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Crispy Loaded Potato Skins

Crispy Loaded Potato Skins

Crispy Loaded Potato Skins are a crunchy, cheesy, and savory appetizer featuring golden baked russet potatoes filled with melted cheddar cheese, smoky bacon, and fresh green onions. Perfect as a party snack or cozy treat, this recipe delivers irresistible flavor and texture with easy preparation and versatile variations.

Ingredients

Scale

Potatoes and Prep

  • 4 large russet potatoes
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil, divided
  • Salt, to taste
  • Freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Fillings

  • 1½ cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
  • 6 slices bacon, cooked until crispy and crumbled
  • 3 green onions, chopped

Optional Toppings

  • Sour cream, for serving
  • Additional chopped chives, parsley, or cilantro for garnish
  • Paprika (optional), for sprinkling

Instructions

  1. Prepare Your Potatoes: Start by washing and drying your russet potatoes thoroughly. Using a fork, prick each potato a few times then rub them with olive oil and a pinch of salt. Bake at 400°F (200°C) directly on the oven rack for 45-50 minutes, or until skins are crisp and insides tender.
  2. Scoop Out the Potato Flesh: Let the potatoes cool enough to handle. Cut each potato lengthwise in half and carefully scoop out most of the flesh, leaving about 1/4 inch thickness attached to the skin to keep structure intact.
  3. Crisp the Potato Skins: Brush potato skins inside and out with the remaining olive oil, sprinkle with salt, and place skin-side down on a baking sheet. Bake at 425°F (220°C) for 10 minutes until extra crispy.
  4. 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 about 5 minutes until cheese melts and bubbles.
  5. Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle chopped green onions over hot potato skins. Serve immediately with dollops of sour cream and any additional desired toppings.

Notes

  • Use russet potatoes for best crispiness and fluffy interior.
  • Do not scoop the potato flesh too deeply to avoid collapsing skins.
  • Make sure potatoes are completely dry before baking to enhance crispness.
  • Use sharp cheddar cheese for intense cheesy flavor.
  • Cook bacon until very crispy for texture contrast.

Nutrition

Keywords: potato skins, loaded potato skins, crispy potato skins, cheesy appetizer, bacon potato skins, party snacks, baked potatoes