There’s something irresistibly addictive about Arby’s loaded potato bites-those golden, crispy rounds topped with melted cheese, smoky bacon, and all the fixings. The good news? You don’t need to hit the drive-thru to satisfy that craving.
This copycat Arby’s loaded potato bites recipe brings all the comfort of the restaurant favorite straight to your kitchen.
Whether you’re planning game day snacks, party appetizers, or just treating yourself to some savory indulgence, these homemade potato bites deliver restaurant-quality flavor with simple ingredients you probably already have.
Let’s dive into creating these crowd-pleasing morsels that’ll have everyone asking for seconds!
What Does It Taste Like?
Imagine biting into a crispy-edged potato round with a fluffy, tender center that’s been seasoned to perfection with garlic, paprika, and a hint of smokiness.
The first crunch gives way to gooey, melted cheddar cheese that stretches beautifully, while crispy bacon bits add a salty, savory punch. Fresh chives bring a mild oniony brightness that cuts through the richness.
Each bite is like deconstructed loaded baked potato heaven-comforting, indulgent, and perfectly balanced. When dunked in cool, tangy sour cream or creamy ranch dressing, these potato bites transform into an explosion of textures and flavors that hit every savory craving you’ve got.
Ingredients You’ll Need for Arby’s Loaded Potato Bites Recipe
For the Potato Bites:
- 4-5 medium russet potatoes or 2 lbs baby potatoes (sliced into ¼ to ½ inch rounds)
- 3 tablespoons olive oil (for baking) or vegetable oil (for frying)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- ¾ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- Optional: ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning, dash of cayenne, or 1 packet ranch seasoning
For the Toppings:
- 4-6 slices bacon, cooked crispy and crumbled
- 1½ cups shredded cheddar cheese
- Optional: ½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 2 tablespoons freshly chopped chives or green onions
For Serving:
- Sour cream or ranch dressing for dipping
Kitchen Utensils and Equipment
- Large baking sheet
- Parchment paper or aluminum foil
- Large mixing bowl
- Sharp knife or mandoline slicer
- Paper towels
- Measuring spoons
- Spatula or tongs
- Cooling rack (optional)
Preparation and Cooking Time
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35-50 minutes
- Total Time: 50-65 minutes
- Servings: 4-6 people (approximately 24-30 potato bites)
Step-by-Step Recipe Instructions
Step 1: Preheat and Prep
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper or aluminum foil for easy cleanup and to prevent sticking. This temperature ensures crispy edges while keeping the centers tender.
Step 2: Prepare the Potatoes
Wash your russet or baby potatoes thoroughly under cold running water, scrubbing away any dirt. Slice them into even ½-inch rounds or chunks-consistency is key for uniform cooking. Pat each piece completely dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture, which is the secret to achieving that coveted crispy exterior.
Step 3: Season Generously
In a large mixing bowl, combine the potato slices with olive oil. Add garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Toss thoroughly until every piece is evenly coated with the seasoning blend. The oil helps the seasonings adhere and promotes browning.
Step 4: Arrange and Bake
Spread the seasoned potato rounds in a single layer on your prepared baking sheet, making sure they don’t overlap or crowd-this allows hot air to circulate and creates crispy edges. Bake for 30-45 minutes, flipping them halfway through at the 15-20 minute mark, until they’re golden brown and fork-tender.
Step 5: Add the Toppings
Remove the baking sheet from the oven. Working quickly while the potatoes are hot, top each piece with a generous pinch of shredded cheddar cheese and sprinkle crumbled bacon bits over the top. The residual heat will start melting the cheese immediately.
Step 6: Melt the Cheese
Return the loaded potato bites to the oven for 3-5 minutes until the cheese is completely melted and bubbly. For extra golden, crispy cheese edges, switch your oven to broil and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes, watching carefully to prevent burning.
Step 7: Garnish and Serve
Remove from the oven and immediately garnish with freshly chopped chives or green onions for a pop of color and fresh flavor. Transfer to a serving platter with a bowl of sour cream or ranch dressing on the side for dipping. Serve hot for the best texture and flavor experience.
7 Customization and Pairing Ideas for Serving
1. Southwestern Loaded Bites
Transform your copycat Arby’s loaded potato bites into a Tex-Mex sensation by swapping cheddar for pepper jack cheese and adding black beans, corn, jalapeños, and a dollop of guacamole. Serve with chipotle ranch or cilantro-lime crema for dipping.
