Of course! These Cheesy Ham-Stuffed Potato Rounds are a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. They’re like all the best parts of a loaded baked potato, in a fun, crispy, bite-sized package.
Why This Recipe is Perfect
They are irresistibly crispy on the outside, soft and fluffy on the inside, and filled with a savory, cheesy ham filling. Visually appealing and easy to eat with your hands, they are the ultimate appetizer for game day, parties, or a delicious side dish for a weeknight dinner.
Cheesy Ham-Stuffed Potato Rounds
Prep Time: 25 minutes
Cook Time: 45 minutes
Yields: About 24-30 rounds
Ingredients
· 3 large russet potatoes (similar in size for even cooking)
· 1 tablespoon olive oil
· 1 teaspoon garlic powder
· Salt and black pepper, to taste
For the Filling:
· 1 cup cooked ham, finely diced
· 1 ½ cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
· ¼ cup green onions, finely sliced
· 3 tablespoons sour cream (or full-fat Greek yogurt)
· 2 tablespoons butter, softened
· ½ teaspoon onion powder
· Paprika and fresh chopped parsley for garnish
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Potato “Rounds”
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Scrub the potatoes clean, but do not peel them. The skin helps them hold their shape.
- Using a sharp knife, slice the potatoes into ¼-inch to ½-inch thick rounds.
- In a large bowl, toss the potato rounds with olive oil, garlic powder, salt, and pepper until evenly coated.
Step 2: Pre-Bake the Potato Rounds
- Arrange the potato rounds in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes, flipping them halfway through, until they are just tender and lightly golden. Remove from the oven and let them cool for 10-15 minutes, or until they are cool enough to handle.
· Reduce oven temperature to 375°F (190°C).
Step 3: Create the Cheesy Ham Filling
- While the potatoes are cooling, combine the filling ingredients in a medium bowl: diced ham, shredded cheddar cheese, green onions, sour cream, softened butter, and onion powder. Mix until well combined.
Step 4: Assemble the Stuffed Rounds
- Take half of the baked potato rounds—these will be your bases. Place them back on the parchment-lined baking sheet.
- Scoop about 1 tablespoon of the cheesy ham mixture onto each base round.
- Top each one with a second potato round, gently pressing down to form a “potato sandwich.” The filling should peek out slightly from the sides.
Step 5: Bake to Golden, Cheesy Perfection
- Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 15-20 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the potato rounds are golden and crispy.
- For an extra-golden top, you can broil for the last 1-2 minutes, but watch them closely!
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy!
- Remove from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes before serving (the filling will be very hot!).
- Garnish with a sprinkle of paprika and fresh chopped parsley.
- Serve warm with extra sour cream or ranch dressing for dipping.
Chef’s Notes & Tips for Success
· Potato Choice is Key: Russet potatoes are ideal because they are starchy and get fluffy on the inside and crispy on the outside.
· Uniform Slices: Try to slice your potatoes to the same thickness so they bake evenly. A mandoline slicer can make this quick and perfect.
· Don’t Skip the Pre-Bake: This step is crucial! It ensures the potato is cooked through and has a sturdy enough texture to be filled and handled.
· Filling Variations:
· Bacon Lover’s: Substitute the ham with real bacon bits or crumbled cooked bacon.
· Veggie Delight: Add finely chopped steamed broccoli or sautéed mushrooms to the filling.
· Spicy Kick: Add a few finely diced jalapeños to the cheese mixture.
· Make-Ahead Magic: You can pre-bake the potato rounds and make the filling up to a day in advance. Store them separately in the fridge, then assemble and bake just before your event.
· Air Fryer Option: These work great in an air fryer! Pre-bake the rounds as directed, then assemble. Air fry at 375°F (190°C) for 6-8 minutes, until hot and crispy.
These little rounds are the perfect package of comfort and flavor. They’re sure to disappear fast