Potato Skins

Indulge in the ultimate comfort food with these crispy, cheesy Potato Skins. Perfect for parties, game days, or a delicious snack, this recipe uses Russet potatoes, crispy bacon, and gooey cheddar cheese for irresistible flavor. Learn tips for achieving extra crispy skins, discover fun topping variations like jalapeños or ranch dressing, and get answers to FAQs about making these loaded potato skins ahead of time. Pair them with sour cream, green onions, or even a fresh salad for a versatile and crowd-pleasing dish. Perfect for appetizers, snacks, or side dishes!

Ingredients

• 7 small Russet potatoes (see notes for size recommendation)
• 5 strips thick-cut bacon
• 2 teaspoons Kosher salt
• 1 tablespoon butter (optional)
• 1.75 cups shredded cheddar cheese
• 2 green onions, diced
• ½ cup sour cream (for serving)

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Instructions

1. Prepare the Potatoes:

• Scrub the potatoes clean and pat them completely dry.
• Preheat the oven to 400°F. Pierce each potato twice with a fork and place them on a lightly greased baking sheet. Bake for 1 hour.

1. Cook the Bacon:

• While the potatoes bake, fry the bacon over low heat until crispy on both sides. Set the bacon aside to cool, and reserve the grease for later use.

1. Slice and Scoop:

• Once the potatoes are cool enough to handle, slice each one in half lengthwise.
• Use a paring knife to cut a shallow rim around the edge of each half. Then, use a spoon to scoop out the middle, leaving about 1/3 inch of potato on the skin. (Tip: Save the scooped-out potato for Baked Potato Soup!)

1. Smooth and Butter (Optional):

• Smooth the potato layer inside the skins using the back of a spoon. For extra creaminess, melt a small amount of butter and spread it over the potato layer.

1. Bake the Skins:

• Place the potato halves skin-side-up on the baking sheet. Brush the skins with reserved bacon drippings and sprinkle with Kosher salt. Bake for 10 minutes.
• Flip the potatoes skin-side-down and bake for another 10 minutes.

1. Add Cheese and Bacon:

• Crumble the cooled bacon into fine pieces. Top the potatoes with shredded cheddar cheese and bacon crumbles.
• Return the baking sheet to the oven and bake for 5 more minutes, until the cheese is melted.

1. Garnish and Serve:

• Sprinkle the potato skins with diced green onions. Serve hot with sour cream on the side for dipping.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Crowd-Pleaser: These potato skins are a hit at parties, game days, and family dinners.
• Simple Ingredients: Made with pantry staples and easy-to-find ingredients.
• Customizable: Perfect for adding your favorite toppings like jalapeños, chives, or sour cream.
• Versatile: Serve as an appetizer, snack, or side dish.

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Tips

• Choose the Right Potatoes: Small Russet potatoes work best for even baking and easy handling.
• Make Ahead: Bake the potatoes and scoop them out ahead of time. Assemble and bake with toppings when ready to serve.
• Extra Crispy Skins: Brushing the skins with bacon grease ensures a crispy, flavorful base.
• Use Leftovers: Save the scooped-out potato for soups, mashed potatoes, or even potato pancakes.

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Variations and Substitutions

• Cheese Options: Swap cheddar for pepper jack, mozzarella, or a cheese blend.
• Add Heat: Sprinkle diced jalapeños, red pepper flakes, or hot sauce for a spicy kick.
• Vegetarian: Omit the bacon and brush with olive oil instead. Add toppings like sautéed mushrooms or black beans.
• Toppings Galore: Try adding guacamole, diced tomatoes, or even a drizzle of ranch dressing.

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FAQs

Q: Can I make these ahead of time?
A: Yes! Bake and scoop out the potatoes ahead of time. Store the potato skins in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Add toppings and bake when ready to serve.

Q: How do I reheat leftovers?
A: Reheat potato skins in the oven at 375°F for about 10 minutes to crisp them back up. Avoid microwaving, as it can make the skins soggy.

Q: Can I use other types of potatoes?
A: While Russets are ideal, you can use Yukon Gold or red potatoes for a smaller, bite-sized version.

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Serving Suggestions

• Serve these potato skins as a party appetizer alongside wings, sliders, or nachos.
• Pair them with a fresh green salad for a balanced meal.
• Enjoy as a snack during movie nights or game days.
• For a loaded baked potato bar, offer a variety of toppings and let guests customize their own.

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These crispy, cheesy Potato Skins are the ultimate comfort food snack or appetizer. Customize them to your taste and enjoy the perfect balance of textures and flavors!