Loaded Potato Skins

Table of Contents

why make this recipe

Loaded Potato Skins are a delicious and fun appetizer that everyone loves. These crispy potato halves are filled with flavorful ingredients like cheese, bacon, and green onions. They are great for parties, game days, or just a cozy night in. Making them at home is easy and allows you to customize the toppings to your liking.

how to make Loaded Potato Skins

Ingredients:

• 12 mini or small gold potatoes
• 1/4 cup olive oil, divided
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/8 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 1/2 pound bacon, cooked and crumbled
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1/4 cup sour cream
• 2 green onions, sliced thinly (or fresh chives)

Directions:

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Wash and scrub the potatoes until clean. Toss them with 2 tablespoons of olive oil.
3. Bake the potatoes for 40-45 minutes or until they are fork-tender.
4. Once done, let them cool for 10 minutes. Cut each potato in half lengthwise and scoop out the centers, leaving about 1/8 inch of potato in the skin.
5. Increase your oven temperature to 450°F (230°C).
6. Mix the remaining olive oil with salt and pepper. Brush this mixture over the potato skins, making sure to coat them well.
7. Place the skins skin-side down on a baking sheet and bake for 10 minutes.
8. Flip the skins and bake for another 10 minutes or until they are golden and crisp.
9. Add the shredded cheese and crumbled bacon to each potato skin. Broil in the oven for 2-3 minutes until the cheese is melted.
10. Garnish with sour cream and sliced green onions. Serve warm.

how to serve Loaded Potato Skins

Loaded Potato Skins are best served warm and fresh from the oven. You can arrange them on a serving platter and provide extra sour cream and green onions on the side for dipping. They pair well with a cold drink, making them a perfect snack for gatherings.

how to store Loaded Potato Skins

If you have any leftovers, you can store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will stay fresh for about 2-3 days. To reheat, place the potato skins in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through. You can also microwave them, but they might not stay as crispy.

tips to make Loaded Potato Skins

• Choose small gold potatoes for a tender and creamy texture.
• Make sure to remove enough of the potato flesh to create enough space for toppings, but not so much that the skins fall apart.
• For an extra kick, you can add jalapeños or hot sauce to the toppings.
• Try mixing different cheeses for varied flavors, like pepper jack or gouda.

variation

You can easily make Loaded Potato Skins vegetarian by omitting the bacon and adding veggies like sautéed mushrooms, bell peppers, or olives. You can also use different types of cheese or add a sprinkle of taco seasoning for a fun twist.

FAQs

Q: Can I make Loaded Potato Skins ahead of time?
A: Yes! You can prepare the potato skins and store them unfilled in the refrigerator. When you’re ready to serve, add the toppings and bake them.

Q: Can I freeze Loaded Potato Skins?
A: Yes, you can freeze the baked potato skins without toppings. To reheat, bake them directly from frozen at 400°F for about 15-20 minutes until heated through.

Q: What can I serve with Loaded Potato Skins?
A: They are great on their own, but you can also serve them with dips like ranch dressing, guacamole, or salsa for added flavor.

Print