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 inch rounds; 2 tablespoons butter, melted; Salt, to taste; Pepper, to taste; 5 slices bacon; 1 cup cheddar cheese, grated; 1/2 cup sour cream; 3 green onions, green parts sliced

There’s something incredibly comforting about crispy potato slices topped with melty cheese and crispy bacon—and that’s exactly what the Loaded Baked Potato Rounds with Bacon and Cheese Recipe delivers. They’re bite-sized, hearty, and packed with flavor, making them a perfect snack or appetizer that everyone will love.

The image shows eight round potato slices arranged on a white rectangular tray. Each potato slice has three layers: a bottom layer of golden-brown baked potato with a crispy texture, a middle layer of melted bright orange cheese, and a top layer consisting of small pieces of red-brown bacon, a dollop of white sour cream, and sprinkled bright green chopped scallions. A woman's hand is holding the tray from the left side. In the top right corner, there is a small white bowl with a few pieces of bacon on a white marbled surface. The background has a soft white marbled texture with a faint checkered cloth partially visible under the tray. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

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

This recipe has a special place in my kitchen—it’s one of those go-to crowd-pleasers that’s simple yet impressive. The crispy potato rounds are like little canvases for all your favorite baked potato toppings, and they come together with minimal fuss, which I know you’ll appreciate.

Perfectly Crispy and Tender: Each potato round is crispy on the outside and tender inside, creating an ideal texture contrast.
All Your Favorite Flavors: The bacon, cheese, sour cream, and green onion combo hits all the classic baked potato notes you love.
Easy to Make Ahead: You can prep the rounds and toppings in advance, making entertaining stress-free.
Great for Any Occasion: Whether it’s game day, a potluck, or a family snack, these loaded rounds steal the show.

The image shows round baked potato slices as the base with a golden-brown, slightly crispy edge and soft inside. On top of each potato slice is a layer of melted bright orange cheddar cheese, followed by small pieces of crispy bacon scattered unevenly. A dollop of smooth white sour cream sits in the center of each slice, garnished with fresh, bright green chopped scallions. The potato slices are arranged on a rectangular white plate against a white marbled background, with a small white bowl of extra bacon pieces partly visible in the top right corner. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

The magic of this Loaded Baked Potato Rounds with Bacon and Cheese Recipe lies in simple, classic ingredients that come together perfectly. Each one plays a part in building flavor and texture that’s familiar but elevated.

Flat lay of two large russet potatoes sliced into thick rounds with visible skin, five crispy golden-brown bacon strips, a small mound of grated sharp cheddar cheese, a small white bowl filled with smooth sour cream, three fresh green onions with bright green sliced tops fanned out, a small white bowl containing melted golden butter, coarse pink salt scattered delicately, and freshly ground black peppercorns in a small neat pile, all arranged in perfect symmetry on simple white ceramic plates and bowls, 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 perfect because of their starchy, fluffy interior and crispy skin once baked—no peeling necessary!
Bacon: I love cooking it until very crispy for a satisfying crunch and smoky flavor that stands out.
Cheddar Cheese: Sharp and melty, it adds a rich, gooey layer that ties everything together.
Sour Cream: Adds a cool, creamy contrast that balances the richness of cheese and bacon.
Green Onions: They bring a fresh, slightly pungent bite that brightens the dish.
Butter: Coating the potato rounds helps them crisp up beautifully and adds a touch of richness.
Salt and Pepper: Essential for seasoning and bringing out the potatoes’ natural flavor.

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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’ve tried this recipe with all kinds of twists, and it’s a blast to make it your own. You can easily swap out bacon for turkey bacon or add your favorite cheese blend to mix up the flavors and fit dietary needs.

Variation: One time I sprinkled a little smoked paprika on the potato rounds before baking, and it added a lovely smoky warmth that kicked things up a notch.
Vegetarian option: Swap bacon with crispy sautéed mushrooms or smoked tempeh for a satisfying alternative.
Make it spicy: Add thin slices of jalapeño or a dash of cayenne pepper to the cheese topping if you like a little heat.
Seasonal twists: Try topping with sautéed kale or mushrooms in the fall for a cozy seasonal touch.

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

Step 1: Prep Your Potatoes for Crispiness

After scrubbing your russet potatoes clean, slice them into about ½-inch thick rounds—no need to peel. This thickness is perfect to get a tender center while crisping nicely in the oven. Lay them out on a foil-lined rimmed baking sheet to catch any drips. Brush each side with melted butter, and don’t forget to sprinkle salt and pepper evenly. This simple step ensures those rounds get golden and flavorful.

