Meals

Baked Potato Slices with Bacon .26

Baked Potato Slices with Bacon & Green Onions

Cheesy Baked Potato Slices with Bacon and Green Onions are the perfect combination of crispy edges, tender centers, and irresistible toppings. This easy oven-baked recipe transforms simple russet potatoes into a crowd-pleasing side dish or snack that feels indulgent yet comforting. Each slice is brushed with butter, seasoned simply with salt and pepper, baked until golden, then topped with melted cheese, crispy bacon, and fresh green onions.

Whether you’re serving these as a side dish for dinner, a game-day appetizer, or a cozy weekend treat, these baked potato slices are always a hit. They require minimal prep, use everyday ingredients, and deliver big flavor with very little effort.

Why You’ll Love These Cheesy Baked Potato Slices

  • Crispy on the outside, soft on the inside

  • Loaded with cheese, bacon, and green onions

  • Simple ingredients and easy prep

  • Perfect as a side dish or appetizer

  • Customizable with your favorite toppings

  • Delicious dipped in sour cream

Why You Should Try This Recipe

If you love baked potatoes but want something a little more fun and shareable, this recipe is for you. Baking potatoes in slices allows for maximum crispiness while still keeping the inside tender and fluffy. The melted cheese and bacon add richness, while green onions bring a fresh balance to every bite.

This recipe is also incredibly versatile. You can serve it as a snack, a party appetizer, or a side dish alongside almost any meal. Plus, it’s easy enough for beginners and quick enough for busy days.

Ingredients You’ll Need

  • 3–4 russet potatoes, sliced into rounds

  • Butter, melted (for brushing)

  • Salt, to taste

  • Black pepper, to taste

  • Shredded cheese (cheddar or a cheese blend)

  • Cooked bacon, crumbled

  • Green onions, sliced

  • Sour cream, for dipping

How to Make Cheesy Baked Potato Slices (Step by Step)

Step 1: Prepare the potatoes

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Wash and scrub the russet potatoes well. Slice them into evenly sized rounds so they bake evenly.

Step 2: Season the potatoes

Arrange the potato slices in a single layer on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or lightly greased. Brush each slice with melted butter, then season generously with salt and black pepper.

Step 3: Bake until tender

Place the baking sheet in the oven and bake for 30 minutes, flipping once halfway through if desired, until the potatoes are tender and lightly golden.

Step 4: Add the toppings

Remove the potatoes from the oven. Sprinkle shredded cheese, crumbled bacon, and green onions evenly over the slices.

Step 5: Bake again

Return the pan to the oven and bake for an additional 5 minutes, or until the cheese is fully melted and bubbly.

Step 6: Serve and enjoy

Remove from the oven and serve immediately with sour cream on the side for dipping.

Nutritional Information (Approximate per Serving)

  • Calories: 280–350

  • Protein: 8–12g

  • Carbohydrates: 30–35g

  • Fat: 16–20g

  • Fiber: 3–4g

  • Sodium: Moderate

Tips for the Best Baked Potato Slices

  • Slice potatoes evenly for consistent cooking
    Cutting the potatoes into evenly sized slices is key. When slices are the same thickness, they cook at the same rate, preventing some pieces from burning while others stay undercooked. Aim for slices about ¼ to ½ inch thick for the perfect balance of crispy edges and tender centers.

    Use russet potatoes for the crispiest edges
    Russet potatoes are high in starch and low in moisture, which makes them ideal for baking. This type of potato crisps beautifully in the oven while staying fluffy inside, giving you the classic baked potato texture in slice form.

    Don’t overcrowd the baking sheet
    Arrange the potato slices in a single layer with a little space between them. Overcrowding traps steam, which prevents crisping and can make the potatoes soft instead of golden and crunchy. Use two baking sheets if needed.

    Flip halfway for extra crispiness
    Flipping the slices halfway through baking allows both sides to come into direct contact with the hot pan. This helps develop an even golden color and adds extra crispiness on both sides.

    Use freshly shredded cheese for better melting
    Freshly shredded cheese melts smoother and more evenly than pre-shredded cheese, which often contains anti-caking agents. This gives you a creamier, gooier topping that coats the potatoes perfectly.

