Description
Loaded Crispy Potato Skins are a comforting and flavorful appetizer featuring crunchy russet potato shells filled with melted sharp cheddar cheese, smoky bacon bits, and fresh green onions. Perfectly baked to achieve a crispy texture with a creamy, savory filling, they make an irresistible snack or party food that’s easy to prepare and customizable to various dietary preferences.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 4 large russet potatoes
- 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- 6 slices bacon, cooked and crispy, chopped
- 3 green onions, chopped
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon salt, divided
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper, divided
- Sour cream, for serving
Instructions
- Prepare the Potatoes: Wash the russet potatoes thoroughly and prick them several times with a fork. Rub the skins with olive oil and sprinkle with a pinch of salt. Bake the potatoes at 400°F (204°C) for 45-50 minutes until tender and the skins are firm but not too hard.
- Scoop Out the Flesh: Allow the potatoes to cool enough to handle. Cut them in half lengthwise and carefully scoop out most of the flesh, leaving about a 1/4 inch thick border to maintain structure. Reserve the scooped potato for other uses like mashed potatoes or soup.
- Crisp the Skins: Lightly brush the hollowed potato skins with olive oil and season with salt and pepper. Place them skin side down on a baking sheet and bake at 425°F (218°C) for 10 minutes to crisp up.
- Add Cheese and Bacon: Remove the skins from the oven and fill each with shredded cheddar cheese and crispy bacon bits. Return to the oven for 5-7 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Garnish and Serve: Top the cheesy, bacon-filled skins with chopped green onions. Serve hot with a side of sour cream for dipping.
Notes
- Choose russet potatoes for the best texture, balancing fluffy interior and crispy skin.
- Don’t over-scoop potato flesh to ensure skins hold their shape well.
- Pre-cook bacon thoroughly to avoid sogginess and add crunch.
- Use sharp cheddar or aged cheese for richer flavor and better melting.
- Serve immediately for maximum crispness.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 60 minutes
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 potato skins
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 450mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 8g
- Cholesterol: 35mg
Keywords: potato skins, loaded potato skins, crispy potato appetizer, cheesy bacon potato skins, game day snacks
