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, 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 truly irresistible about crispy little potato bites smothered in cheese, bacon, and sour cream. The Loaded Baked Potato Rounds with Bacon and Cheese Recipe brings all that cozy, hearty flavor into neat, bite-sized pieces you can enjoy anytime. Perfect for snacking or sharing, these rounds will quickly become a staple in your kitchen.

A white tray holds eight round potato slices as the base layer, each slice golden brown with a slightly crispy texture. On top of each potato slice is a layer of melted bright orange cheddar cheese and small bits of crispy brown bacon scattered evenly. Each piece is topped with a dollop of smooth white sour cream and garnished with chopped fresh green onions, adding a pop of color. The tray is held by a woman's hand at the corner, with a white marbled surface underneath and a small white bowl with more bacon pieces placed in the top right corner of the image 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

I have a soft spot for recipes that feel like a party in your mouth but don’t take forever to pull together. This Loaded Baked Potato Rounds with Bacon and Cheese Recipe hits the perfect balance — easy, loaded with flavor, and totally addictive.

Simple prep: Just slice, butter, and bake — no peeling required, which saves time and keeps the potato skins delightfully crispy.
Crunch meets creaminess: Crispy potato slices topped with melted cheddar, crispy bacon, and cooling sour cream is a dream combo every time.
Perfect for sharing: Whether it’s game day, a casual get-together, or easy weeknight snacking, these rounds are crowd-pleasers.
Customizable topping options: Green onions add a fresh kick but feel free to play with herbs and spices to make it your own.

The image shows five round, golden-brown potato slices arranged on a white rectangular plate set on a white marbled surface. Each potato slice has three layers: the first layer is the crispy, browned potato base with a slightly rough texture, the second layer is melted cheddar cheese of bright orange color spread unevenly, and the third layer consists of a dollop of white sour cream topped with small pieces of green chopped spring onions and crispy bits of reddish-brown bacon. A small white and terracotta bowl with bacon bits is visible in the corner, and a woman’s hand is slightly raised above the plate. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

The magic of this recipe lies in its few, thoughtfully chosen ingredients. Potatoes provide a hearty base, butter infuses richness, and each topping layers in flavor and texture that keeps you coming back for more.

Flat lay of two large russet potatoes whole and unpeeled, five slices of raw bacon laid out flat, a small mound of grated cheddar cheese, a small white ceramic bowl with sour cream, three fresh green onions with trimmed green parts sliced beside them, a small white ceramic bowl with melted butter, a small pinch of coarse salt crystals, and a small pinch of freshly ground black pepper, all arranged symmetrically in a balanced composition 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: Their starchy texture crisps up beautifully in the oven, especially with the skin left on for extra flavor and nutrients.
Bacon: Cooking it until very crispy ensures a satisfying crunch and robust smoky taste in every bite.
Cheddar cheese: Sharp cheddar melts perfectly atop the hot potato rounds, creating gooey, savory goodness.
Sour cream: Adds a cool, tangy contrast that balances the richness of the bacon and cheese.
Green onions: Provide a fresh, mild onion flavor that brightens the whole dish.
Butter: Brushing the potato rounds with melted butter keeps them golden and adds a touch of indulgence.
Salt and pepper: Essential seasoning that enhances all the other flavors without overpowering them.

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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

One of the best things about the Loaded Baked Potato Rounds with Bacon and Cheese Recipe is how easy it is to customize. I love switching up the toppings depending on the season or what I have on hand — feel free to experiment!

Vegetarian variation: Swap bacon for sautéed mushrooms or crispy fried onions — you won’t miss the meat one bit.
Spicy kick: Add a sprinkle of smoked paprika or a drizzle of hot sauce on top for a flavor boost that wakes up your taste buds.
Herb freshening: Toss on some fresh chives, parsley, or dill along with the green onions for added brightness.
Cheese swap: Feel adventurous? Try pepper jack or a blend of mozzarella and gouda for a different cheese experience.

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

Step 1: Prep Your Potatoes With Care

Start by scrubbing those russets really well since the skins stay on — it adds texture and flavor. Slice them into about ½-inch thick rounds, aiming for even slices so they cook uniformly. No peeling needed here, which saves you some prep time and keeps them hearty.

