PrintThe Ultimate Crispy Loaded Potato Skins (Game Day Appetizer)
Make restaurant-style potato skins at home. This recipe focuses on achieving a perfectly crispy shell, loaded with cheddar cheese, bacon, and fresh toppings. It is an easy appetizer perfect for sharing.
- Prep Time: 20 min
- Cook Time: 70 min
- Total Time: 90 min
- Yield: 8 servings (2 halves per serving) 1x
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Scale
- 4 large Russet potatoes
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 8 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/4 cup chopped green onions or chives
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Scrub the potatoes clean and prick them several times with a fork.
- Bake the potatoes directly on the oven rack for 50 to 60 minutes, or until the skins are firm and the insides are tender.
- Remove the potatoes from the oven and let them cool until you can handle them safely. Reduce the oven temperature to 375°F (190°C).
- Slice each potato in half lengthwise. Carefully scoop out most of the cooked potato flesh, leaving about a 1/4-inch thick shell. Save the scooped potato for another use, like mashed potatoes.
- Brush the inside and outside of each potato skin shell lightly with olive oil. Sprinkle the shells evenly with salt and pepper.
- Place the shells cut-side up on a baking sheet. Bake for 10 minutes to dry out the skins slightly.
- Remove the shells from the oven. Fill each skin generously with shredded cheddar cheese and crumbled bacon.
- Return the loaded potato skins to the oven and bake for another 8 to 10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the edges of the skins are golden brown and crispy.
- Remove from the oven. Top each skin with a dollop of sour cream and a sprinkle of green onions or chives before serving warm.
Notes
- To get the crispiest potato skins, make sure to brush the inside and outside of the shells with oil before the second bake.
- For an easy appetizer that saves time, you can bake the potatoes a day ahead and store them in the refrigerator.
- If you are planning meals for the week, consider this recipe alongside a simple meal planning approach to keep your cooking stress-free.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 halves
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 2
- Sodium: 450
- Fat: 22
- Saturated Fat: 10
- Unsaturated Fat: 12
- Trans Fat: 0.5
- Carbohydrates: 28
- Fiber: 3
- Protein: 15
- Cholesterol: 45