Baked Potato Rounds with Cheese

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Baked Potato Rounds with Cheese

Crispy, Golden, and Comfortingly Cheesy

There’s something deeply comforting about potatoes fresh from the oven—crispy on the edges, soft in the center, and finished with melted cheese that stretches just enough to make you smile. These Baked Potato Rounds with Cheese are one of those simple recipes that feel like more than the sum of their parts. No frying, no complicated steps—just honest ingredients, a hot oven, and a result that disappears fast.

They remind you of loaded baked potatoes, but in a snackable, shareable form. Perfect for busy weeknights, casual gatherings, or those moments when you want something warm and satisfying without making a mess in the kitchen.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Crispy without frying – Oven-baked, not greasy
• Minimal ingredients you likely already have
• Cheese-forward comfort food everyone loves
• Naturally gluten-free
• Customizable with toppings or spices
• Great as a side, snack, or vegetarian main

Ingredients

• 4 large russet or Yukon Gold potatoes, scrubbed
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon sea salt
• ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
• ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
• ½ cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
• ½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped

Optional Garnishes

• Chopped chives or green onions
• Sour cream for dipping
• Crumbled bacon (optional)

Equipment Needed

• Sharp knife
• Large mixing bowl
• Baking sheet
• Parchment paper (optional but recommended)
• Spatula

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it with olive oil.

2. Slice the Potatoes

Slice the potatoes into ½-inch thick rounds. Keep slices uniform so they cook evenly.

3. Season the Potatoes

Place potato rounds in a large bowl. Add olive oil, salt, pepper, garlic powder, smoked paprika, and cayenne if using. Toss well until every slice is coated.

4. Arrange for Crisping

Lay the potato slices in a single layer on the baking sheet. Do not overlap—this is key to crisp edges.

5. Bake Until Golden

Bake for 25–30 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the potatoes are fork-tender and golden on the edges.

6. Add the Cheese

Remove from the oven. Sprinkle cheddar and mozzarella evenly over the hot potato rounds.

7. Melt & Finish

Return to the oven for 2–3 minutes, just until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

8. Garnish & Serve

Sprinkle with fresh parsley and optional chives. Serve immediately while hot and cheesy.

Pro Tips

• Don’t overcrowd the pan — crispiness depends on space
• Use freshly shredded cheese for better melt and flavor
• Flip gently to keep rounds intact
• Smoked paprika adds depth that mimics bacon flavor
• For extra crispiness, broil for 30–60 seconds at the end

Variations & Substitutions

• Loaded Version: Add bacon bits, sour cream, and green onions
• Spicy: Use pepper jack cheese or add chili flakes
• Sweet Potato Rounds: Swap potatoes and reduce bake time slightly
• Vegan: Use plant-based cheese and olive oil
• Herb Swap: Try rosemary or thyme instead of parsley

Serving, Pairing & Storage

How to Serve

• As a side with grilled chicken, steak, or burgers
• As a snack with sour cream or ranch
• As a vegetarian meal with a fresh green salad

Storage

• Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days

Reheating

• Reheat in the oven at 400°F (205°C) for best texture
• Avoid microwaving if you want to keep them crisp

Freezing

• Not recommended after cheese is added (texture suffers)

FAQ

Can I make these ahead?
Yes. Bake the potatoes without cheese, refrigerate, then reheat and add cheese before serving.

Do I need to peel the potatoes?
No. The skins add texture, flavor, and fiber.

Why aren’t mine crispy?
Overcrowding or too much moisture. Spread them out and pat dry if needed.

Can I use pre-sliced potatoes?
You can, but fresh slicing gives better texture.

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Baked Potato Rounds with Cheese

Crispy oven-baked potato slices topped with melted cheese—an easy, comforting snack or side dish everyone loves.

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Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• 4 large potatoes sliced ½-inch thick
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp salt
• ½ tsp black pepper
• ½ tsp garlic powder
• ½ tsp smoked paprika
• ½ tsp cayenne optional
• ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese
• ½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• Fresh parsley for garnish

Equipment

• Baking sheet
• mixing bowl
• knife
• spatula

Method

 

1. Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C). Line baking sheet.
2. Toss potato slices with oil and seasonings.
3. Arrange in a single layer on baking sheet.
4. Bake 25–30 minutes, flipping halfway.
5. Sprinkle cheese over potatoes.
6. Return to oven 2–3 minutes until melted.
7. Garnish and serve hot.

Notes

Use freshly shredded cheese for best melting

Avoid overlapping slices for crisp edges

Bake without cheese if prepping ahead

Sweet potatoes can be substituted with shorter bake time