Description
Crispy, golden loaded potato skins filled with melted sharp cheddar cheese, savory crumbled bacon, and fresh green onions, served with a dollop of creamy sour cream. Perfect as a hearty appetizer or snack.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 4 large Russet potatoes
- 1 1/2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 6 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
- 3 green onions, chopped
- 1/2 cup sour cream, for serving
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Bake the Potatoes: Scrub the potatoes clean and pierce them with a fork. Rub each potato with olive oil and sprinkle with salt. Place them in a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) and bake for 45-60 minutes, until the potatoes are tender inside and the skins become crispy and golden brown.
- Prepare the Skins: Allow the potatoes to cool enough to handle safely. Slice each potato lengthwise in half. Using a spoon, carefully scoop out the inside flesh, leaving approximately 1/4 inch of potato to maintain the skin’s structure. Reserve the scooped-out potato pulp for another use, such as mashed potatoes.
- Crisp the Potato Shells: Brush the hollowed-out potato skins with olive oil on both sides and place them skin side up on a baking sheet. Bake in a 450°F (230°C) oven for 10 minutes, then flip and bake an additional 5 minutes to achieve extra crispy skins.
- Add Toppings: Spoon shredded sharp cheddar cheese, crumbled cooked bacon, and chopped green onions evenly into each potato skin. Return the stuffed potato skins to the oven and bake for 5-7 minutes until the cheese has melted fully and is bubbling.
- Serve and Garnish: Remove the loaded potato skins from the oven. Top each with a dollop of sour cream and sprinkle with additional chopped green onions or chives if desired. Serve warm as a delicious appetizer or snack.
Notes
- Select Russet potatoes for the best crispy skin texture and fluffy interior.
- Be careful not to scoop out too much potato flesh to prevent the skins from breaking.
- Use sharp cheddar cheese for a strong, tangy flavor that melts well.
- Bacon can be cooked in the oven or a skillet ahead of time for convenience.
- These potato skins are great served with additional condiments like ranch dressing or hot sauce.
