Mini Baked Potatoes

Introduction

Mini Baked Potatoes are a delightful twist on the classic baked potato, perfect for appetizers or side dishes. These small, tender potatoes are roasted to crispy perfection on the outside while remaining soft and creamy on the inside. With a variety of toppings like sour cream, chives, bacon, and cheese, these mini baked potatoes offer a fun and customizable option for any meal or gathering.

I first made these when I wanted to try something a little different for a party, and they were a hit from the very first bite. The best part about these mini baked potatoes is how easy they are to customize. You can load them up with your favorite toppings, or keep them simple with just a dollop of sour cream and a sprinkle of chives. Whether you’re serving them as a snack, at a gathering, or alongside your main course, these little potatoes are always a crowd-pleaser.

Perfect for:

• Appetizers
• Party platters
• Side dishes
• Family dinners
• Game day snacks
• Potatoes lovers

Why You’ll Love This Mini Baked Potatoes

Here’s why Mini Baked Potatoes will become your new favorite:

• Crispy and Soft Texture: The mini potatoes get a perfectly crispy skin while staying tender and fluffy inside, giving you the best of both worlds.
• Customizable Toppings: You can top these mini potatoes with whatever your heart desires, from classic sour cream and chives to bacon, cheese, or even guacamole.
• Easy to Make: This recipe requires minimal preparation and a short cooking time, making it a convenient and delicious option for any occasion.
• Perfectly Bite-Sized: These mini potatoes are easy to eat in one or two bites, making them ideal for appetizers or snacks.
• Versatile: You can serve these as a side dish, a snack, or even as a fun part of a party spread.

Preparation and Cooking Time

• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Preparation Time: 10 minutes
• Cooking Time: 35 minutes
• Servings: 24 mini potatoes
• Calories per serving: Approximately 80-100 calories (without toppings)
• Key Nutrients: Protein: 2g, Carbs: 17g, Fat: 4g

Ingredients

Gather these ingredients to make your Mini Baked Potatoes:

• 24 small baby potatoes (or mini Yukon Gold potatoes)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper
• ¼ teaspoon garlic powder (optional)
• ¼ teaspoon onion powder (optional)

Ingredient Highlights

• Mini Potatoes: These small potatoes are tender and quick to cook, with a creamy texture that’s perfect for baking. Yukon Gold or baby potatoes work best for this recipe.
• Olive Oil: Helps achieve that crispy, golden skin on the potatoes while also adding flavor.
• Seasonings: Simple seasonings like salt, pepper, and optional garlic or onion powder elevate the potatoes without overpowering their natural taste.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Here’s how to make Mini Baked Potatoes:

Prepare the Potatoes:

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone mat for easy cleanup.
2. Wash the Potatoes: Scrub the mini potatoes thoroughly under cold water to remove any dirt. Pat them dry with a towel.
3. Season the Potatoes: In a large bowl, toss the potatoes with olive oil, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder (if using) until evenly coated.
4. Arrange on a Baking Sheet: Spread the seasoned potatoes in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet, ensuring they’re not overcrowded.

Bake the Potatoes:

5. Bake: Bake the mini potatoes in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until they’re golden brown and crispy on the outside and easily pierced with a fork on the inside.
6. Cool: Let the potatoes cool for 5 minutes before serving.

How to Serve Mini Baked Potatoes

Mini Baked Potatoes are a versatile dish that can be served in many ways:

• With Classic Toppings: Top with sour cream, chives, and shredded cheese for a traditional loaded baked potato experience.
• As a Party Appetizer: Serve them on a platter with a variety of dips, like ranch, ketchup, or guacamole, for dipping.
• For Game Day: Serve with toppings like crispy bacon bits, shredded cheddar cheese, and green onions for a savory snack during the big game.
• As a Side Dish: Pair them with your favorite main courses, like roasted meats, grilled vegetables, or a fresh salad.

