Tulo

Loaded Aldi Crispy Potato Circles Recipe

A baking sheet of golden crispy potato circles topped with melted cheddar, bacon bits, and sliced green onions, with a side of sour cream for dipping.
Photo by Majkel Berger on Pexels

Aldi's Season's Choice Crispy Potato Circles are already par-fried and seasoned, so a hot oven or air fryer is all it takes to get a shatter-crisp edge without any breading work. Piling on cheese and bacon in the last few minutes turns a basic frozen side into a full appetizer that only needs one pan.

Prep
10 min
Cook
25 min
Total
35 min
Servings
6

Ingredients

Servings6
  • 20 oz Aldi Season's Choice Crispy Potato Circles (frozen)
  • 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
  • 4 slices cooked bacon, crumbled
  • 3 stalks green onions, thinly sliced
  • 1/2 cup sour cream, for serving

Nutrition per serving

Calories
614
Protein
15g
Carbs
74g
Fat
29g

Based on the recipe as written, one serving. Recalculates if you swap an ingredient above. An estimate only, exact values depend on the specific ingredients used.

Need different units or a different yield? Try our Conversion Calculator →

Instructions

  1. 1Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C), or preheat an air fryer to 400°F (200°C).
  2. 2Spread the frozen potato circles in a single layer on a rimmed baking sheet, or in the air fryer basket in one layer, working in batches if needed.
  3. 3Bake for 15 minutes, or air fry for 10 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the edges are golden and crisp.
  4. 4Scatter the shredded cheddar and bacon crumbles evenly over the hot potato circles.
  5. 5Return to the oven for 2 to 3 minutes, or the air fryer for 1 to 2 minutes, just until the cheese melts.
  6. 6Top with sliced green onions and serve immediately with sour cream on the side.

Tips & variations

  • Swap the cheddar for pepper jack and add a spoonful of pickled jalapeños for a spicier version.
  • A drizzle of ranch dressing or a squeeze of hot sauce right before serving stands in well for the sour cream.
  • If cooking a full 20 oz bag for a crowd, use two trays rather than crowding one, crowded circles steam instead of crisping.

Storage & reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a 400°F (200°C) oven or air fryer for 5 to 7 minutes to re-crisp; microwaving will make them soft.

Tips from the Tulo kitchen

  • A light mist of oil spray before the first cook helps the seasoning on the circles brown a shade darker without adding much extra fat.
  • Crumbled bacon bits from a jar work in a pinch if fresh-cooked bacon isn't on hand, though the texture is less crisp.

FAQ

Can Aldi Crispy Potato Circles be cooked from frozen?

Yes, they go straight from the freezer to the oven or air fryer with no thawing; thawing them first actually makes them soggier since it releases extra moisture before cooking.

What temperature should I use for the air fryer?

400°F (200°C) for about 10 minutes, flipping halfway, gets the crispiest results without drying out the centers.

Are Aldi Crispy Potato Circles gluten-free?

Check the current bag's label, as ingredients and allergen statements can change, but the product has historically been labeled gluten-free; anyone with a gluten sensitivity should confirm on the package they're buying.

Can these be made ahead for a party?

Cook the plain potato circles up to an hour ahead and hold them uncovered at room temperature, then add the cheese and bacon and give them a quick reheat just before serving so the cheese is freshly melted.