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Loaded Potato Skins

Loaded Potato Skins

Loaded Potato Skins are a crispy, cheesy, and savory game day snack perfect for sharing. Featuring a crispy outer shell, gooey melted cheddar, smoky bacon, and fresh green onions, these easy-to-make bites bring an irresistible combination of textures and bold flavors in under 40 minutes. Customize with your favorite toppings or try variations for a tasty treat everyone will love.

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients

  • 4 Russet potatoes (medium size)
  • 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
  • 6 slices bacon, cooked crispy and crumbled
  • 3 green onions, chopped
  • 3 tablespoons butter, melted
  • Sour cream, for serving (about 1/2 cup)
  • Salt, to taste
  • Black pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Potatoes: Scrub the russet potatoes clean and prick each one multiple times with a fork. Bake directly on the oven rack at 400°F (200°C) for about 45-50 minutes, until tender when pierced with a knife. Allow the potatoes to cool until they can be handled safely.
  2. Scoop Out the Insides: Slice each potato in half lengthwise. Carefully scoop out most of the flesh, leaving about a 1/4 inch thick shell to create the skins. Set aside the scooped out potato flesh for another use or mashing.
  3. Crisp the Skins: Brush the hollowed potato skins with melted butter and season with salt and pepper. Place them skin side down on a baking sheet and bake at 425°F (220°C) for 10-15 minutes until the edges are crispy and golden brown.
  4. Add the Toppings: Remove the skins from the oven and fill each generously with shredded cheddar cheese and crumbled crispy bacon. Return to the oven and bake for an additional 5-7 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbling.
  5. Garnish and Serve: Once baked, sprinkle the potato skins with chopped green onions. Serve hot with dollops of sour cream either on the side or directly on each potato skin for a creamy finish.

Notes

  • Pat dry the potato skins thoroughly before brushing with butter to help them crisp better.
  • Use sharp cheddar cheese for a bold and rich flavor.
  • Do not overfill the potato skins to prevent sogginess.
  • Cook bacon until very crispy before crumbling for the best texture.
  • Serve loaded potato skins immediately for maximum crispiness and flavor.

Nutrition

Keywords: loaded potato skins, game day snack, cheesy potato skins, bacon potato skins, appetizer, gluten free snack