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Loaded Potato Skins

Loaded Potato Skins
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Crispy, cheesy loaded potato skins filled with melted sharp cheddar, smoky bacon, and fresh green onions. Ready in under 30 minutes, these crowd-pleasing appetizers are perfect for game day, parties, or quick snacks, with easy variations for vegetarian and low-carb diets.

Ingredients

Scale

Potatoes and Base

  • 4 large russet potatoes

Cheese and Toppings

  • 1 1/2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
  • 6 slices cooked bacon, crumbled
  • 3 green onions, thinly sliced

Other Ingredients

  • 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
  • Sour cream, for serving (optional)
  • Salt, to taste
  • Black pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. Bake the potatoes: Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C). Scrub russet potatoes clean, prick several times with a fork, place directly on oven rack or baking sheet, and bake 40-50 minutes until tender when pierced with a fork.
  2. Cool and halve: Remove potatoes and let cool to handle. Slice each potato lengthwise, scoop out most of the flesh leaving about 1/4 inch thickness of potato inside skin, saving the scooped flesh for another use.
  3. Season and pre-crisp: Brush potato skins inside and out with melted butter, season with salt and pepper. Place skin-side down on baking sheet and bake at 450°F (232°C) for 10 minutes until crisp.
  4. Add toppings and bake again: Flip skins over, fill generously with shredded cheddar cheese and crispy bacon bits. Bake for 5-7 minutes until cheese is melted and bubbly.
  5. Garnish and serve: Remove from oven, sprinkle with sliced green onions, and optionally add a dollop of sour cream. Serve hot for optimal texture and flavor.

Notes

  • Use russet potatoes for best crispy skins and fluffy interior.
  • Leave about 1/4 inch potato flesh inside skins to keep them sturdy.
  • Cook bacon until crispy beforehand to avoid soggy toppings.
  • Use sharp cheddar cheese for tangy flavor and excellent melting.
  • Watch cheese closely during final baking to prevent burning.

Nutrition

Keywords: loaded potato skins, cheesy potato skins, bacon potato skins, appetizer, snack, game day food, party food, gluten free

Find it online: https://mealsbylina.com/loaded-potato-skins/