Looking for a delicious and easy-to-make appetizer or side dish that will impress your guests? These Cheesy Baked Potato Rounds are the perfect solution. With their crispy edges, gooey melted cheese, and a touch of garlic and paprika, these potato rounds are sure to be a hit at any gathering. Whether you’re serving them at a casual get-together or as part of a family dinner, these potato rounds are bound to become a favorite.
Ingredients
For the Potato Rounds:
- Large Potatoes: 4, peeled and sliced into 1/2-inch thick rounds
- Olive Oil: 2 tablespoons
- Salt: 1 teaspoon
- Black Pepper: 1/2 teaspoon
- Garlic Powder: 1/2 teaspoon
- Paprika: 1/2 teaspoon
For the Topping:
- Shredded Cheese: 1 1/2 cups (Cheddar, Mozzarella, or a blend)
- Fresh Parsley: 2 tablespoons, chopped
- Chopped Chives: Optional, for garnish
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Potatoes
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it with cooking spray.
- Slice the Potatoes: Peel the potatoes and slice them into 1/2-inch thick rounds. Try to make the slices as even as possible for consistent cooking.
- Season the Potatoes: Place the potato slices in a large bowl. Drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle with salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and paprika. Toss the slices to ensure they are evenly coated with the oil and seasonings.
Step 2: Bake the Potato Rounds
- Arrange on Baking Sheet: Lay the seasoned potato rounds in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet. Make sure they are not overlapping to allow for even baking.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for about 20-25 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender and golden brown around the edges. Flip the potatoes halfway through the baking time to ensure they cook evenly.
Step 3: Add the Cheese and Finish Baking
- Add Cheese: Remove the baking sheet from the oven. Sprinkle the shredded cheese evenly over the potato rounds.
- Bake Again: Return the baking sheet to the oven and bake for an additional 5-7 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Garnish: Once the cheese is melted, remove the potatoes from the oven. Sprinkle with chopped fresh parsley and, if desired, chopped chives for an extra burst of flavor and color.
Step 4: Serve
- Serve Hot: Serve the Cheesy Baked Potato Rounds hot, straight from the oven. They are perfect as an appetizer, side dish, or even a snack.
Cooking Notes and Variations
Cooking Notes:
- Cheese Options: Feel free to use your favorite cheese or a combination of cheeses. Cheddar, mozzarella, or a blend work well, but you can also try Monterey Jack, Gouda, or Parmesan for a different flavor.
- Potato Variety: Russet potatoes are a great choice for this recipe due to their starchy texture, but you can also use Yukon Gold or red potatoes for a creamier texture.
- Seasoning Variations: Add a little kick by sprinkling some cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes along with the other seasonings.
Variations:
- Loaded Potato Rounds: Top the cheesy potato rounds with cooked and crumbled bacon and a dollop of sour cream for loaded potato rounds.
- Herb Infused: Add a teaspoon of dried rosemary or thyme to the seasoning mix for a herby flavor.
- Garlic Parmesan: Instead of shredded cheese, use grated Parmesan cheese and increase the garlic powder to 1 teaspoon for a garlic Parmesan twist.
Keto and Low-Carb Version
Ingredients:
- Large Potatoes: Replace with 4 large zucchini or 2 large eggplants, sliced into 1/2-inch thick rounds
- Olive Oil: 2 tablespoons
- Salt: 1 teaspoon
- Black Pepper: 1/2 teaspoon
- Garlic Powder: 1/2 teaspoon
- Paprika: 1/2 teaspoon
- Shredded Cheese: 1 1/2 cups (Cheddar, Mozzarella, or a blend)
- Fresh Parsley: 2 tablespoons, chopped
- Chopped Chives: Optional, for garnish
Instructions:
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it with cooking spray.
- Prepare the Vegetables: Slice the zucchini or eggplant into 1/2-inch thick rounds. Season as described above.
- Bake: Arrange the vegetable rounds on the baking sheet and bake for about 15-20 minutes until tender.
- Add Cheese and Finish Baking: Sprinkle with cheese and bake for another 5-7 minutes until melted.
- Serve: Garnish and serve hot.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Can I prepare these potato rounds in advance?
A: Yes, you can prepare the potato rounds in advance by slicing and seasoning them. Store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. When ready to bake, follow the baking instructions.
Q: Can I use sweet potatoes instead of regular potatoes?
A: Absolutely! Sweet potatoes can be used as a delicious and nutritious alternative. The cooking time may vary slightly, so keep an eye on them while baking.
Q: How can I make these potato rounds extra crispy?
A: For extra crispy potato rounds, you can soak the sliced potatoes in cold water for 30 minutes before seasoning. This helps remove excess starch. Make sure to pat them dry thoroughly before seasoning and baking.
Q: Can I use a different oil instead of olive oil?
A: Yes, you can use other oils such as avocado oil, vegetable oil, or canola oil.
Cheesy Baked Potato Rounds are a versatile and crowd-pleasing dish that can be served as an appetizer, side dish, or snack. With their crispy edges, melted cheese, and savory seasonings, they are sure to be a hit at any meal. The variations and keto/low-carb options make it easy to customize this recipe to suit your dietary preferences. Enjoy these delicious potato rounds hot out of the oven and watch them disappear in no time!
