Cheddar Potato Bites are the perfect snack or side dish for any occasion. These crispy, cheesy delights offer a satisfying crunch and a rich, savory flavor in every bite. Whether you’re hosting a gathering, preparing a quick family meal, or just craving a snack, these bites are sure to hit the spot. Made with simple ingredients like tender potatoes, sharp cheddar cheese, and a sprinkle of garlic powder and paprika, this recipe delivers comfort food in a bite-sized form. With just a few ingredients and minimal prep, you can enjoy these delicious bites in no time. Plus, the best part is that they’re baked in the oven, making them a healthier alternative to deep-fried snacks while still maintaining that irresistible crunch.
The combination of melted cheddar cheese and crispy potatoes creates a mouthwatering contrast that’s perfect for dipping in your favorite sauces or enjoying on their own. Whether served as an appetizer, snack, or side dish, these Cheddar Potato Bites will quickly become a favorite in your kitchen. With only a few steps and a short baking time, this easy recipe brings maximum flavor with minimal effort, ensuring you’ll have a dish that’s both simple and satisfying.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Cheddar Potato Bites are incredibly easy to make, taking only about 40 minutes from start to finish. The dish combines two beloved ingredients—potatoes and cheese—resulting in a flavorful and crispy bite that will satisfy even the pickiest eaters. This recipe offers versatility, allowing you to enjoy it as an appetizer, snack, or side dish for any meal. The best part is that it requires only a few basic pantry staples and can be customized with different spices or dips to suit your taste preferences. Plus, these bites are baked, making them a healthier option than traditional fried snacks.
Ingredients
- Potatoes
- Shredded cheddar cheese
- Garlic powder
- Paprika
- Salt
- Pepper
- Cooking spray
Variations
Spicy Cheddar Potato Bites
Add a bit of heat to your Cheddar Potato Bites by including a pinch of cayenne pepper or chili powder to the seasoning mix.
Herbed Cheddar Potato Bites
For an aromatic twist, add dried herbs like thyme, rosemary, or oregano to the potato mixture before baking.
Bacon Cheddar Potato Bites
For an extra layer of flavor, sprinkle crumbled cooked bacon over the potato bites before baking, or mix it into the seasoning.
Vegan Cheddar Potato Bites
Replace the cheddar cheese with a plant-based cheese alternative to make these bites vegan-friendly, while keeping the same delicious taste and texture.
How to Make the Recipe
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to ensure the bites don’t stick during baking.
Step 2: Prepare the Potatoes
Peel and dice the potatoes into bite-sized pieces. The smaller you cut them, the crispier they’ll get during baking.
Step 3: Coat the Potatoes
In a large mixing bowl, toss the diced potatoes with shredded cheddar cheese, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Make sure the potatoes are evenly coated with the seasoning and cheese.
Step 4: Arrange on Baking Sheet
Transfer the coated potatoes onto the prepared baking sheet in a single layer. Spray the potatoes with cooking spray to help them crisp up while baking.
Step 5: Bake the Potatoes
Place the baking sheet in the oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the potatoes are golden brown and crispy on the outside.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy
Once the Cheddar Potato Bites are ready, remove them from the oven and serve hot. Enjoy them on their own or with your favorite dipping sauces.
Tips for Making the Recipe
- For extra crispy bites, make sure to space the potatoes out evenly on the baking sheet. Avoid overcrowding to allow for proper air circulation.
- If you prefer your bites to be even crispier, flip them halfway through the baking process.
- For an added crunch, use a combination of Russet and Yukon Gold potatoes.
- Experiment with different seasonings such as onion powder or a pinch of smoked paprika for a deeper flavor.
How to Serve
These Cheddar Potato Bites can be served in a variety of ways:
- As an appetizer at parties or gatherings
- As a side dish alongside burgers, grilled meats, or roasted vegetables
- As a snack with your favorite dipping sauces, such as ranch, ketchup, or sriracha mayo
- Tossed in a fresh salad for an extra burst of flavor
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover Cheddar Potato Bites in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To maintain their crispiness, reheat them in an oven rather than a microwave.
Freezing
If you want to prepare them in advance, freeze the uncooked potato bites on a baking sheet until solid, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. When you’re ready to bake, simply place the frozen bites on a baking sheet and cook at 400°F (200°C) for an additional 5-10 minutes.
Reheating
Reheat leftover Cheddar Potato Bites in the oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 10-15 minutes or until heated through and crispy. Avoid reheating them in the microwave, as they will lose their crisp texture.
FAQs
1. Can I use other types of cheese?
Yes, you can substitute cheddar cheese with mozzarella, gouda, or any cheese you prefer.
2. Can I make these without peeling the potatoes?
Yes, you can leave the skins on the potatoes if you prefer. Just make sure to wash them thoroughly.
3. How do I make these spicier?
Add a pinch of cayenne pepper, chili powder, or red pepper flakes to the seasoning mix to spice things up.
4. Can I use frozen potatoes for this recipe?
It’s best to use fresh potatoes for this recipe. Frozen potatoes may not crisp up as well during baking.
5. Can I bake these in an air fryer?
Yes, you can air fry the potato bites at 375°F (190°C) for about 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway through, until crispy.
6. Can I prepare the mixture in advance?
Yes, you can prepare the potato mixture a few hours ahead and store it in the fridge until you’re ready to bake.
7. Can I use olive oil instead of cooking spray?
Yes, olive oil works well to help achieve a crispy texture. Drizzle it over the potatoes before baking.
8. Can I make these gluten-free?
Yes, this recipe is naturally gluten-free since it doesn’t contain any wheat products.
9. How do I make these vegan?
Replace the cheddar cheese with a plant-based cheese alternative for a vegan version of the dish.
10. Can I double the recipe?
Absolutely! You can double or even triple the recipe to serve a larger group. Just make sure to use a larger baking sheet or bake in batches.
Conclusion
Cheddar Potato Bites are a simple, flavorful, and satisfying dish that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether served as a side dish, snack, or appetizer, their crispy texture and cheesy goodness will make them a hit. With just a few ingredients and easy steps, you can create a dish that’s both quick and delicious. The recipe is highly adaptable, allowing you to experiment with different cheeses, spices, and toppings to suit your tastes. Whether you make them in advance or prepare them fresh, these bites will always be a crowd-pleaser.
PrintCheddar Potato Bites
- Total Time: 35-40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
These Crispy Cheddar Potato Bites are the perfect bite-sized snack or side dish! Coated in shredded cheddar cheese and seasoned with garlic and paprika, they’re baked to golden perfection for a deliciously crispy treat.
Ingredients
- 2 large potatoes
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Cooking spray
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Peel and dice the potatoes into bite-sized pieces.
- In a bowl, toss the diced potatoes with shredded cheddar cheese, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper until well coated.
- Place the coated potatoes on the prepared baking sheet and spray with cooking spray.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the potatoes are crispy and golden brown.
- Serve hot and enjoy!
Notes
- Feel free to add extra seasoning like onion powder, or a pinch of cayenne for a spicy kick.
- For an extra cheesy bite, top with a little more cheddar cheese halfway through the baking time.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25-30 minutes