Crispy Loaded Hasselback Potato Bites Recipe You’ll Love

The smell of golden, crispy potatoes baking in the oven, mixed with the smoky aroma of melted cheese and bacon, is something that can instantly transport you to your happy place. The first time I made these crispy loaded Hasselback potato bites, I was hosting a game night with friends. I needed something easy, fun, and downright irresistible. When I pulled them out of the oven, the reaction was priceless—everyone gravitated toward the tray as if drawn by an invisible force. My family couldn’t stop sneaking them off the plate before they even made it to the table. Honestly, I didn’t blame them!

These little potato bites are the perfect combination of crispy edges, creamy insides, and bold toppings. They’re bite-sized, which makes them ideal for parties, game nights, or even as a fun dinner side dish. It’s the kind of recipe that checks all the boxes: easy to make, customizable, and completely drool-worthy. You’re going to want to bookmark this one because once you taste it, it’s guaranteed to become a staple in your home. Let’s jump into why these loaded Hasselback potato bites deserve a spot in your recipe rotation!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick & Easy: These crispy bites come together in under an hour, making them perfect for last-minute gatherings or busy weeknights.
• Simple Ingredients: You don’t need fancy or hard-to-find items. Most of the ingredients are pantry staples.
• Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a holiday party, a backyard BBQ, or a cozy movie night, these potato bites are a crowd-pleaser.
• Endlessly Customizable: Swap out toppings based on your taste preferences, dietary needs, or what’s leftover in the fridge.
• Unbelievably Delicious: The crispy potato edges, paired with gooey cheese and smoky bacon, make these bites the ultimate comfort food.

What sets this recipe apart is the technique. The Hasselback-style slicing creates thin, fan-like layers that crisp up beautifully in the oven, while the toppings seep into each crevice for maximum flavor. Plus, they’re small and portable—perfect for snacking or sharing. They’re not just delicious; they’re fun! Whether you’re impressing holiday guests or treating yourself, this recipe delivers big flavor in bite-sized form.

What Ingredients You Will Need

This recipe uses simple, wholesome ingredients to deliver bold flavor and the perfect texture. They’re all easy to find and can be swapped out to suit your preferences.

• Baby potatoes: Choose small, firm potatoes like baby Yukon Gold or red potatoes. Their size makes them perfect for bite-sized snacks.
• Olive oil: Helps the potatoes crisp beautifully in the oven and adds a subtle richness.
• Garlic powder and onion powder: Simple spices that pack a big flavor punch.
• Smoked paprika: Adds a touch of smoky depth and a beautiful color.
• Salt: Season to taste; potatoes love salt!
• Shredded cheddar cheese: Go for a sharp cheddar to complement the potatoes and other toppings.
• Bacon: Crispy, crumbled bacon adds extra flavor and texture (use turkey bacon or veggie bacon for dietary adaptations).
• Sour cream: The perfect cool and tangy topping for these bites! Swap with Greek yogurt for a lighter twist.
• Chopped chives: Adds a pop of freshness and color.

Optional ingredients:

• Parmesan cheese: Sprinkle for an extra cheesy flavor.
• Hot sauce or sriracha: Drizzle for a spicy kick.
• Green onions: Use as an alternative to chives.

Equipment Needed

• Sharp knife: Essential for creating thin, even slices in the potatoes. If you have a specific knife for delicate cutting, this is the time to use it.
• Chopsticks or wooden spoons: Place these on either side of the potato while slicing to prevent cutting all the way through.
• Baking sheet: A sturdy, flat sheet that distributes heat evenly for crispy edges.
• Pastry brush: Ideal for brushing the olive oil onto the potatoes.
• Bowls: Use for mixing spices, prepping toppings, and serving.
• Parchment paper: Helps with easy cleanup and prevents sticking.

Tip: If you’re using a baking sheet, make sure it’s clean and free of any burnt bits from past recipes that could affect the flavor of your potato bites.

Preparation Method

1. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
2. Wash and dry the baby potatoes. Make sure they’re completely dry to help them crisp up in the oven.
3. Place a potato between two chopsticks or wooden spoons and carefully slice thin slits across the potato, stopping just before cutting all the way through. This creates the signature Hasselback effect.
4. In a small bowl, mix 2 tablespoons of olive oil, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, 1 teaspoon onion powder, and 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika. Brush this mixture generously over each potato, ensuring the slices are coated inside and out.
5. Sprinkle a pinch of salt over each potato to taste. Arrange them on the prepared baking sheet with enough space between to allow airflow.
6. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the potatoes are golden and crispy on the outside and tender inside. (Check by piercing with a fork—it should slide in easily.)
7. While the potatoes bake, cook your 4 slices of bacon until crispy and crumble them into small pieces.
8. Remove the potatoes from the oven and sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese on top, letting it melt into the slits. Add the crumbled bacon.
9. Return the potatoes to the oven for an additional 5-7 minutes to melt the cheese and crisp up the edges.
10. Remove the baking sheet and let the potatoes cool slightly. Dollop sour cream on top of each potato and sprinkle with chopped chives.
11. Serve warm and enjoy the perfect bite-sized combination of crispy, cheesy, smoky, and creamy goodness!