Step 2: Butter, Season, and Bake

Line a rimmed baking sheet with foil—trust me, cleanup is a breeze this way. Brush each potato round on both sides with melted butter, and sprinkle salt and pepper evenly. Bake at 400°F, flipping the rounds halfway through. This helps them get beautifully crisp and fork-tender within about 35 minutes. Watch for the edges to turn golden but don’t let them burn!

Step 3: Crisp Up Your Bacon

While your potatoes roast, cook your bacon to a very crispy texture—this is key to adding that perfect crunch. I like to pan-fry it on medium heat and then drain on paper towels before crumbling. Save those flavorful bacon bits for topping.

Step 4: Add Cheese and Bacon, Then Melt

Once the potato rounds are done and fork-tender, sprinkle about a tablespoon of cheddar on each, then scatter the crispy bacon crumbles. Pop them back into the oven for 2-3 minutes until cheese is melted and gooey. Keep an eye on them—they melt fast!

Step 5: Finish With Sour Cream and Green Onions

Pull the rounds from the oven and immediately top each with a dollop of sour cream and a sprinkle of thinly sliced green onions. The cool creaminess and fresh onion flavor brighten everything perfectly. Serve these babies hot for the best experience.

Top Tip

I’ve made these potato rounds a dozen times, and a few tricks really take them from good to unforgettable. Paying attention to potato thickness and baking times makes all the difference in texture.

Even Slices Matter: Use a sharp knife or mandoline to get consistent ½-inch rounds — this ensures they cook evenly and crisp up nicely.
Butter Every Side: Don’t skimp on the butter; brushing both sides helps develop that golden crust and prevents drying out.
Bacon Crispness Is Key: I’ve found that crisp bacon adds a much more satisfying texture than chewy; cook it a little longer if needed.
Don’t Over Bake After Topping: The cheese melts quickly, so keep an eye to avoid burning the cheese or drying out the rounds.

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

baked potato rounds - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

Personally, I stick with classic green onions and a dollop of sour cream because they add fresh, creamy contrasts that perfectly cut through the richness. Sometimes, I sprinkle a tiny bit of smoked paprika or fresh chives, which also pairs beautifully.

Side Dishes

This recipe shines on its own as a snack, but when I want to make it a meal, I serve it alongside a crisp garden salad or roasted veggies. For game day, I love pairing it with buffalo wings or a tangy coleslaw for a satisfying spread.

Creative Ways to Present

For parties, I sometimes arrange the potato rounds on a large platter, alternating toppings like jalapeños, diced tomatoes, or guacamole in a style similar to loaded nachos — everyone loves the interactive experience!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftover loaded potato rounds in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To keep them from getting soggy, I separate layers with parchment paper and reheat them carefully.

Freezing

Freezing works best if you bake the potato rounds but hold off adding sour cream and green onions. Flash freeze them on a baking sheet first, then transfer to a freezer bag. They heat up nicely from frozen in the oven or air fryer.

Reheating

To reheat, I pop them in a 350°F oven for about 10-15 minutes to crisp back up, or zap them briefly in the air fryer if you have one. Adding sour cream and fresh onions after reheating refreshes the flavors.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use a different type of potato for this recipe?

While russets are ideal for their starchiness and crispiness, you can use Yukon Gold or other waxy potatoes, but they may not crisp as well or might require shorter baking time.

How do I make this Loaded Baked Potato Rounds with Bacon and Cheese Recipe vegetarian?

Simply omit the bacon and replace it with crispy sautéed mushrooms, caramelized onions, or even smoked paprika to keep the smoky flavor without the meat.

Can I prepare these potato rounds ahead of time?

Yes! You can slice and butter the potato rounds in advance, store them in the fridge, then bake when you’re ready. Adding toppings like cheese, bacon, sour cream, and green onions is best done just before serving for freshness.

What’s the best way to ensure crispy potato rounds?

Using russet potatoes, slicing them evenly, brushing generously with butter, and flipping halfway during baking helps achieve maximum crispiness. Make sure they aren’t overcrowded on the baking tray to allow air circulation.

Final Thoughts

This Loaded Baked Potato Rounds with Bacon and Cheese Recipe has become one of my favorite go-to snacks because it’s straightforward, packed with familiar flavors, and endlessly crowd-pleasing. It’s one of those recipes I love making when friends come over because it feels both casual and special. Give it a try — I’m confident it will become a favorite in your home too!