Description
These Loaded Potato Skins are a classic American appetizer featuring crispy baked potato skins loaded with melted cheddar cheese, crispy bacon, sour cream, and fresh green onions, perfect for game day or any gathering.
Ingredients
Scale
Potatoes
- 4 large russet potatoes, scrubbed and dried
Seasoning & Oils
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
Toppings
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 6 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
- ½ cup sour cream
- 2 green onions, thinly sliced
Instructions
- Preheat and Bake Potatoes: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Prick each potato several times with a fork to allow steam to escape. Place the potatoes directly on the oven rack and bake for 45 to 50 minutes, or until tender when pierced with a fork. Remove and let them cool slightly for handling.
- Prepare Potato Skins: Cut each baked potato in half lengthwise. Carefully scoop out the flesh leaving about a ¼ inch thickness of potato attached to the skin to maintain structure. Reserve the scooped potato flesh for another use such as mashed potatoes.
- Season and Crisp Skins: Brush the inside and outside of each potato skin with olive oil, then season with salt and black pepper. Arrange the skins cut-side down on a baking sheet and bake for 10 minutes. Flip skins over and bake for an additional 10 minutes until skins become crispy.
- Add Toppings and Melt Cheese: Remove the skins from the oven and evenly sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese and crumbled bacon over each. Return to the oven for 5 to 7 minutes, or until the cheese is fully melted and bubbly.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove from the oven and top each potato skin with dollops of sour cream and garnish with sliced green onions. Serve immediately while warm.
Notes
- For a vegetarian option, omit bacon or substitute with plant-based bacon alternatives.
- These potato skins can be made ahead of time; just reheat them in the oven before serving to restore crispiness.
- Try adding toppings like jalapeños, diced tomatoes, or a drizzle of ranch dressing for extra flavor.
