Mini Loaded Potato Superbowl Footballs

 

Yeah, that’s a long name.  But I guess I couldn’t think of anything better.

It’s that time of year again…Superbowl Time.  What this means for me: food and commercials (I know I’m not alone in this, right?)  The ruler of Superbowl festivities?  All things pertaining to and about finger foods.  And who doesn’t love a little loaded potato in bite-sized form?  I couldn’t help but think these little red potatoes, oblong and a little odd-shaped, resembled little footballs when I bought them. I had originally hoped to buy a bunch of cute, little round ones, but these were the only ones in stock.  I think it worked out to my advantage.

The bottom line here is simple:  mix and match whatever flavors you want.  These are a vegetarian version (I sprinkled some veggie bacon on top), but you could do little dollops of chili or even a nice sour cream and herb filling instead.  Easy to prepare, you can have these little guys ready to serve before half time (because you totally don’t want to miss that…).  A party pleaser, for sure.

 

 

 

Mini Loaded Potato Superbowl Footballs

Servings: about 20 individual servings

 

Ingredients

20 small red potatoes

1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil

1 teaspoon kosher salt

Toppings:  sour cream, cheese, chives, vegetarian bacon, etc.

 

 

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 375 degrees.

2. In a large bowl, toss the potatoes, olive oil and salt together until coated thoroughly.

3. Place the potatoes on a rimmed baking sheet and bake for 20 minutes or so, or until soft.

4. Remove from the oven and let cool slightly.

5. Once cool enough to touch, cut a small slit in the top of each potato and gently scoop out a small portion of the flesh, discarding it.

6. Top each potato with your desired toppings and serve while still warm.  (*I used a small piping bag fitted with a tiny pastry tip and piped sour cream directly into each potato for simplicity and ease.)

 

Source:  Slightly adapted from Vegetarian Times, Readers’ Top-Rated Recipes, Special Edition.