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Crispy Loaded Potato Skins Delight

crispy loaded potato skins - featured image

A crowd-pleasing snack featuring crispy russet potato skins loaded with melted cheddar and mozzarella cheese, smoky bacon, and fresh green onions. Perfect for parties, game days, or casual get-togethers.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 large russet potatoes
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon salt, plus more for seasoning
  • ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • 1½ cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
  • ½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 6 slices bacon, cooked crisp and crumbled
  • 3 stalks green onions, thinly sliced
  • ½ cup sour cream (optional, for topping)
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder
  • ¼ teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
  • 2 tablespoons melted butter

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
  2. Wash and dry the russet potatoes. Prick each potato a few times with a fork to avoid steam buildup.
  3. Bake the potatoes whole directly on the oven rack for about 45-60 minutes, until tender when pierced with a fork.
  4. Remove potatoes from the oven and let cool until safe to handle, about 15 minutes.
  5. Cut each potato in half lengthwise. Use a spoon or small scoop to carefully remove most of the flesh, leaving about ¼ inch (6 mm) of potato attached to the skin. Save the scooped potato for another use.
  6. Brush the inside and outside of the skins with olive oil and melted butter. Sprinkle with salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and smoked paprika.
  7. Place the skins on a baking sheet, skin side down, and bake for 10 minutes at 400°F (200°C) to start crisping.
  8. Flip skins over and sprinkle evenly with shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheese, then crumbled bacon.
  9. Return to the oven and bake for another 10-15 minutes, until cheese is melted and bubbly, and edges are golden crisp.
  10. Remove from oven and sprinkle with sliced green onions.
  11. Serve hot with dollops of sour cream on the side or on top.

Notes

Double-baking is key to achieve crispy skins without drying out the potato flesh. Leave a thin layer of potato on the skins to keep them sturdy. Use freshly shredded cheese for better melt and gooey texture. Cook bacon until crisp for best flavor and crunch. If skins aren’t crispy enough, broil for 1-2 minutes watching closely to avoid burning. For dairy-free, use vegan cheese blends. For vegetarian, substitute bacon with sautéed mushrooms or caramelized onions.

Nutrition

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