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!
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
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.
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!