About
Tiny but mighty, these Halftime Show Bites run to the "I-need-a-good-snack" goal line like no other! Baby potatoes tackle your hunger when sacked full of a creamy pimiento cheese and almost-twice-baked potato-like filling when broiled to golden delight. Halftime Show Bites may become the full-time snack request at all your extra-curricular events. They're definitely a winner!
Ingredients
- For the potato bites:
- 3 pounds red and yellow baby potato blend
- water, to taste
- 2 heaping cups triple cheddar cheese blend, shredded
- 1/2 cup pimientos or roasted red peppers, drained and finely chopped
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 2 scallions, finely minced
- 1/4 teaspoon celery salt
- cayenne pepper or hot sauce, to taste
- salt, to taste
- freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- Optional garnishes:
- smoked hot or sweet paprika, to taste
- cayenne pepper, to taste
- chipotle powder, to taste
- chives, to taste, minced
Directions
Step 1 -Preheat the oven to 425 degrees F.
Step 2 -Line an 18x26-inch baking sheet with aluminum foil and coat it with nonstick cooking spray.
Step 3 -In a large pot over high heat, add the potatoes and enough of the water to cover the potatoes by 2 inches and cook until they are tender, about 25 minutes.
Step 4 -Drain the water and let the potatoes rest until they are cool enough to handle.
Step 5 -In a large bowl, add the cheese blend, the pimientos, the mayonnaise, the scallions, the celery salt, and the cayenne pepper and stir to combine.
Step 6 -Taste the cheese mixture and season with the salt and the black pepper, as needed. Stir to combine.
Step 7 -Cut the cooled potatoes in half lengthwise.
Step 8 -Scoop out all but the last 1/4-inch from inside of the potato skins, leaving the shell for stability, and place the insides in a large bowl.
Step 9 -Arrange the potato skin halves in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet.
Step 10 -Season the potato skin halves with the salt and the black pepper.
Step 11 -Use a hand masher or an electric mixer to mash the inside of the potatoes until they are smooth.
Step 12 -Add the cheese mixture to the mashed potatoes and stir to combine.
Step 13 -Taste the potato mixture and season with the salt and the black pepper, as needed. Stir to combine.
Step 14 -Use a small spoon to add the potato mixture to the potato skin halves and smooth the tops.
Step 15 -Nestle the potato bites tightly on the same baking sheet to prevent them from toppling over or spilling.
Step 16 -Bake the potato bites until the tops are sizzling and melted, about 15-20 minutes.
Step 17 -Change the oven to the broiler setting, then broil the bites until they are lightly browned on top.
Step 18 -Transfer the baking sheet to a wire rack and let the potato bites cool, about 5-10 minutes.
Step 19 -Serve the potato bites with your preferred garnishes.
