Loaded potato bites are a cute and delicious appetizer or party snack. A savory mashed potato mixture in a crispy phyllo cup then topped with cheese and bacon…what’s not to love?!
If you’re planning a party menu you absolutely MUST have a perfectly bite sized appetizer. What makes these the best choice is because they are served in these cute little phyllo shells.
WHERE TO FIND PHYLLO CUPS
If you’ve never used phyllo cups before they are one of the best little appetizer enhancers. They’re versatile and are great little vehicles for savory or even sweet appetizers or desserts. They’re prebaked so you can just fill and serve, or use in a cooked recipe.
So where do you find them in the grocery store? They’re probably going to be in one of two places. You need to head to the freezer section of your grocery store. In the main grocery store I go to they are at the end of the aisle outside of the freezer in a display.
In another store I go to, they are actually inside the freezer door where you find the puff pastry and frozen pies. So, it’s going to depend on your store whether or not they are inside the freezer or not, but chances are they will be in the freezer section. They come in packs of 15 cups, and for this recipe you need three boxes. They cost a little over $2 per box.
HOW TO MAKE LOADED POTATO BITES
There are a few steps to making these cute little bites but I promise it’s worth it!
STEP 1: BOIL THE POTATOES
Peel and chunk 5 red potatoes then boil for 20 minutes or so until the pieces are tender and easily pierced with a fork.
STEP 2: COOK THE BACON
I like to use sheers to cut the bacon strips into pieces before cooking it up. You could also cook the bacon strips whole and then crumble.
STEP 3: MAKE THE FILLING
With the potatoes cooked, mash them with the filling ingredients and add to the phyllo shells.
STEP 4: BAKE
Top with the crumbled bacon then bake for 15 minutes.
Need more party appetizer ideas?
Brie and Raspberry Phyllo Bites
Buffalo Chicken Phyllo Bites
Walking Taco Casseroles
Every party needs a good dip. Try one of these!
Cream Cheese Salsa Dip
Jalapeno Corn Dip
Loaded Potato Bites
Loaded Potato Bites are an adorable mini appetizer in phyllo shells. Crispy, cheesy, and topped with savory bacon…it’s everything you want in an appetizer. Easy to make, these will keep your guests happy!
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 45 bites
Ingredients
3 boxes of 15 phyllo shells
5 oz block of Gruyere cheese, grated
5 medium sized red potatoes
5 strips of bacon, cut into pieces (using kitchen shears makes this super easy!)
1 tablespoon butter
1 oz cream cheese
1/4 teaspoons salt
1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
Smoked paprika for garnishing
Instructions
1. Peel and chunk the potatoes, bring a salted pot of water to boil and boil the potatoes for about 20 minutes until a fork can pierce them easily. Then strain and see step 3.
2. Preheat oven to 350. Meanwhile in a large pan over medium heat, add the bacon pieces and cook 10 minutes until crispy. The spoon onto a paper towel lined plate to remove excess grease.
3. In a large bowl, add the butter and cream cheese. Spoon the cooked and strained potatoes on top of the butter and cream cheese so they start to melt, then add the grated Gruyere cheese. Mash lightly to combine the butter, cream cheese, and Gruyere to create a smooth consistency. You don’t want this totally smooth like mashed potatoes, a few lumps are ok! Add the salt and garlic powder and stir to blend into the potatoes.
4. Place the phyllo shells onto a baking sheet, spoon about 1/2 tablespoon of the potato mixture into each phyllo shell, then top each with the bacon pieces. Sprinkle with smoked paprika. Bake for 15 minutes.
Notes
I prefer to cut the bacon into pieces before cooking it rather than cook the strips and crumble into pieces. Using kitchen shears makes this so easy!
going to make these for Thanksgiving I think, but are they ok cold? or do they have to stay warm?
Hi! I prefer these warm, but if you’re traveling or want these cold I think the flavor will still be OK but texture wise they will be firmer. Keep in mind food safety rules. If you can’t serve immediately keep in the fridge until ready to serve. The FDA recommends the “2 hour rule” for leaving food at room temp…read more here: https://www.fda.gov/food/buy-store-serve-safe-food/serving-safe-buffets