2. Buffalo Chicken Potato Bites
Top your baked potato rounds with shredded buffalo chicken, crumbled blue cheese, and a drizzle of buffalo sauce before the final bake. Garnish with celery leaves and serve with blue cheese dressing for an appetizer that rivals any sports bar.
3. Breakfast Loaded Bites
Turn these into a brunch star by topping with scrambled eggs, cheese, bacon, and a sprinkle of everything bagel seasoning. Serve alongside hollandaise sauce or hot sauce for a morning twist on the classic.
4. Mediterranean Style
Give your loaded potato bites a Mediterranean makeover with feta cheese, sun-dried tomatoes, kalamata olives, and fresh oregano. Pair with tzatziki sauce for dipping and serve alongside grilled meats or as part of a mezze platter.
5. BBQ Pulled Pork Bites
Layer your crispy potato rounds with slow-cooked pulled pork, sharp cheddar, and a drizzle of your favorite BBQ sauce. Top with coleslaw for crunch and serve as a hearty appetizer or game day snack.
6. Vegetarian Deluxe
Create a meat-free version using plant-based bacon bits or skip the bacon entirely. Load up with multiple cheese varieties, roasted vegetables like bell peppers and mushrooms, and finish with a balsamic glaze for sophisticated flavor.
7. Classic Pairing Suggestions
Serve your Arby’s loaded potato bites alongside burgers, grilled steaks, or barbecue chicken for a complete meal. They also make excellent companions to soups and salads, or can stand alone as a satisfying snack with an ice-cold beverage during movie night or game watching.
7 Essential Tips for Perfect Potato Bites
1. Choose the Right Potato Variety
Russet potatoes are ideal for this copycat Arby’s loaded potato bites recipe because their high starch content creates a fluffy interior with crispy edges. Baby potatoes work wonderfully too, offering a creamier texture with thin, tender skins that add extra crunch when baked.
2. Slice for Uniformity
Consistency is crucial-aim for ¼ to ½ inch thick slices using a sharp knife or mandoline slicer. Uniform thickness ensures every potato bite cooks at the same rate, preventing some from burning while others remain undercooked. Thicker slices mean fluffier centers, while thinner ones get extra crispy.
3. Dry Thoroughly Before Seasoning
The secret to crispy Arby’s loaded potato bites is removing surface moisture. After slicing, pat each piece completely dry with paper towels. Excess water creates steam during baking, resulting in soggy potatoes instead of that coveted golden crunch we’re after.
4. Don’t Overcrowd the Baking Sheet
Spacing is everything! Arrange potato rounds in a single layer with a bit of breathing room between each piece. Overcrowding traps steam and prevents proper browning. If needed, use two baking sheets or bake in batches to achieve restaurant-quality crispiness.
5. Flip for Even Browning
Halfway through baking (around the 20-minute mark), use a spatula to carefully flip each potato round. This ensures both sides develop that beautiful golden-brown color and crispy texture. It’s a small step that makes a massive difference in the final result.
6. Time Your Cheese Addition Perfectly
Don’t add cheese too early or it’ll overcook and become greasy. Wait until your potato bites are fully cooked and crispy, then add toppings and return to the oven just long enough to melt the cheese-3 to 5 minutes is perfect. The broiler trick creates irresistible bubbly, golden cheese in under 2 minutes.
7. Serve Immediately for Best Results
These loaded potato bites are at their absolute best fresh from the oven when the potatoes are crispy, the cheese is gooey, and everything’s piping hot. The longer they sit, the more moisture from the toppings softens the crispy base, so serve them straight away for maximum deliciousness.
Storage and Reheating Guidance
Store leftover potato bites in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a 375°F oven for 8-10 minutes or in an air fryer at 350°F for 5-7 minutes to restore crispiness-avoid the microwave as it makes them soggy.
Arby's Loaded Potato Bites Recipe
Ingredients
- 4-5 medium russet potatoes or 2 lbs baby potatoes sliced into ¼ to ½ inch rounds
- 3 tablespoons olive oil for baking or vegetable oil (for frying)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- ¾ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- Optional: ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning dash of cayenne, or 1 packet ranch seasoning
- 4-6 slices bacon cooked crispy and crumbled
- 1½ cups shredded cheddar cheese
- Optional: ½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- Sour cream or ranch dressing for dipping
- 2 tablespoons freshly chopped chives or green onions
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat and Prep
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper or aluminum foil for easy cleanup and to prevent sticking. This temperature ensures crispy edges while keeping the centers tender.