Additional Tips for Mini Baked Potatoes

Here are some tips to ensure your Mini Baked Potatoes are perfect every time:

• Use Similar Sized Potatoes: Try to choose mini potatoes that are roughly the same size for even cooking.
• Poke with a Fork: If you prefer extra crispy skin, poke the potatoes with a fork a few times before baking to allow steam to escape.
• Don’t Overcrowd the Baking Sheet: Leave some space between the potatoes to help them crisp up better in the oven.
• Try Different Seasonings: Feel free to experiment with other seasonings like paprika, thyme, or rosemary for a flavor twist.
• Serve Immediately: These potatoes are best served hot and fresh from the oven for the crispiest skin.
• Reheat Properly: If you need to reheat leftovers, do so in the oven to keep the skin crispy, not in the microwave.
• Serve with Toppings: Top mini baked potatoes with cheese, bacon bits, chives, sour cream, or any of your favorite toppings for a fun and customizable dish.

Recipe Variations for Mini Baked Potatoes

Here are 10 variations you can try for Mini Baked Potatoes:

• Loaded Mini Baked Potatoes: Top with crispy bacon, cheddar cheese, sour cream, and green onions.
• Cheesy Mini Potatoes: Sprinkle with shredded cheese and bake for a few extra minutes until melted and bubbly.
• Herb-Infused Mini Potatoes: Toss the potatoes with fresh rosemary, thyme, or parsley for a fragrant twist.
• Garlic Parmesan Mini Potatoes: Sprinkle the potatoes with grated Parmesan cheese and minced garlic before baking for a savory, cheesy flavor.
• Buffalo Mini Potatoes: Toss baked potatoes with buffalo sauce and serve with blue cheese dressing for a spicy kick.
• Sour Cream and Chive Mini Potatoes: Top with sour cream and fresh chives for a classic flavor combination.
• Mini Baked Potatoes with Pesto: Drizzle the baked potatoes with fresh basil pesto for an Italian-inspired dish.
• Mini Baked Potatoes with Avocado: Top with mashed avocado, lime, and cilantro for a creamy, fresh option.
• BBQ Mini Potatoes: Top with pulled pork or chicken and barbecue sauce for a smoky, savory twist.
• Vegan Mini Potatoes: Top with guacamole, vegan sour cream, and chopped cilantro for a dairy-free option.

Freezing and Storage for Mini Baked Potatoes

• Freezing: Mini Baked Potatoes can be frozen. After baking and cooling, place them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until firm. Transfer to a zip-top bag for up to 2 months. Reheat in the oven to restore their crispy texture.
• Storage: Store leftover potatoes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To keep them crispy, reheat them in the oven or air fryer.

Special Equipment for Mini Baked Potatoes

Here are some special equipment items to make preparing your Mini Baked Potatoes easier:

• Baking Sheet: A large, rimmed baking sheet ensures that the potatoes have enough room to roast and crisp up evenly.
• Parchment Paper or Silicone Mats: Prevents sticking and makes cleanup easier.
• Large Bowl: Use a large bowl for tossing the potatoes with oil and seasonings.
• Fork or Skewer: A fork or skewer can be used to test if the potatoes are done by poking them for tenderness.

Frequently Asked Questions for Mini Baked Potatoes

1. Can I use larger potatoes?
   Yes, you can use larger potatoes, but you may need to adjust the cooking time. Larger potatoes will take longer to bake.
2. Can I make these ahead of time?
   Yes, you can bake the potatoes ahead of time, store them in the fridge, and then reheat them in the oven to restore the crispiness.
3. Can I use other oils?
   Yes, you can substitute olive oil with vegetable oil, avocado oil, or even melted butter for a different flavor.
4. How do I know when they’re done?
   The potatoes should be golden brown on the outside and easily pierced with a fork or skewer when done.
5. Can I freeze the mini potatoes?
   Yes, after baking and cooling, you can freeze them for later use.

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Conclusion

Mini Baked Potatoes are a simple yet delicious dish that’s perfect for any occasion. With their crispy skins and tender insides, they’re a great option for appetizers, side dishes, or snacks. Whether you keep it classic with sour cream and chives or get creative with various toppings, these mini potatoes are sure to please your guests or your family. They’re easy to make, customizable, and perfect for satisfying your potato cravings.

This recipe is as easy to prepare as it is delicious, making it ideal for everything from casual family meals to festive gatherings. Whether you’re serving them as finger foods or as part of a larger spread, these mini baked potatoes are sure to be a hit!

I’d love to see how your Mini Baked Potatoes turn out! Snap a photo, share it on social media, and don’t forget to tag me—I can’t wait to see your delicious creations. Happy cooking!