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Crispy Loaded Potato Skins Recipe

4.6 from 74 reviews

Crispy Loaded Potato Skins are a classic appetizer featuring golden, crunchy potato shells filled with melted cheddar cheese, crispy bacon, and fresh green onions. Served with a side of tangy sour cream, this recipe transforms simple russet potatoes into a flavorful and satisfying snack or party favorite.

Ingredients

Scale

Potato Skins

  • 6 medium russet potatoes
  • 2 tablespoons butter, melted
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ¼ teaspoon garlic powder

Filling and Topping

  • 1 cup cheddar cheese, shredded
  • 4 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
  • 2 whole green onions, chopped

For Serving

  • 1 cup sour cream

Instructions

  1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) to prepare for baking the potato skins.
  2. Prepare Potatoes: Scrub the russet potatoes clean and dry them thoroughly. Pierce each potato a few times with a fork to allow steam to escape during baking.
  3. Bake Potatoes: Place the potatoes directly on the oven rack and bake for about 45-50 minutes until the skins are crispy and the insides are tender. To ensure extra crispy skins, you can brush each potato with a little olive oil before baking.
  4. Cool and Cut: Once baked, allow potatoes to cool until they are safe to handle. Cut each potato in half lengthwise and carefully scoop out the flesh, leaving about ¼ inch of potato on the skin to maintain structure.
  5. Season Skins: Brush the inside of each potato skin with melted butter and sprinkle with salt and garlic powder for added flavor.
  6. Add Cheese and Bacon: Fill each potato skin with shredded cheddar cheese and sprinkle crumbled bacon on top.
  7. Final Bake: Return the loaded potato skins to the oven and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes at 400°F (200°C) until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
  8. Garnish and Serve: Remove from oven and sprinkle chopped green onions over the top. Serve hot with a side of sour cream for dipping.

Notes

  • For extra crispiness, after scooping out the potato flesh, you can bake the skins for 5-10 minutes before adding toppings.
  • Use smoked or maple bacon for a richer flavor profile.
  • These potato skins can be prepared ahead and baked just before serving.
  • To make it vegetarian, omit the bacon and add sautéed mushrooms or bell peppers.
  • Ensure potatoes are similar in size to promote even baking.

Keywords: potato skins, loaded potato skins, crispy potato appetizer, cheddar bacon potato skins, sour cream potato skins