When it comes to snack time, it’s hard to beat something that combines two favorite foods—cheese and potatoes—into one easy-to-make, crowd-pleasing treat. Enter Easy Cheesy Spud Crackles, a dish that takes crispy, golden potatoes and coats them in a layer of melty, gooey cheese, creating an irresistible snack that everyone will love. Whether you’re looking for an appetizer to serve at your next party or a fun side dish for dinner, these cheesy spuds deliver all the flavor and crunch you crave. With just a few simple ingredients and a bit of time in the oven, you’ll have a delicious snack that’s impossible to resist.

The first time I made these cheesy spud crackles was when I had some leftover potatoes from dinner. I was craving something cheesy, and I knew potatoes could transform into something special with just a little extra attention. I sprinkled some cheese on top, baked them until golden, and the result was better than I could have imagined. The crispy edges paired with the melty cheese created the perfect combination of textures. Everyone in my family loved them, and from that moment on, I knew I’d found a winner.

These Easy Cheesy Spud Crackles are also incredibly versatile. You can adjust the amount of cheese and seasonings based on your preferences, and even add in extras like bacon, herbs, or hot sauce for an added twist. Whether you’re enjoying them as a snack or serving them as a side dish to a main meal, they’re guaranteed to be a hit. With just a few simple steps and ingredients, you can turn ordinary potatoes into a cheesy, crunchy delight that everyone will want seconds of.

Why These Easy Cheesy Spud Crackles?

Selling Points:

Cheesy Goodness: The combination of crispy potatoes and melted cheese creates a satisfying and indulgent snack that is full of flavor.

Quick and Easy: With only a few ingredients and minimal prep, these cheesy spud crackles come together quickly, making them the perfect snack or side dish for any occasion.

Customizable: Add extra ingredients like bacon bits, chopped herbs, or a drizzle of hot sauce to make these spuds your own.

Kid-Friendly: With their crispy texture and cheesy flavor, they are sure to please even the pickiest eaters in your family.

One-Bite Wonder: Each bite is a perfect mix of crispy edges and gooey cheese, making these an addictive snack you won’t want to stop eating.

What You Need for Easy Cheesy Spud Crackles

Ingredients:

• 4 large russet potatoes, scrubbed and sliced into ¼-inch rounds
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp onion powder
• ½ tsp smoked paprika (optional)
• Fresh herbs (parsley or chives), for garnish (optional)
• Sour cream or ranch dressing, for dipping (optional)

How to Make Easy Cheesy Spud Crackles

1. Preheat the Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it with oil to prevent sticking.
   
2. Prepare the Potatoes: Slice the russet potatoes into thin ¼-inch rounds, ensuring they are uniform in size to cook evenly. Place the potato slices into a large bowl, drizzle with olive oil, and season with salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and smoked paprika (if using). Toss until the potatoes are evenly coated in the oil and spices.
   
3. Arrange on the Baking Sheet: Lay the potato slices in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet, making sure not to overcrowd them. This will ensure they cook evenly and get crispy.
   
4. Bake the Potatoes: Bake the potatoes in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, flipping halfway through, until they are golden brown and crispy around the edges.
   
5. Add the Cheese: Once the potatoes are crispy, remove them from the oven and sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese and grated Parmesan over the top of the hot potatoes. Return the pan to the oven for an additional 5-7 minutes, or until the cheese has melted and is bubbly.
   
6. Garnish and Serve: Remove the cheesy spud crackles from the oven and let them cool slightly. Garnish with fresh herbs like parsley or chives, if desired. Serve with sour cream or ranch dressing on the side for dipping.
   

Tips for Perfect Cheesy Spud Crackles

Use Russet Potatoes: Russet potatoes are ideal for this recipe because of their high starch content, which results in a crispier texture. However, you can also use Yukon Gold or red potatoes if preferred.

Thinly Slice the Potatoes: To ensure the potatoes cook evenly and get crispy, slice them as thinly as possible. A mandoline slicer works well for uniform slices.

Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: For maximum crispiness, avoid crowding the potatoes on the baking sheet. This ensures that they bake evenly and develop a golden, crispy texture on all sides.

Experiment with Cheese: While cheddar and Parmesan are classic choices, you can experiment with other cheeses like mozzarella, Gouda, or Gruyère for different flavors.

Double the Recipe: These cheesy spud crackles are so popular, you might want to double the recipe to make sure everyone gets enough. They’re that good!

Substitutions and Variations

• Add Bacon or Sausage: For an extra savory twist, sprinkle cooked bacon bits or crumbled sausage over the top of the cheese before baking.
  
• Use a Different Cheese: Feel free to switch up the cheese! Mozzarella, gouda, or even pepper jack cheese will give a different flavor profile and melt beautifully.
  
• Spicy Kick: If you like things spicy, sprinkle some chili flakes or drizzle some hot sauce on top of the cheesy spud crackles before serving.
  
• Add Vegetables: You can also add veggies such as chopped green onions, bell peppers, or sautéed mushrooms for added flavor and nutrition.
  

