Low-Point WW Cheesy Potato Bites

These Low-Point WW Cheesy Potato Bites are the perfect combination of comfort food and healthy eating. Crispy on the outside, soft on the inside, and bursting with cheesy flavor, these bites make an excellent snack, side dish, or breakfast option. With simple ingredients and minimal effort, this recipe is great for meal prepping and portion control, all while keeping your daily points in check. Plus, they are highly customizable to suit your tastes or dietary preferences.

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 30 minutes

Total Time: 40 minutes

Servings: 6

Ingredients:

  • 3 medium russet potatoes, peeled and cubed (about 2 cups cooked mashed potatoes)
  • 1/2 cup fat-free plain Greek yogurt
  • 1/2 cup reduced-fat shredded cheddar cheese (or any light cheese of your choice)
  • 1/4 cup turkey bacon bits (optional, or sub with turkey sausage for more flavor)
  • 2 tbsp chopped chives (plus more for garnish)
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1/2 tsp onion powder
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • Non-stick cooking spray
  • Optional: dollop of light sour cream or fat-free Greek yogurt for serving

Instructions:

Step 1: Prepare the Potatoes

Start by peeling and cubing your russet potatoes into uniform-sized pieces to ensure even cooking. Place the potato cubes in a large pot of salted water and bring to a boil. Cook for about 10-15 minutes, or until the potatoes are fork-tender. Drain and allow the potatoes to cool slightly.

Step 2: Mash the Potatoes

Once the potatoes have cooled, mash them using a potato masher or fork until they are smooth and lump-free. For a creamier texture, you can use a hand mixer. Transfer the mashed potatoes to a large mixing bowl.

Step 3: Combine Ingredients

To the mashed potatoes, add the fat-free Greek yogurt, reduced-fat shredded cheddar cheese, and turkey bacon bits (if using). Mix well until everything is fully combined. The Greek yogurt helps to create a creamy base while adding a protein boost without excess calories. Season with garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Lastly, fold in the chopped chives for an extra layer of flavor.

Step 4: Preheat and Prepare

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Lightly spray a muffin tin with non-stick cooking spray to ensure the potato bites come out easily after baking. You can also use a silicone muffin pan to make removal even easier.

Step 5: Shape the Potato Bites

Using a spoon or cookie scoop, fill each muffin tin cavity with the mashed potato mixture, pressing it down slightly to compact the mixture. Each cavity should be about 3/4 full to allow for even cooking. The muffin tin helps shape the potato bites into perfectly portioned servings, making them easy to track in your WW points.

Step 6: Bake the Potato Bites

Place the muffin tin in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the tops of the potato bites are golden brown and the edges are crispy. If you prefer a bit of extra crisp, you can broil them for the last 1-2 minutes. Be sure to keep an eye on them to prevent burning.

Step 7: Garnish and Serve

Once baked, remove the potato bites from the oven and allow them to cool for a couple of minutes before removing them from the muffin tin. Garnish each potato bite with additional chopped chives and a light sprinkle of salt and pepper. If desired, serve with a dollop of light sour cream or fat-free Greek yogurt for dipping.

Tips for Success:

  • Choosing Potatoes: Russet potatoes are the best for this recipe as they provide a fluffy texture when mashed. However, you can substitute Yukon Gold or red potatoes if you prefer a creamier consistency.
  • Make it Spicier: For a bit of heat, consider adding a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes to the potato mixture. You can also mix in some chopped jalapeños for extra flavor.
  • Cheese Options: Feel free to experiment with different cheeses. Reduced-fat mozzarella, Colby Jack, or even a combination of cheeses can add variety to the flavor profile.
  • Meal Prep Friendly: These potato bites can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply pop them back into a 350°F oven for 5-7 minutes, or microwave for a quick snack.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving):

  • Calories: 120
  • Protein: 6g
  • Carbohydrates: 15g
  • Fat: 3g
  • Fiber: 2g
  • Sugar: 1g
  • WW Points: 2 points per serving (based on using reduced-fat cheese and turkey bacon)

Additional Variations:

  1. Loaded Style: Add a tablespoon of fat-free cream cheese to the mashed potato mixture for a richer, creamier texture. You can also sprinkle additional turkey bacon bits or green onions on top for a loaded baked potato taste.
  2. Vegetarian Version: Omit the turkey bacon and add finely diced sautéed mushrooms or bell peppers for a vegetarian-friendly version. You can also use plant-based bacon crumbles if you prefer a meat substitute.
  3. Mini Potato Bites: If you’re hosting a party or need a finger food option, use a mini muffin tin instead of a regular one. The smaller size makes these bites perfect for appetizers or snack platters.
  4. Add Veggies: Sneak in some extra veggies by adding finely chopped spinach, zucchini, or even grated carrots into the potato mixture. This is a great way to boost the nutritional value while keeping the flavor intact.

Why This Recipe Works:

These Low-Point WW Cheesy Potato Bites strike the perfect balance between indulgent comfort food and healthy eating. Using Greek yogurt not only lightens up the recipe but also adds a tangy creaminess that mimics the texture of sour cream without the added fat. By baking the potato bites in a muffin tin, you achieve crispy edges with a soft, fluffy center, making each bite incredibly satisfying. The combination of cheese, turkey bacon, and spices ensures that each bite is bursting with flavor while keeping the points low, making this a perfect recipe for anyone following the WW plan or simply looking for a healthy, delicious option.

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