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Crispy baked potato slices topped with melted cheddar cheese and crispy bacon make a perfect side dish or snack. This easy recipe features seasoned russet potatoes brushed with flavorful bacon drippings and garnished with fresh green onions and Italian seasoning. Ideal for weeknight dinners, game day, or gatherings, these cheesy potato slices are simple to prepare and customizable with different cheeses and seasonings. Perfect for those seeking a hearty, flavorful, and crowd-pleasing baked potato recipe.

Ingredients

3 russet potatoes, scrubbed clean
1 tablespoon vegetable oil (can use canola or olive oil)
Salt and pepper, to taste
2.5 cups shredded cheddar cheese
6 slices uncooked bacon
1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
2 green onions, diced

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Remove the bacon from the refrigerator and set it aside for 5 minutes to help it crisp up better when cooking.
Slice the potatoes into approximately ½-inch thick rounds. Using a pastry brush, lightly coat both sides of each slice with vegetable oil. Season generously with salt and pepper.
Arrange the potato slices in a single layer on a baking sheet. Bake for 25 minutes.
While the potatoes bake, cook the bacon over low heat in a skillet. Flip occasionally with tongs to ensure even cooking. Once crispy, transfer the bacon to a plate and reserve the drippings in the pan.
Remove the potato slices from the oven and lightly brush both sides with the reserved bacon drippings. Flip the slices and repeat. Return the potatoes to the oven and bake for an additional 10 minutes.
Reduce the oven temperature to 350°F (175°C). Crumble the cooked bacon and sprinkle it evenly over the potato slices. Top each slice with shredded cheddar cheese.
Place the baking sheet back in the oven and bake until the cheese is melted and bubbly, about 5 minutes.
Remove from the oven and sprinkle the potato slices with Italian seasoning. Garnish with diced green onions. Serve warm with sour cream if desired.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Crispy and Cheesy: Potato slices baked to crispy perfection with melted cheddar and savory bacon.
Easy to Prepare: Simple ingredients and straightforward steps make this a quick side or snack.
Flavorful: Bacon drippings add a rich, smoky taste while Italian seasoning and green onions provide fresh accents.
Versatile: Perfect for family dinners, parties, or game day gatherings.

Tips

Use a sharp knife or mandoline for evenly sliced potatoes to ensure uniform baking.
Don’t skip brushing with bacon drippings; it adds extra flavor and helps crisp the potatoes.
Cook bacon slowly over low heat to get it perfectly crispy without burning.
For extra crispiness, use a wire rack on the baking sheet to elevate the potatoes while baking.

Variations and Substitutions

Swap cheddar for mozzarella, pepper jack, or a cheese blend for different flavors.
Use turkey bacon or omit bacon for a vegetarian version; consider adding smoked paprika for smoky flavor.
Try different herbs such as rosemary or thyme instead of Italian seasoning.
Add a sprinkle of chili flakes for a spicy kick.

FAQs

Can I prepare this recipe ahead of time?
Yes, you can slice and season the potatoes in advance, but it’s best to bake them just before serving for optimal crispness.

What oil is best for coating the potatoes?
Vegetable oil works well, but canola or olive oil are good alternatives.

Can I use sweet potatoes?
Absolutely! Sweet potatoes can be used but may require a slightly different baking time.

Serving and Suggestions

Serve with a dollop of sour cream or your favorite dipping sauce.
Pair with grilled meats, roasted vegetables, or a fresh salad for a complete meal.
Great as an appetizer or side dish at gatherings and potlucks.