Description
Golden brown potato skins, perfectly crisped and loaded with melted cheddar, smoky bacon bits, and fresh green onions, finished with a cool dollop of sour cream. The ultimate game day snack or party appetizer, these potato skins are easy to make and always a crowd-pleaser.
Ingredients
- 4 large russet potatoes (about 2 lbs), scrubbed clean
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup cooked bacon bits (about 6 strips), crumbled
- 1/4 cup sliced green onions
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- Optional: 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
- Optional: Pickled jalapeños
- Optional: 1/4 cup diced tomatoes
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Scrub potatoes, pat dry, and prick each a few times with a fork.
- Place potatoes directly on oven rack or on a baking sheet. Bake for 45-50 minutes, until skins are crisp and potatoes are tender. Let cool for 10-15 minutes.
- Cut each potato lengthwise into halves. Scoop out most of the flesh, leaving about 1/4 inch border. Save scooped potato for another use.
- In a bowl, toss hollowed potato skins with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Arrange skins cut-side down on baking sheet. Bake for 10 minutes, then flip and bake another 5-7 minutes until edges are crispy and golden.
- Remove skins and brush each with melted butter. Place cut-side up on baking sheet.
- Fill each skin evenly with shredded cheddar cheese and bacon bits. Return to oven and bake for 5-8 minutes, until cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Remove from oven and sprinkle with sliced green onions. Add optional parsley, jalapeños, or diced tomatoes if desired.
- Transfer to serving plate. Dollop each potato skin with sour cream. Serve immediately while hot and crispy.
Notes
For extra crispiness, bake skins twice and brush with melted butter. Use similar-sized potatoes for even cooking. Prep bacon and cheese while potatoes bake to save time. For vegetarian, skip bacon and add veggies. For dairy-free, use vegan cheese and sour cream. Potato skins can be made ahead and reheated in the oven for best texture.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 60 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 potato skins
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 2
- Sodium: 400
- Fat: 14
- Saturated Fat: 7
- Carbohydrates: 22
- Fiber: 2
- Protein: 9
Keywords: potato skins, game day snack, appetizer, loaded potatoes, sour cream, bacon, cheddar cheese, party food, comfort food