Introduction
Baked Potato Rounds with Cheese are a simple yet irresistible side dish or snack, featuring crispy-edged potatoes topped with gooey, melted cheese. They’re easy to make, budget-friendly, and perfect for everything from casual dinners to game-day spreads.
Origin
Potato-based comfort foods have deep roots in many cuisines, but baked potato rounds are a modern, oven-friendly twist on classic fried potatoes. Home cooks embraced this method as a lighter alternative to frying while still delivering big flavor and satisfying texture.
Cultural Significance
These cheesy potato rounds are a staple of casual home cooking—easy to customize, quick to prepare, and universally loved. They often appear as party appetizers, family sides, or comforting snacks shared straight from the baking tray.
Ingredients & Quantities
- 4 medium russet or Yukon Gold potatoes
- 2 tbsp olive oil or melted butter
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1½ cups shredded cheese (cheddar, mozzarella, or a blend)
- Optional: chopped parsley or green onions for garnish
Optional Additions
- Cooked bacon crumbles
- Paprika or smoked paprika
- Italian seasoning
- A sprinkle of parmesan cheese
- Sour cream or ranch for dipping
Tips for Success
- Slice potatoes evenly so they cook at the same rate.
- Pat potato slices dry before seasoning to improve crispiness.
- Flip halfway through baking for evenly browned rounds.
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Wash and slice potatoes into ¼-inch thick rounds.
- Toss potato slices with olive oil, salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
- Arrange in a single layer on a lined baking sheet.
- Bake for 20–25 minutes, flipping once, until golden and tender.
- Remove from oven, sprinkle cheese evenly over rounds.
- Return to oven and bake 5–7 minutes more, until cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Garnish with parsley or green onions if desired.
Description
These potato rounds emerge crisp on the outside, fluffy inside, and crowned with perfectly melted cheese. Each bite is savory, comforting, and satisfyingly indulgent.
Nutritional Information (Approximate per serving)
- Calories: 280
- Protein: 10g
- Fat: 14g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Sodium: 520mg
Conclusion
Baked Potato Rounds with Cheese are proof that simple ingredients can deliver big comfort and flavor. They’re versatile, crowd-pleasing, and always disappear fast.
Recommendation
Serve alongside burgers, roasted meats, or enjoy as a stand-alone snack with your favorite dipping sauce.
Embracing Healthful Indulgence
For a lighter version, use part-skim cheese, reduce oil slightly, and pair with fresh vegetables or a salad—allowing you to enjoy cheesy comfort while keeping balance in mind.