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 18×26-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.