Make a Healthier Version

• Cut Down on Oil: Instead of using a lot of olive oil, try spraying the potatoes lightly with cooking spray. This will still give you the crispiness you want but with fewer calories.
  
• Lower Fat Cheese: Use reduced-fat cheese options if you’re looking for a lower-fat alternative without sacrificing too much flavor.
  
• Oven-Fry Instead of Fry: While these crackles are baked, you can try to make them even lighter by using less oil and reducing the cooking time for a less crispy but healthier version.
  

Closing for Easy Cheesy Spud Crackles

Easy Cheesy Spud Crackles are the kind of snack that’s always a crowd-pleaser. They combine the crispy, golden goodness of potatoes with the melty, rich cheese everyone loves. Whether you’re serving them as a side dish or enjoying them as a snack, they’re bound to be a hit. The best part? They’re simple to make, and the possibilities for variations are endless. Whether you add bacon, extra spices, or switch up the cheese, these cheesy spud crackles are a great way to satisfy your cravings. So gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to enjoy a cheesy, crispy snack that’s truly irresistible!

Frequently Asked Questions for Easy Cheesy Spud Crackles

1. Can I use a different type of potato? Yes, you can use Yukon Gold or red potatoes instead of russets. They may not get quite as crispy as russets, but they’ll still be delicious.
   
2. Can I make these spud crackles ahead of time? These spud crackles are best when made fresh, but you can prepare the potato slices in advance and store them in the fridge. Just bake and add cheese when ready to serve.
   
3. Can I use pre-shredded cheese? Pre-shredded cheese will work, but freshly grated cheese tends to melt more smoothly and evenly. If using pre-shredded cheese, be sure to choose a high-quality brand.
   
4. How do I store leftovers? Store any leftover cheesy spud crackles in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat them in the oven for the best texture.
   
5. Can I make these spud crackles in an air fryer? Yes! You can cook these spud crackles in an air fryer for 12-15 minutes at 375°F (190°C). Just make sure to flip them halfway through.
   
6. Can I add meat to these? Absolutely! You can add cooked bacon, sausage, or ground beef for a heartier version of this dish.
   
7. What dipping sauces go well with these? Sour cream, ranch dressing, or even spicy buffalo sauce are great options for dipping these cheesy spud crackles.
   
8. How can I make these spud crackles spicy? Add chili flakes, hot sauce, or use pepper jack cheese instead of regular cheddar for a spicy twist.
   
9. Can I freeze these spud crackles? You can freeze the cooked and cooled spud crackles for up to 3 months. Reheat them in the oven for a few minutes to restore the crispiness.
   
10. Can I use other cheeses? Yes! Feel free to experiment with different cheeses like mozzarella, Gouda, or Gruyère to add variety to your cheesy spud crackles.
    

These Easy Cheesy Spud Crackles are a deliciously simple snack that delivers on both flavor and crunch. With crispy potatoes, melty cheese, and endless possibilities for customization, they make the perfect appetizer, side dish, or just a satisfying treat to enjoy at any time. Whether you keep them classic with cheddar and Parmesan or mix things up with extra ingredients like bacon, herbs, or hot sauce, these spud crackles are sure to be a hit with everyone. So next time you’re in the mood for something cheesy and crispy, skip the store-bought snacks and whip up a batch of these irresistible cheesy spuds. Enjoy the crunch, savor the cheese, and share them with friends and family—because once you try these, you’ll want to make them again and again. Happy cooking!

Easy Cheesy Spud Crackles

Recipe by Alexandra SaricolCourse: All Recipes

Servings

4

servings

Prep time

30

minutes

Cooking time

40

minutes

Calories

300

kcal

Ingredients

• 4 large russet potatoes, scrubbed and sliced into ¼-inch rounds

• 2 tbsp olive oil

• Salt and pepper to taste

• 1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese

• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese

• 1 tsp garlic powder

• 1 tsp onion powder

• ½ tsp smoked paprika (optional)

• Fresh herbs (parsley or chives), for garnish (optional)

• Sour cream or ranch dressing, for dipping (optional)

Directions

• Preheat the Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it with oil to prevent sticking.
• Prepare the Potatoes: Slice the russet potatoes into thin ¼-inch rounds, ensuring they are uniform in size to cook evenly. Place the potato slices into a large bowl, drizzle with olive oil, and season with salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and smoked paprika (if using). Toss until the potatoes are evenly coated in the oil and spices.
• Arrange on the Baking Sheet: Lay the potato slices in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet, making sure not to overcrowd them. This will ensure they cook evenly and get crispy.
• Bake the Potatoes: Bake the potatoes in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, flipping halfway through, until they are golden brown and crispy around the edges.
• Add the Cheese: Once the potatoes are crispy, remove them from the oven and sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese and grated Parmesan over the top of the hot potatoes. Return the pan to the oven for an additional 5-7 minutes, or until the cheese has melted and is bubbly.
• Garnish and Serve: Remove the cheesy spud crackles from the oven and let them cool slightly. Garnish with fresh herbs like parsley or chives, if desired. Serve with sour cream or ranch dressing on the side for dipping.