Step 2: Bake and Flip for Even Cooking

Pop those potato rounds into a 400°F oven and bake for about 35 minutes. Halfway through, flip each slice carefully—this helps each side get equally crispy and tender. You want the potatoes to be fork-tender by the end, which means they’re soft inside but firm enough to hold up to toppings.

Step 3: Crispy Bacon and Cheese Magic

While your potatoes bake, cook the bacon in a skillet until it’s nice and crispy. I usually slow-cook it so it gets evenly crunchy without burning. When cooled, crumble it into bite-sized pieces. Once the potato rounds are done, sprinkle about a tablespoon of sharp cheddar cheese and a few bacon crumbles on top of each. Back to the oven they go for 2-3 minutes—just enough to melt that cheese perfectly.

Step 4: The Finishing Touches

Remove the tray from the oven and dollop a spoonful of chilled sour cream on each round. Top with a sprinkle of fresh green onions to add that pop of color and fresh bite. Serve these immediately—trust me, they’re best enjoyed warm before the cheese sets too much.

Top Tip

After making this Loaded Baked Potato Rounds with Bacon and Cheese Recipe multiple times, I’ve learned that little details make all the difference in the final dish. Here are a few tips I swear by to get perfect rounds every time.

Potato Thickness Matters: If slices are too thin, they dry out; too thick, and they won’t cook through easily. ½ inch is the sweet spot.
Crisp Bacon: Don’t rush the bacon. Cooking it slowly in a skillet ensures it crisps evenly without burning.
Butter Brushing: Brushing both sides of the rounds with melted butter before baking is the secret to golden, crispy edges.
Don’t Skip Flipping: Turning the potato rounds halfway through baking guarantees even cook and prevents soggy bottoms.

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

loaded baked potato rounds - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

For garnishes, I stick to the classic green onions and a good dollop of sour cream—there’s just no beating that fresh tang. Sometimes, I add a sprinkle of smoked paprika or finely chopped chives for extra color and flavor. If you want to get adventurous, a drizzle of spicy ranch or a little hot sauce can bring a fun kick.

Side Dishes

These rounds are versatile—perfect for pairing with a fresh garden salad, steamed veggies, or even alongside grilled chicken wings for game day. I also like serving them with a bowl of chili or creamy tomato soup for a cozy meal.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I’ve arranged these potato rounds on a large platter layered with mixed greens, then drizzled with a bit of sour cream and sprinkled with extra bacon and chopped herbs. It makes for a beautiful and inviting appetizer that guests can help themselves to.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have any leftovers, place them in an airtight container and store in the fridge. I find they keep well for 2-3 days. To avoid sogginess, try to separate any sour cream topping before storing.

Freezing

I’ve frozen baked potato rounds without toppings successfully. Just freeze baked rounds on a sheet first, then transfer to a freezer bag. When ready to eat, reheat in the oven until crispy, then add warm toppings fresh.

Reheating

To reheat leftovers, a quick 10 minutes in a 375°F oven keeps the rounds crispy. Avoid microwaving if you want to maintain the texture, but it works if you’re in a hurry—just skip adding sour cream until after reheating.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use other types of potatoes for this recipe?

Absolutely! While russet potatoes give the best crispiness because of their starch content, you can use Yukon Gold for a creamier texture. Just keep an eye on baking time, as waxier potatoes may cook faster.

How do I ensure the potato rounds are crispy and not soggy?

Brushing the potato slices with melted butter and flipping them halfway through baking are key to achieving crispiness. Also, avoid overcrowding the baking sheet so the heat circulates evenly around each round.

Can I prepare these ahead of time for a party?

Definitely! You can slice and butter the rounds a few hours ahead and keep them refrigerated. Bake just before guests arrive to serve them hot and fresh. You can also cook bacon and prep toppings in advance to save time.

What are good alternative toppings to use?

Feel free to customize! Try toppings like crumbled blue cheese, diced avocado, sautéed mushrooms, or even a drizzle of ranch or hot sauce. The base is versatile and pairs well with many flavors.

Final Thoughts

This Loaded Baked Potato Rounds with Bacon and Cheese Recipe feels like a warm hug in food form—simple, satisfying, and downright delicious. I love sharing it because it’s approachable and a guaranteed hit, whether for family weeknights or party appetizers. Give it a try, and I promise, you’ll keep coming back to this recipe whenever you want that perfect baked potato fix in a fun, bite-sized form.