Crispy Baked Potato Skins

Short Description

Crispy Baked Potato Skins are a perfect appetizer or snack, featuring golden, crunchy potato shells filled with melted cheese, crispy bacon, and fresh green onions. These homemade potato skins are easy to make, customizable, and a great way to use up leftover baked potatoes. Serve them with sour cream for a delicious, crowd-pleasing dish!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Crispy and cheesy – The perfect combination of crunchy skins and gooey melted cheese.
• Easy to make – Simple ingredients and straightforward steps.
• Great for parties – A classic appetizer that everyone loves.
• Customizable – Try different toppings and cheeses to suit your taste.
• Budget-friendly – Uses simple, pantry-staple ingredients.

Ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

• 6 small to medium Russet potatoes
• 1 ½ tablespoons canola or olive oil
• Sea salt, to taste
• 3 tablespoons butter, melted
• ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
• ¼ teaspoon onion powder
• ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese
• ½ cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
• 4 slices bacon, cooked and chopped
• 1 green onion, sliced
• Sour cream (optional, for serving)

Directions

1. Prepare the Potatoes: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Scrub the potatoes clean and dry them completely. Pierce each potato several times with a fork, then rub with oil and season with salt. Place on a baking sheet and bake for 50-60 minutes until fork-tender. Let cool until easy to handle.
2. Slice and Scoop: Increase oven temperature to 450°F (230°C). Cut each potato in half lengthwise and carefully scoop out the flesh, leaving about ¼ to ½ inch of potato attached to the skin. Save the scooped-out potato for another dish.
3. Crisp the Skins: Mix melted butter with garlic powder and onion powder. Brush both sides of the potato skins with the butter mixture. Place them skin-side up on the baking sheet and bake for 10 minutes. Flip and bake for another 10 minutes until crispy.
4. Add Toppings: Sprinkle shredded cheese evenly over the skins, then top with bacon. Return to the oven for about 5 minutes, until the cheese melts.
5. Garnish and Serve: Remove from the oven, sprinkle with sliced green onions, and serve with sour cream. Enjoy!

Servings and Timing

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Baking Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour 25 minutes
• Servings: 6 servings

Variations

• Extra Crispy Skins: Bake the scooped-out skins for an extra 5 minutes before adding toppings.
• Healthier Option: Use turkey bacon or plant-based bacon for a lighter version.
• Spicy Twist: Add chopped jalapeños or a drizzle of hot sauce.
• Different Cheese Options: Try mozzarella, pepper jack, or a blend for extra flavor.
• Vegetarian Version: Skip the bacon and add sautéed mushrooms or black beans.

Storage/Reheating

• Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Freezing: Freeze unfilled potato skins for up to 3 months; thaw before adding toppings and baking.
• Reheating: Reheat at 375°F (190°C) for 10-15 minutes to maintain crispiness. Avoid microwaving, as it can make the skins soggy.

FAQs

Can I make these potato skins ahead of time?

Yes! Bake and scoop the potatoes in advance, then refrigerate them. When ready to serve, crisp them up and add toppings.

What kind of potatoes work best for this recipe?

Russet potatoes are the best choice because of their thick skins and fluffy interior.

Can I use sweet potatoes instead?

Yes! Sweet potato skins will be softer but still delicious with the same toppings.

How do I prevent my potato skins from getting soggy?

Make sure to bake them long enough to crisp up before adding toppings. Also, avoid overloading with wet ingredients.

What can I do with the scooped-out potato flesh?

Use it for mashed potatoes, potato soup, or add it to scrambled eggs.

Can I cook these in an air fryer?

Yes! Air fry at 400°F (200°C) for about 8-10 minutes per side before adding toppings.

What other toppings can I add?

Try adding diced tomatoes, avocado, pulled pork, or even buffalo chicken.

Can I use pre-cooked bacon bits instead of fresh bacon?

Yes, but freshly cooked bacon has the best flavor and texture.

Can I make these dairy-free?

Yes! Use dairy-free butter, cheese, and sour cream alternatives.

How do I get an even crispier texture?

Brush the skins with additional butter or oil before the final bake.

Conclusion

Crispy Baked Potato Skins are a classic, crowd-pleasing appetizer that’s easy to make and endlessly customizable. With their crispy shells, gooey cheese, and savory bacon, these potato skins are sure to be a hit at any gathering. Try them today and enjoy a restaurant-quality snack at home!

Crispy Baked Potato Skins

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• Author: Grace
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 75 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour 25 minutes
• Yield: 6 servings 1x
• Category: Appetizer, Snack
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

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Description

These Crispy Baked Potato Skins are the ultimate appetizer or game-day snack! Golden, crunchy potato shells are filled with melty cheddar and Monterey Jack cheese, crispy bacon, and fresh green onions. Serve them with sour cream or your favorite dipping sauce for a perfect, crowd-pleasing treat!

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Ingredients

Units USM Scale 1x2x3x

• 6 small to medium Russet potatoes
• 1 1/2 tablespoons canola or olive oil
• Sea salt, to taste
• 3 tablespoons butter, melted
• 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1/2 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
• 4 slices bacon, cooked and chopped
• 1 green onion, sliced
• Sour cream (optional, for serving)

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Instructions

1️⃣ Prepare the Potatoes – Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Scrub the potatoes clean and dry them completely. Pierce each potato several times with a fork, then rub with oil and season with salt. Place on a baking sheet and bake for 50-60 minutes, until fork-tender. Let cool until easy to handle.

2️⃣ Slice & Scoop – Increase oven temperature to 450°F (230°C). Cut each potato in half lengthwise and carefully scoop out the flesh, leaving about ¼ to ½ inch of potato attached to the skin. Save the scooped-out potato for another dish.

3️⃣ Crisp the Skins – Mix melted butter, garlic powder, and onion powder. Brush both sides of the potato skins with the butter mixture. Place them skin-side up on the baking sheet and bake for 10 minutes. Flip and bake for another 10 minutes until crispy.

4️⃣ Add Toppings – Sprinkle shredded cheese evenly over the skins, then top with bacon. Return to the oven for about 5 minutes, until the cheese melts.

5️⃣ Garnish & Serve – Remove from the oven, sprinkle with sliced green onions, and serve with sour cream. Enjoy!

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Notes

• Extra crispy? Bake the scooped-out skins for 5 additional minutes before adding toppings.
• Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat at 375°F for the best texture.
• Lighter option: Swap in turkey bacon or plant-based bacon.
• Cheese variety: Try mozzarella, pepper jack, or smoked gouda for a unique twist!