Description
Homemade crispy loaded potato skins that are crunchy, cheesy, and bacon-filled. This recipe uses a two-bake method to ensure maximum crispiness without deep frying, making it a perfect, budget-friendly appetizer for parties.
Ingredients
Scale
- 4 large Russet potatoes (about 2 lbs / 900g)
- 3 tablespoons vegetable oil or canola oil
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded from a block
- 6 slices thick-cut bacon, cooked and crumbled
- ½ cup full-fat sour cream
- 2–3 stalks green onions, thinly sliced
- Optional: 1 cup Jack cheese, ½ cup diced jalapeños, BBQ sauce for drizzling
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or foil.
- Wash and scrub potatoes thoroughly, then pat completely dry. Pierce each potato 4-5 times with a fork.
- Microwave potatoes on high for 5-7 minutes, flipping halfway, until tender. Let cool for 5 minutes. (Alternatively, bake at 400°F for 45-60 minutes).
- Slice potatoes in half lengthwise. Scoop out the flesh, leaving about ¼ inch attached to the skin. Place skins cut-side up on the baking sheet.
- Brush the inside of each skin lightly with oil and sprinkle with salt.
- Bake empty skins for 10 minutes to dry them out and start the crisping process.
- Remove from oven. Sprinkle generously with shredded cheddar cheese and top with crumbled bacon.
- Return to oven and bake for 3-5 minutes until cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Remove from oven and immediately garnish with sliced green onions and extra salt if needed. Serve hot.
Notes
Do not skip the first bake; it is crucial for drying out the skins to ensure crispiness. Shred your own cheese to avoid anti-caking agents that prevent smooth melting. If serving a crowd, keep finished skins in a low oven (200°F) to maintain warmth and crunch. Avoid overcrowding the pan to prevent steaming.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4 skins
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 1
- Sodium: 350
- Fat: 16
- Saturated Fat: 8
- Carbohydrates: 24
- Fiber: 2
- Protein: 12
Keywords: potato skins, appetizer, super bowl food, crispy potatoes, bacon cheese, party snacks, easy recipes, game day food