Twice Baked Potato Bites

Twice Baked Potato Bites are a miniature version of that dinner time favorite – Twice Baked Potatoes.  This little morsel is easy to prepare and easier to eat.  Perfect for an appetizer, party or afternoon tea.  I serve Twice Baked Potato Bites as part of the savory course for my afternoon teas.  And they are always a hit – gone when the plates are cleared.

Just like the bigger version, Twice Baked Potato Bites go together in a very similar way….just much smaller.

INGREDIENTS

• 12 small potatoes
• Sour Cream
• Cream Cheese
• Butter
• Cream
• Shredded Cheddar Cheese
• Bacon
• Chives
• Salt and Pepper

BAKING THE POTATOES

You can choose any small potato to use.  I used small red potatoes that were about quarter or golf ball size.  I wanted it to be one bite.  However, any small potato will work.

Prepare your potatoes first.  I used the microwave because it was easy and quick.  Wash and dry your potatoes.  Put one knife poke in the potato – preferably on the side that you will be scooping out.  Lay the potatoes on a plate and microwave for 2 minutes on high, testing the potatoes for doneness.  I bring them out when they feel just a little under baked, cover them and let them rest for 10-15 minutes.  This will allow them to continue to cook. 

If you don’t want to use your microwave, you can also boil the potatoes in salted water for 10 minutes or fork tender.

PREPARING AND STUFFING THE POTATOES

Once the potatoes are cooked and cooled, you want to take a sharp knife and take a very small slice off the bottom of the potato.  This will allow your potato to sit flat on the plate.  Then cut a larger oval off the top of the potato.  Remove the skin and save this for your stuffing.  Then take a small spoon (a demitasse spoon works perfectly) and gently scoop out the inside of the potato, leaving enough of the potato “wall” to hold the potato shape.  Repeat this for all your potatoes.

Take the potato filling and mix with sour cream, butter, cream cheese, shredded cheddar cheese and chopped up bacon.  Mix with enough cream to blend together.  Salt and pepper to taste.  You can vary this for any way that you would like to make your twice baked potatoes.  You might use blue cheese or just sour cream and butter.  It’s however you want to make them. 

Take a scoop of the potato filling and stuff into the potato shell.  Mound on top.  Repeat for all your potatoes. 

At this point, you can bake immediately or you can refrigerate.  These Twice Baked Potato Bites can be made the day ahead as well.

TWICE BAKING THE POTATO BITES

To bake your Twice Baked Potato Bites, preheat you oven to 400 degrees.  Place your potatoes on a baking sheet.  I line my sheet with parchment paper or foil to prevent any sticking.  Bake for 10 minutes or until browned on top.

If you have made your Twice Baked Potato Bites ahead of time, let them come to room temperature for a bit before baking.

SERVING THE TWICE BAKED POTATO BITES

To serve, you have several options.  I like to take a piece of bacon and a chive on top of the potato.  You can also serve with a dollop of sour cream. 

These are a great little finger food.  One per person for an afternoon tea.  One easily goes into your mouth for that perfect creamy taste of twice baked potatoes.

Change up the filling and have fun!  Enjoy these delicious little Twice Baked Potato Bites!