisp works well. Alternatively, baking bacon in the oven on a foil-lined sheet at 400°F for 15–20 minutes yields evenly crispy slices. Let it cool before crumbling for the best texture.

Can I prepare these loaded potato rounds ahead of time?

Yes! You can slice and season the potatoes a few hours in advance and keep them covered in the fridge until ready to bake. Also, baking and topping with cheese and bacon can be done shortly before serving to maintain crispiness.

Final Thoughts

Honestly, this Loaded Baked Potato Rounds with Bacon and Cheese Recipe is one of those dishes I turn to when I want comfort food that’s easy to make but feels special. It’s a guaranteed hit whether it’s a casual snack or part of a meal, and I love how easy it is to tailor the toppings to suit whatever mood or ingredients I have on hand. Give it a try—you might find yourself making these your new go-to for nearly everything!