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Loaded Potato Skins

Crispy loaded potato skins with melted cheddar cheese and bacon.
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Crispy potato boats filled with fluffy insides, melted cheese, and smoky bacon. These are the ultimate make-ahead appetizer for game days or casual parties, offering indulgent comfort with minimal fuss.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 6 medium russet potatoes (about 8 ounces each), scrubbed clean
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil or melted butter
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt, plus more for sprinkling
  • ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • 1 ½ cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
  • 6 slices thick-cut bacon, cooked until crisp and crumbled
  • ½ cup sour cream, for serving
  • ¼ cup fresh chives or green onions, thinly sliced

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Pierce each potato several times with a fork. Place directly on the oven rack and bake for 50 to 60 minutes, until tender. Let cool for 15 minutes.
  2. Slice each potato in half lengthwise. Use a spoon to scoop out the fluffy interior, leaving a ¼-inch thick shell. Place skins on a baking sheet.
  3. Brush the inside and outside of each skin with olive oil or melted butter. Season generously with salt and pepper.
  4. Return the baking sheet to the 400°F oven. Bake skins for 10 minutes, then flip and bake for another 5-10 minutes, until golden and crispy.
  5. Remove tray from oven. Flip skins right-side up. Divide shredded cheese evenly among them, then sprinkle with crumbled bacon.
  6. Return to oven for 5-7 minutes, until cheese is melted and bubbly.
  7. Let cool for 1-2 minutes. Top each skin with a dollop of sour cream and a sprinkle of fresh chives. Serve immediately.

Notes

For make-ahead ease, bake and scoop the potatoes a day in advance. Store skins and toppings separately in the fridge, then assemble and bake before serving. Do not add cold toppings like sour cream until after the final bake.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://www.stacksipsnack.com/loaded-potato-skins/