Loaded Crispy Potato Skins
Loaded Crispy Potato Skins are a quick and easy snack that combines crispy baked russet potato skins with melted sharp cheddar cheese, savory crispy bacon, and fresh toppings like sour cream and green onions. This flavorful appetizer is perfect for parties, snacks, or a fun finger food that both kids and adults will love.
- Author: Lina
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 50-60 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 5-15 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Potato Skins Base
- 4 large russet potatoes
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
Toppings
- 1 ½ cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 6 slices bacon, cooked crispy and crumbled
- ½ cup sour cream
- 3 green onions, thinly sliced
- Prepare and Bake the Potatoes: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Scrub the russet potatoes clean, prick each potato several times with a fork, rub with olive oil, and sprinkle with salt. Place directly on the oven rack and bake for 45-50 minutes until tender.
- Scoop Out the Potato Flesh: Once cooled enough to handle, slice each potato in half lengthwise. Carefully scoop out most of the flesh, leaving about a 1/4-inch thick shell. Save the scooped potato for another use.
- Season and Crisp the Potato Skins: Brush the insides of the potato skins with olive oil and season with salt and pepper. Place skin-side down on a baking sheet. Bake at 425°F (220°C) for 10 minutes, then flip and bake another 5 minutes until crispy.
- Add Cheese and Bacon: Remove skins from the oven and evenly sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese and crispy bacon bits on top. Return to the oven for 5-7 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Top and Serve: Remove from oven and immediately add a dollop of sour cream and a sprinkle of sliced green onions. Serve warm and enjoy.
Notes
- Choose Russet Potatoes for best crispy skin texture.
- Don’t scoop the potato flesh too thin to keep skins sturdy.
- Pat the scooped out potato skins dry with a paper towel for extra crispiness.
- Use pre-cooked crispy bacon bits to save time.
- Broil for 1-2 minutes if cheese is not bubbly, but watch carefully to avoid burning.
- Serve immediately for best flavor and texture.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 potato skins
- Calories: 280 kcal
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 480 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 8 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 20 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 9 g
- Cholesterol: 40 mg
Keywords: potato skins, loaded potato skins, crispy potato skins, cheesy potato skins, appetizer, snack, bacon potato skins, easy party food