American
👍 Beginner Friendly
15 mineasy
AmericanAppetizer
Recipe Story
origins & traditionsLoaded Potato Skins are a quintessential American appetizer that transforms humble russet potatoes into irresistible finger food. Each potato half is baked until the skin becomes perfectly crispy, then filled with a generous layer of sharp cheddar cheese and smoky bacon bits. The potatoes are baked again until the cheese melts into gooey perfection. Topped with cool sour cream, fresh green onions, and a sprinkle of black pepper, these potato skins offer a delightful contrast of textures and temperatures. The crispy exterior gives way to a fluffy potato interior, while the melted cheese and bacon provide rich, savory flavors. Whether served at a Super Bowl party, backyard barbecue, or casual dinner gathering, these loaded potato skins disappear quickly from any appetizer spread.
Instructions
step by step0/12 done
Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Scrub potatoes clean and pat dry.
Pierce each potato several times with a fork. Place directly on oven rack and bake for 50-60 minutes until tender when squeezed.
Remove potatoes and let cool for 10 minutes until safe to handle.
Cut each potato in half lengthwise. Using a spoon, carefully scoop out most of the flesh, leaving about 1/4 inch of potato attached to the skin. Save the scooped potato for another use.
Brush the inside and outside of each potato skin with melted butter. Place skin-side down on a baking sheet.
Bake for 10 minutes until skins become crispy.
Remove from oven and flip skins over so the hollow side faces up.
Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese evenly among all potato skins, then top with crumbled bacon pieces.
Return to oven and bake for 5-7 minutes until cheese is completely melted and bubbling.
Remove from oven and let cool for 2-3 minutes.
Top each potato skin with a dollop of sour cream, sprinkle with sliced green onions and black pepper.
Serve immediately while hot and crispy.
Loaded Potato Skins
5.0 (74)
Crispy baked potato halves filled with melted cheese, crispy bacon, and fresh toppings. These crowd-pleasing appetizers are perfect for game day or any gathering.
easy
1h 25m
8 servings
Ingredients
0 of 8 checked
Main
- 4 pieces potatoes, medium russet, scrubbed clean
- 3 tablespoons butter, melted
Toppings
- 1 1/2 cups cheese-cheddar, shredded
- 8 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
- 8 tablespoons sour-cream, for topping
- 1/4 pieces onions, green onions, thinly sliced
Seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoons black-pepper, freshly ground
- 1/2 teaspoons salt
Chef Tips
expert advice•For extra crispy skins, brush with butter and bake skin-side up for an additional 5 minutes before adding toppings.
•The reserved potato flesh makes excellent mashed potatoes or can be frozen for future use.
•Try variations with different cheeses like pepper jack for spice or a blend of cheddar and mozzarella.
•For a lighter version, use turkey bacon and reduced-fat cheese.
•You can prepare the potato skins through step 6 up to a day ahead, then add toppings and finish baking when ready to serve.
•Make sure potatoes are thoroughly dried before the first baking to achieve maximum crispiness.
•Small to medium russet potatoes work best as they create perfect single-serving portions.
