Indulge in the ultimate comfort food with Chef Crenn’s Cheesy Bacon Ranch Potato Bites. These delectable little bites are the perfect balance of creamy, cheesy goodness and savory, smoky bacon, all wrapped up in a crispy, golden exterior. Prepare to be captivated by the vibrant, visually stunning presentation and the comforting flavors that will make you feel right at home.
Why You’ll Love This Cheesy Bacon Ranch Potato Bites
These Cheesy Bacon Ranch Potato Bites are the ultimate in satisfying snacking. The combination of crispy, roasted potatoes, melted cheddar cheese, and smoky bacon is simply irresistible. Each bite is a harmonious blend of textures and flavors, from the delicate crunch of the potato to the luscious, creamy cheese and the savory, salty bacon. These bites are a true delight for the senses, with a presentation that is both elegant and inviting. Whether you’re hosting a cozy gathering or looking for a comforting treat, these potato bites are sure to impress and delight.
Ingredients
This recipe calls for a simple, yet carefully curated list of ingredients that come together to create these Cheesy Bacon Ranch Potato Bites. You’ll need russet potatoes, shredded cheddar cheese, crumbled bacon, sour cream, fresh chives, and a few pantry staples like olive oil, salt, and pepper.
- 2 pounds (907 g) – Russet potatoes, washed and cut into 1-inch cubes
- 2 cups (226 g) – Shredded cheddar cheese
- 8 slices (80 g) – Cooked and crumbled bacon
- 1/2 cup (120 g) – Sour cream
- 2 tablespoons (10 g) – Freshly chopped chives
Ingredient Substitutions
- Potatoes: Yukon Gold potatoes can be used in place of russet for a slightly creamier texture.
- Cheese: Feel free to experiment with different varieties like Monterey Jack or Pepper Jack for a twist on the classic cheddar.
How to Make Cheesy Bacon Ranch Potato Bites
Let’s transform these simple ingredients into a visually stunning and delectable snack that will delight your taste buds.
Step 1 — Prep Work
Begin by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper. Wash and scrub the potatoes, then cut them into bite-sized pieces, about 1-inch cubes. Toss the potato cubes with 2 tablespoons of olive oil, 1 teaspoon of salt, and 1/2 teaspoon of freshly ground black pepper, ensuring they’re evenly coated.
Step 2 — Main Cooking Process
Arrange the seasoned potato cubes in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet. Roast the potatoes in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, flipping them halfway through, until they’re tender and golden brown.
Step 3 — Final Steps/Assembly
Remove the roasted potatoes from the oven and let them cool slightly, about 5 minutes. Once they’re cool enough to handle, use a small spoon to gently scoop out a small indentation in the center of each potato cube. Fill the indentations with a generous amount of shredded cheddar cheese and crumbled bacon. Return the filled potato bites to the oven and bake for an additional 5-7 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Step 4 — Finishing Touches
Carefully transfer the Cheesy Bacon Ranch Potato Bites to a serving platter. Top them with a dollop of sour cream and a sprinkle of fresh chives for a visually stunning and flavorful finish.
Chef Tips & Variations
- Kick It Up a Notch: For an extra kick of flavor, consider adding a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce to the cheese mixture.
- Cheese Variety: Experiment with different cheese varieties, such as Monterey Jack or Pepper Jack, to suit your taste preferences.
- More Indulgence: To make these bites even more decadent, try topping them with crumbled cooked sausage or diced ham.
- Lighter Option: Swap the sour cream for plain Greek yogurt for a healthier topping.
Serving & Storage
Serve with: These Cheesy Bacon Ranch Potato Bites make a fantastic appetizer or snack for parties, gatherings, or cozy movie nights.
Storage: If you have any leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheat: Reheat the potato bites in the oven or air fryer until warmed through and the cheese is melted.
Make-Ahead: You can prep the potato cubes in advance and store them in the refrigerator until ready to assemble and bake.
Nutrition Information
These Cheesy Bacon Ranch Potato Bites are a delightful indulgence, with each serving providing a satisfying balance of carbohydrates, protein, and healthy fats. The combination of potatoes, cheese, and bacon makes for a truly comforting and satisfying snack or appetizer.
- Serving Size: 4 potato bites
- Calories: 331 kcal
- Protein: 12 g
- Carbs: 24 g
- Fat: 21 g
- Sodium: 577 mg
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make these potato bites ahead of time?
Yes, you can prep the potato cubes in advance and store them in the refrigerator until ready to assemble and bake. Just be sure to toss them with the oil, salt, and pepper right before roasting.
Can I use pre-cooked bacon?
Absolutely! Using pre-cooked bacon can save you some time. Simply crumble the cooked bacon and add it to the cheese-filled potato bites before the final baking step.
How can I make these bites dairy-free?
To make these bites dairy-free, you can substitute the cheddar cheese with your favorite dairy-free cheese alternative and use a plant-based sour cream or yogurt for the topping.
Can I freeze these potato bites?
Yes, you can freeze the baked and assembled potato bites. Allow them to cool completely, then transfer them to a baking sheet and freeze until firm. Once frozen, transfer the bites to an airtight container or bag and store in the freezer for up to 3 months. To reheat, simply bake the frozen bites in the oven until heated through and the cheese is melted.
What can I serve these bites with?
These Cheesy Bacon Ranch Potato Bites are delicious on their own as a snack or appetizer. However, they also pair beautifully with a variety of dips, such as ranch, blue cheese, or a zesty homemade aioli.
Try These Next
- Cheesy Bacon Jalapeno Popper Bites
- Cheesy Bacon Ranch Burger Stuffed Biscuit Bombs
- Cheesy Garlic Bacon Ranch Stuffed Chicken
Cheesy Bacon Ranch Potato Bites
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
These Cheesy Bacon Ranch Potato Bites are the perfect combination of crispy, cheesy, and savory flavors, making them an irresistible snack for any occasion.
Ingredients
1 pound baby potatoes
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1/2 cup cooked bacon, crumbled
1/4 cup ranch dressing
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
Salt and pepper to taste
Chopped green onions for garnish
Instructions
1. Preheat your oven to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C).
2. Wash and halve the baby potatoes.
3. In a bowl, toss the potatoes with olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
4. Spread the potatoes on a baking sheet and roast for 25 minutes or until golden and tender.
5. Remove from the oven and sprinkle with cheddar cheese and crumbled bacon.
6. Return to the oven for an additional 5 minutes until the cheese is melted.
7. Drizzle ranch dressing over the top and garnish with chopped green onions.
Notes
For extra flavor, try adding some smoked paprika or cayenne pepper to the seasoning mix.
These bites can be made ahead of time and reheated in the oven.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Satisfying Snacks & Appetizers
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4 bites
- Calories: 250 kcal
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 500mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 8g
- Cholesterol: 30mg