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Crispy Loaded Potato Skins with Bacon and Cheddar

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A quick and easy recipe for crispy potato skins loaded with smoky bacon and sharp cheddar cheese, perfect for parties and casual gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 medium russet potatoes
  • 6–8 slices thick-cut bacon
  • 1 ½ cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • Salt to taste
  • Freshly ground black pepper to taste
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
  • Sour cream for serving
  • 2–3 stalks green onions, sliced thin

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and position the rack in the middle.
  2. Scrub and dry the russet potatoes. Pierce each a few times with a fork and bake directly on the oven rack for 45-50 minutes until tender.
  3. While potatoes bake, cook bacon strips in a cold skillet over medium heat until crispy, about 8-10 minutes. Drain on paper towels and crumble once cooled.
  4. Remove potatoes from oven and let cool for 10-15 minutes until warm and safe to handle.
  5. Cut each potato in half lengthwise. Scoop out most of the flesh, leaving about ¼-inch thickness attached to the skin.
  6. Place potato skins in a large bowl. Drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and smoked paprika. Toss gently to coat.
  7. Arrange skins skin-side down on a baking sheet lined with a wire rack or directly on the sheet.
  8. Bake for 15-20 minutes until skins are golden brown and crisp.
  9. Flip skins skin-side up. Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese evenly inside each skin, then top with crumbled bacon.
  10. Return to oven and bake for an additional 5-7 minutes until cheese is melted and bubbly.
  11. Remove from oven, sprinkle chopped green onions on top, and serve immediately with sour cream.

Notes

For extra cheesy skins, add a second sprinkle of cheese after the first melt and bake for another 1-2 minutes. Use a wire rack to help crisp skins evenly. Start bacon in a cold pan for crispier results. Leftovers keep well refrigerated for 2-3 days and reheat in oven at 375°F for 8-10 minutes to maintain crispness.

Nutrition

Keywords: potato skins, bacon, cheddar cheese, crispy, appetizer, party food, snack, comfort food

Find it online: https://blixfood.com/crispy-loaded-potato-skins-with-bacon-and-cheddar-recipe-easy-and-perfect-for-parties/