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.
- Author: Maria
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 60 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
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
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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
- Serving Size: 2 potato skins
- Calories: 230 kcal
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 410 mg
- Fat: 13 g
- Saturated Fat: 6 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 20 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 8 g
- Cholesterol: 30 mg
Keywords: potato skins, loaded potato skins, crispy potato skins, cheesy appetizer, bacon potato skins, party snacks, baked potatoes