Description
Loaded Potato Skins are a classic American appetizer perfect for game day or any gathering. Crispy baked russet potato skins are filled with melted cheddar cheese, smoky bacon, and topped with sour cream and fresh green onions, creating a savory, cheesy delight that’s both satisfying and flavorful.
Ingredients
Scale
Potatoes and Seasoning
- 4 large russet potatoes
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Toppings
- 6 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
- 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 2 green onions, thinly sliced
- Optional toppings: chives, hot sauce, or ranch dressing
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Potatoes: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Scrub the potatoes clean under cold water and dry them thoroughly. Prick each potato several times with a fork to allow steam to escape during baking. Rub each potato with olive oil, then sprinkle with salt and black pepper to season.
- Bake Potatoes: Place the prepared potatoes directly on the oven rack and bake for 45-50 minutes until they are tender when pierced with a knife. Remove them from the oven and let cool slightly to handle safely.
- Scoop Potato Flesh: Cut each potato in half lengthwise. Carefully scoop out most of the flesh, leaving about a 1/4-inch thick layer inside each skin. Reserve the scooped-out potato for future recipes like mashed potatoes. Arrange the hollowed potato skins on a baking sheet, skin side down.
- Crisp Potato Skins: Brush the inside of each potato skin with a little more olive oil or melted butter to enhance crispiness. Return the skins to the oven and bake for an additional 10 minutes to crisp up the edges.
- Add Cheese and Bacon: Remove the crisped skins from the oven. Evenly sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese and crumbled bacon on each skin. Return to oven for another 5-7 minutes until the cheese melts and bubbles nicely.
- Finish and Serve: Remove the loaded skins from the oven. Top each with a dollop of sour cream, then sprinkle with thinly sliced green onions or chives. Serve immediately while hot, with optional toppings such as hot sauce or ranch dressing for extra flavor.
Notes
- Save the scooped potato flesh to make mashed potatoes or another dish later.
- You can prep the potato skins ahead of time and reheat them before serving to save time.
- Adjust toppings according to taste, such as adding jalapeños for spice or substituting cheddar with other cheese varieties.
