Crispy Loaded Potato Skins

Introduction

Crispy Loaded Potato Skins are a comfort food favorite, perfect for game days, parties, or snacky weekend dinners. These golden potato halves are hollowed out, baked until crispy, and then filled with melted cheese, crispy bacon, and green onions—served with a side of sour cream or ranch for dipping.

Why I Love This Recipe

I love this recipe because it's the perfect combination of crisp texture, melty cheese, and savory toppings. They’re simple to make, use budget-friendly ingredients, and are always the first thing gone at any gathering. Plus, they’re endlessly customizable!

Recipe Overview

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 45 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour
• Servings: 8 halves (serves 4 as an appetizer)
• Calories: ~250 per half (depending on toppings)

Ingredients

• 4 medium russet potatoes
• 2 tbsp olive oil or melted butter
• Salt & pepper to taste
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 4 slices cooked bacon, crumbled
• 2 green onions, finely chopped
• Sour cream or ranch dressing (for serving)

Optional Add-ins:

• Jalapeños
• Diced tomatoes
• Chopped parsley or cilantro
• BBQ chicken or taco meat for loaded versions

Step-by-Step Preparation Method

Step 1: Bake the Potatoes

• Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
• Scrub potatoes clean and poke a few holes in them with a fork.
• Place on a baking tray and bake for 40–50 minutes until tender.
• Let them cool enough to handle.

Step 2: Slice & Scoop

• Slice each potato in half lengthwise.
• Carefully scoop out the flesh, leaving about ¼ inch of potato lining the skin.
• (You can save the scooped-out potato for mashed potatoes later!)

Step 3: Crisp the Skins

• Brush both sides of the potato skins with olive oil or melted butter.
• Place skin-side down on a baking sheet.
• Bake at 425°F (220°C) for 10 minutes, then flip and bake 5 more minutes.

Step 4: Load with Toppings

• Flip back skin-side down.
• Sprinkle cheese and bacon evenly in each skin.
• Bake for 5–7 minutes, or until cheese is fully melted and bubbling.

Step 5: Garnish & Serve

• Remove from oven and top with chopped green onions.
• Serve warm with sour cream or ranch on the side.

How to Serve

• Best served immediately while hot and crispy.
• Place on a platter with dips like sour cream, ranch, or spicy aioli.
• Great as an appetizer, party snack, or game day finger food.

Tips & Variations

Tips:

• Use russet potatoes for their sturdy skins and fluffy centers.
• Crisp up the skins properly before adding cheese for the best texture.
• Use a spoon or melon baller to scoop without tearing.

Variations:

• Vegetarian: Skip the bacon, add sautéed mushrooms or black beans.
• Spicy: Add jalapeños, chili flakes, or spicy sausage.
• Tex-Mex: Add taco meat, salsa, or guacamole.
• BBQ: Use pulled chicken or pork and drizzle with BBQ sauce.

Freezing & Storage

• Store: Leftover potato skins can be refrigerated for up to 3 days in an airtight container.
• Reheat: Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 10–12 minutes until hot and crispy.
• Freeze: Freeze baked (but unfilled) skins for up to 2 months. Fill and reheat when ready to serve.

Special Equipment Needed

• Baking sheet
• Pastry brush (for oil)
• Spoon or melon baller (for scooping)
• Parchment paper (optional, for easy cleanup)

Conclusion

Crispy Loaded Potato Skins are the ultimate indulgent snack—easy to make, endlessly customizable, and irresistibly crunchy on the outside and cheesy on the inside. Whether you’re hosting guests or treating yourself to comfort food, this recipe is a guaranteed hit!