    Add toppings only at the end to prevent burning
    Cheese, bacon, and green onions can burn if added too early. Bake the potatoes until tender first, then add the toppings and return them to the oven just long enough to melt the cheese and warm everything through.

    Serve immediately for the best texture
    Baked potato slices are at their best straight from the oven. Serving them immediately ensures crispy edges, melted cheese, and the perfect contrast between crunchy and soft textures.

Variations & Substitutions

  • Swap butter for olive oil

  • Use mozzarella or pepper jack cheese

  • Add jalapeños for heat

  • Try turkey bacon instead of pork bacon

  • Add garlic powder or paprika for extra flavor

  • Finish with ranch or garlic aioli instead of sour cream

What to Serve with Cheesy Baked Potato Slices

  • Grilled chicken or steak

  • Burgers or sliders

  • Roasted vegetables

  • Fresh green salad

  • Soup or chili

  • BBQ dishes

Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Slicing potatoes too thick or too thin

  • Skipping parchment paper

  • Adding cheese too early

  • Overcrowding the pan

  • Under-seasoning the potatoes

Storing & Reheating Tips

  • Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge

  • Consume within 3 days

  • Reheat in the oven or air fryer for best crispiness

  • Avoid microwaving if possible (can make them soft)

Conclusion

Cheesy Baked Potato Slices with Bacon and Green Onions are everything you love about a loaded baked potato in a fun, shareable form. Crispy, cheesy, savory, and incredibly satisfying, this recipe is simple enough for weeknights yet impressive enough for guests. Dip them in sour cream, enjoy the crunch, and watch them disappear fast.

General Information

  • Difficulty: Easy

  • Prep Time: 10 minutes

  • Cook Time: 35 minutes

  • Total Time: 45 minutes

  • Category: Side Dish / Appetizer

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. What type of potatoes work best for baked potato slices?
Russet potatoes work best because they crisp nicely on the outside while staying fluffy inside.

2. Do I need to peel the potatoes?
No, peeling is optional. Leaving the skin on adds texture and extra flavor.

3. How thick should I slice the potatoes?
Slice them about ¼ to ½ inch thick for the best balance of crisp edges and tender centers.

4. Can I use olive oil instead of butter?
Yes, olive oil works well and gives a slightly lighter flavor.

5. Should I flip the potato slices while baking?
Flipping halfway is optional but helps both sides crisp evenly.

6. What cheese works best for this recipe?
Cheddar cheese is classic, but Colby Jack, mozzarella, or a cheese blend also work great.

7. Can I make these potato slices ahead of time?
You can slice and season the potatoes ahead of time, but bake and add toppings just before serving for best texture.

8. Can I use pre-cooked bacon?
Yes, pre-cooked or leftover bacon works perfectly and saves time.

9. Can I make this recipe without bacon?
Absolutely. You can skip the bacon or replace it with vegetables or plant-based alternatives.

10. How do I make the potato slices extra crispy?
Bake them in a single layer, avoid overcrowding the pan, and flip halfway through cooking.

11. Can I add more seasonings?
Yes. Garlic powder, paprika, onion powder, or Italian seasoning all pair well with potatoes.

12. What temperature should I bake the potatoes at?
Bake at 400°F (200°C) for the best crisp and color.

13. How do I know when the potatoes are done?
They should be fork-tender and lightly golden before adding cheese.

14. Can I make these in an air fryer?
Yes. Air fry at 375°F (190°C) for about 15–18 minutes, then add toppings and cook a few minutes more.

15. What dipping sauces go well with baked potato slices?
Sour cream, ranch dressing, garlic aioli, or cheese sauce are all great options.

16. Are baked potato slices good for parties?
Yes. They’re easy to serve, shareable, and always a crowd favorite.

17. How long do leftovers last in the fridge?
Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

18. What’s the best way to reheat them?
Reheat in the oven or air fryer to restore crispiness. Avoid the microwave if possible.

19. Can I freeze baked potato slices?
Freezing is not recommended, as the texture can become soft and watery.

20. Are these baked potato slices served as a side or appetizer?
They work as both—a fun appetizer or a hearty side dish.