Cooking Tips & Techniques

Here are some tips to make sure your Hasselback potato bites turn out perfectly every time:

• Even Slices: Use chopsticks or wooden spoons to stop your knife from cutting all the way through the potatoes. This trick makes the process a breeze!
• Don’t Skimp on Oil: Brushing olive oil into every slice ensures they crisp up beautifully. You can also use melted butter for extra flavor.
• Pre-Cook Your Toppings: Cook the bacon ahead of time to ensure it’s crispy and eliminates excess grease.
• Timing is Key: Don’t rush the baking process. Let the potatoes get golden brown before adding the toppings—this ensures the texture is perfect.
• Customize to Taste: Add your favorite seasonings and spices to the potatoes before baking to match your flavor preferences.

Remember, the key to success is patience. Let those potatoes get beautifully crispy before adding the toppings. Trust me, the wait is worth it!

Variations & Adaptations

This recipe is super flexible, and you can easily tweak it to suit your needs. Here are a few ideas:

• Vegetarian Option: Skip the bacon and replace it with sautéed mushrooms or caramelized onions for a rich, earthy flavor.
• Spicy Twist: Add a drizzle of sriracha or sprinkle red chili flakes over the potatoes before serving.
• Seasonal Swap: In summer, top the potatoes with fresh diced tomatoes and basil for a Caprese-inspired twist.
• Cheese Swap: Try mozzarella, pepper jack, or even crumbled feta for a different flavor profile.
• Gluten-Free Adaptation: This recipe is naturally gluten-free, but double-check your bacon and cheese labels for any hidden gluten.

Feel free to mix and match these ideas to create your own signature version of Hasselback potato bites. Who knows—you might just stumble upon a combination that blows everyone away!

Serving & Storage Suggestions

These crispy loaded Hasselback potato bites are best served warm, straight from the oven. Arrange them on a platter and garnish with extra chives or parsley for a pop of color. They pair beautifully with a cool ranch dressing or any creamy dipping sauce. If you’re serving them at a party, place toothpicks in each bite for easy grabbing.

Got leftovers? Store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them on a baking sheet and warm them in a 375°F (190°C) oven for about 8-10 minutes until crispy again. While the toppings might not be as fresh, the flavors actually deepen overnight, making them even tastier!

Nutritional Information & Benefits

Here’s what you can expect from these crispy loaded Hasselback potato bites:

• Calories: Approximately 150 calories per serving (3 potato bites).
• Protein: Thanks to the cheese and bacon, each serving has about 6 grams of protein.
• Healthy Fats: Olive oil provides heart-healthy fats.
• Gluten-Free: Naturally gluten-free, making it suitable for those with dietary restrictions.
• Rich in Potassium: Potatoes are an excellent source of potassium, which supports healthy muscle and nerve function.

If you’re looking for a slightly lighter option, try swapping sour cream for Greek yogurt. You’ll still get that creamy tang without the extra calories!

Conclusion

If you’re searching for the ultimate party snack or a comforting side dish, these crispy loaded Hasselback potato bites are it. They’re fun to make, easy to customize, and guaranteed to impress your crowd. For me, it’s all about how the crispy edges and gooey cheese come together in every bite—it’s impossible to eat just one!

Crispy Loaded Hasselback Potato Bites

Print Recipe

These bite-sized potato snacks are crispy, cheesy, smoky, and creamy, making them perfect for parties, game nights, or as a fun dinner side dish.

• Author: paula
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 35 minutes
• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Appetizer
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• Baby potatoes (small, firm potatoes like baby Yukon Gold or red potatoes)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
• Salt to taste
• Shredded cheddar cheese
• 4 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
• Sour cream
• Chopped chives
• Optional: Parmesan cheese, hot sauce or sriracha, green onions

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Wash and dry the baby potatoes completely.
3. Place a potato between two chopsticks or wooden spoons and carefully slice thin slits across the potato, stopping just before cutting all the way through.
4. In a small bowl, mix olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, and smoked paprika. Brush this mixture generously over each potato, ensuring the slices are coated inside and out.
5. Sprinkle salt over each potato to taste. Arrange them on the prepared baking sheet with enough space between to allow airflow.
6. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the potatoes are golden and crispy on the outside and tender inside.
7. While the potatoes bake, cook the bacon until crispy and crumble it into small pieces.
8. Remove the potatoes from the oven and sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese on top, letting it melt into the slits. Add the crumbled bacon.
9. Return the potatoes to the oven for an additional 5-7 minutes to melt the cheese and crisp up the edges.
10. Remove the baking sheet and let the potatoes cool slightly. Dollop sour cream on top of each potato and sprinkle with chopped chives.
11. Serve warm and enjoy!

Notes

[‘Use chopsticks or wooden spoons to prevent cutting all the way through the potatoes.’, ‘Brush olive oil into every slice for maximum crispiness.’, ‘Cook bacon ahead of time to ensure it’s crispy and eliminates excess grease.’, ‘Let the potatoes get golden brown before adding toppings for perfect texture.’, ‘Customize seasonings and toppings to match your preferences.’]

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 3 potato bites
• Calories: 150
• Sugar: 1
• Sodium: 200
• Fat: 8
• Saturated Fat: 3
• Carbohydrates: 15
• Fiber: 2
• Protein: 6

Keywords: Hasselback potatoes, crispy potato bites, loaded potatoes, party snack, comfort food