Description
Crispy loaded potato skins filled with melted cheese, crunchy bacon, and fresh toppings. Perfect for game days, parties, or as a side dish. Easy to customize and delicious!
Ingredients
Scale
- 4 large russet potatoes
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 4 slices cooked bacon, crumbled
- 2 green onions, chopped
- 1/2 cup sour cream
Instructions
- Prepare the Potatoes: Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Scrub the russet potatoes thoroughly and dry them with a paper towel.
- Bake the Potatoes: Lightly coat the potatoes with olive oil and sprinkle with salt. Place them on a baking sheet and bake for 45-50 minutes until tender. Remove from the oven and let cool slightly.
- Scoop Out the Centers: Cut each potato in half lengthwise. Using a spoon, carefully scoop out the flesh, leaving about a 1/4-inch layer inside the skin to maintain structure.
- Crisp the Skins: Brush the hollowed-out potatoes with olive oil and sprinkle with salt and black pepper. Place them back in the oven, cut-side down, and bake for 10 minutes. Flip and bake for another 5 minutes until crispy.
- Add the Toppings: Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese and crumbled bacon evenly inside each potato skin. Return to the oven and bake for an additional 5-7 minutes, or until the cheese is fully melted.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove from the oven and let cool slightly. Top with chopped green onions and a dollop of sour cream before serving.
Notes
- Vegetarian: Omit bacon and add black beans, sautéed mushrooms, or roasted red peppers.
- Spicy: Add diced jalapeños or a drizzle of hot sauce.
- Protein-Packed: Include shredded chicken or ground turkey.
- Dairy-Free: Use dairy-free cheese and a plant-based sour cream alternative.
- Different Cheeses: Swap cheddar for Monterey Jack, Gouda, or Pepper Jack.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 60 minutes
- Category: Appetizer, Snack
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: Loaded potato skins, crispy potato skins, game day appetizer, cheesy potato snacks, party food