Description
Delicious Irish Potato Bites made with tender red potatoes scooped and filled with a savory mixture of baco, cheddar cheese, and butter, then baked to golden perfection. Perfect as a hearty appetizer or snack, served warm with optional sour cream and chives.
Ingredients
Potatoes
- 12 small red potatoes (about the size of golf balls)
Filling
- 2 strips baco, cooked and chopped
- 1/4 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 tablespoon melted butter
- Salt, to taste
Toppings (Optional)
- Sour cream
- Chives
Instructions
- Preparation: Place a large pot on the stove, fill it with water leaving enough room to avoid boiling over, and add the small red potatoes. Bring to a steady boil and cook until the potatoes are fork-tender, about 10 minutes.
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Baking Sheet: While the potatoes boil, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with a silicone mat or parchment paper.
- Cool and Cut Potatoes: Drain the potatoes and allow them to cool enough to handle safely. Cut each potato in half lengthwise, then slice a thin piece off the rounded end of each half to stabilize them on the baking sheet.
- Scoop Potato Flesh: Using a small spoon or melon baller, carefully scoop out the inside of each potato half, leaving a thin wall so the shells maintain their shape.
- Prepare Filling: In a bowl, combine the scooped potato flesh with chopped baco, shredded cheddar cheese, melted butter, and salt to taste. Stir until well blended.
- Fill Potato Shells: Spoon the potato, baco, and cheese mixture back into each hollowed potato half, packing gently but firmly.
- Bake: Arrange the filled potato halves on the prepared baking sheet and bake in the preheated oven for about 10 minutes, until the cheese is melted and the tops are golden brown.
- Serve: Remove from the oven and let the potato bites rest for a minute. Serve warm, optionally topped with sour cream and chives for extra flavor.
Notes
- Use firm red potatoes that hold their shape well during boiling and baking to prevent breakage.
- For best flavor, use quality baco and shred your own cheddar cheese.
- The optional sour cream and chives add a nice freshness and creaminess when serving.
- Make sure to leave a thin wall of potato around the shells to ensure they stay intact during baking.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Irish