- Step 2: Prepare the Potatoes
- Wash your russet or baby potatoes thoroughly under cold running water, scrubbing away any dirt. Slice them into even ½-inch rounds or chunks-consistency is key for uniform cooking. Pat each piece completely dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture, which is the secret to achieving that coveted crispy exterior.
- Step 3: Season Generously
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the potato slices with olive oil. Add garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Toss thoroughly until every piece is evenly coated with the seasoning blend. The oil helps the seasonings adhere and promotes browning.
- Step 4: Arrange and Bake
- Spread the seasoned potato rounds in a single layer on your prepared baking sheet, making sure they don’t overlap or crowd-this allows hot air to circulate and creates crispy edges. Bake for 30-45 minutes, flipping them halfway through at the 15-20 minute mark, until they’re golden brown and fork-tender.
- Step 5: Add the Toppings
- Remove the baking sheet from the oven. Working quickly while the potatoes are hot, top each piece with a generous pinch of shredded cheddar cheese and sprinkle crumbled bacon bits over the top. The residual heat will start melting the cheese immediately.
- Step 6: Melt the Cheese
- Return the loaded potato bites to the oven for 3-5 minutes until the cheese is completely melted and bubbly. For extra golden, crispy cheese edges, switch your oven to broil and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes, watching carefully to prevent burning.
- Step 7: Garnish and Serve
- Remove from the oven and immediately garnish with freshly chopped chives or green onions for a pop of color and fresh flavor. Transfer to a serving platter with a bowl of sour cream or ranch dressing on the side for dipping. Serve hot for the best texture and flavor experience.
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Common Queries and FAQs
We’ve gathered some of the most common questions people ask about this recipe – and we’ve got all the answers right here.
Can I make Arby’s loaded potato bites in an air fryer?
Absolutely! Air frying creates incredibly crispy results. Toss seasoned potato slices in oil, arrange in a single layer in your air fryer basket, and cook at 400°F for 15-20 minutes, shaking halfway through. Add toppings and cook for 2-3 more minutes until cheese melts.
Can I fry these potato bites instead of baking them?
Yes! For deep-fried loaded potato bites, heat vegetable oil to 350°F and fry potato rounds in batches for 3-4 minutes per side until golden and crispy. Drain on paper towels, then add cheese and bacon. Pop under the broiler briefly to melt the cheese.
What’s the best way to keep potato bites crispy?
The key is removing moisture before baking and ensuring proper spacing on the baking sheet. You can also parboil potato slices for 3-4 minutes, cool completely, then pat dry before seasoning and baking-this creates an extra-crispy exterior while keeping centers fluffy.
Can I prep these ahead of time?
Yes! Slice and season potatoes up to 4 hours ahead, storing them covered in the refrigerator. You can also fully bake them, then add toppings and finish just before serving. For meal prep, bake without toppings, refrigerate, and reheat with fresh toppings when needed.
Are there healthier alternatives for this recipe?
Certainly! Use sweet potatoes for added nutrients, reduce oil by using cooking spray, choose turkey bacon, and opt for reduced-fat cheese. You can also load with vegetables like broccoli or bell peppers instead of extra bacon for a lighter version.
What dipping sauces work best with loaded potato bites?
While sour cream and ranch are classics, try chipotle mayo, garlic aioli, cheese sauce, BBQ sauce, or spicy sriracha mayo. Greek yogurt mixed with herbs makes a healthier alternative to sour cream with the same tangy flavor.
Can I freeze these potato bites?
Yes! Freeze baked (but not topped) potato rounds in a single layer, then transfer to freezer bags for up to 2 months. Reheat from frozen at 400°F for 12-15 minutes, then add fresh toppings. Avoid freezing with cheese and bacon as texture quality decreases.
This copycat Arby’s loaded potato bites recipe proves you don’t need a restaurant kitchen to create addictively delicious appetizers. With simple ingredients, straightforward techniques, and endless customization possibilities, you’ve got a versatile recipe that works for any occasion.
The combination of crispy potatoes, melted cheese, smoky bacon, and fresh garnishes creates a flavor experience that rivals the original while letting you control quality and portions.
Whether you’re hosting a party, feeding hungry teenagers, or just treating yourself, these loaded potato bites deliver every single time. Give this recipe a try, and watch them disappear faster than you can make them!
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