Potato Skins
Crispy baked potato shells loaded with melted cheddar cheese, savory bacon bits, and a dollop of cool sour cream. The ultimate crowd-pleasing appetizer for game day or any gathering.
For 4 servings
6 steps. 10 minutes total.
- 1
Step 1
- a.Bake the Potatoes
- b.Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- c.Scrub the potatoes thoroughly under running water and pat them completely dry.
- d.Pierce each potato 5-6 times with a fork to allow steam to escape.
- e.Rub the potatoes all over with vegetable oil and sprinkle with about half of the kosher salt.
- f.Place them directly on the middle oven rack and bake for 60 minutes, or until the skin is crisp and the inside is easily pierced with a knife.
- 2
Step 2
- a.Cook the Bacon
- b.While the potatoes are baking, place the bacon slices in a large skillet over medium heat.
- c.Cook, turning occasionally, until brown and very crispy, about 8-10 minutes.
- d.Transfer the bacon to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess grease. Once cooled, crumble or chop it into small pieces.
- 3
Step 3
- a.Prepare the Potato Shells
- b.Once the potatoes are baked, carefully remove them from the oven and let them rest for 10-15 minutes, until cool enough to handle.
- c.Slice each potato in half lengthwise.
- d.Using a spoon, carefully scoop out the cooked flesh, leaving about a 1/4-inch (6mm) thick border attached to the skin. This ensures the shells are sturdy.
- e.Save the scooped-out potato flesh for another use, like mashed potatoes or soup.
- 4
Step 4
- a.Crisp the Skins (First Bake)
- b.Increase the oven temperature to 425°F (220°C).
- c.Brush the inside and outside of each potato shell with the melted butter.
- d.Sprinkle the remaining salt and the freshly ground black pepper evenly over the skins.
- e.Place the shells skin-side up on a baking sheet or a wire rack set on a baking sheet.
- f.Bake for 10-15 minutes, until the edges are golden brown and the skins are visibly crispy.
- 5
Step 5
- a.Load and Melt (Second Bake)
- b.Remove the skins from the oven and carefully flip them over so they are hollow-side up.
- c.Fill each shell generously with the shredded cheddar cheese and crumbled bacon.
- d.Return the baking sheet to the oven and bake for another 3-5 minutes, just until the cheese is completely melted and bubbly.
- 6
Step 6
- a.Garnish and Serve
- b.Remove the hot potato skins from the oven.
- c.Top each one with a dollop of sour cream and a sprinkle of thinly sliced green onions.
- d.Serve immediately while hot and crispy.
What to keep in mind.
5 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1Use Russet potatoes for their starchy texture and thick skins, which create the perfect crispy shell.
- 2Don't scoop out too much potato flesh; leave a 1/4-inch (6mm) border to keep the skins sturdy and prevent them from breaking.
- 3For extra crispy skins, bake them on a wire rack set over a baking sheet to allow hot air to circulate all around them.
- 4Shred your own cheese from a block. Pre-shredded cheese often contains anti-caking agents that prevent it from melting smoothly.
- 5Save the scooped-out potato flesh for other recipes like mashed potatoes, gnocchi, or as a thickener for soups and stews.
Adapt it for your goals.
Vegetarian
Omit the bacon and use vegetarian bacon bits, or fill with sautéed mushrooms, onions, and bell peppers.
SpicySpicy
Add finely diced jalapeños or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes along with the cheese for a spicy kick.
LoadedLoaded
Top with chili, pulled pork, or buffalo chicken before adding the cheese for a heartier, meal-worthy version.
Cheese BlendCheese Blend
Use a mix of cheeses like Monterey Jack, Colby, or a sprinkle of smoked Gouda for more complex flavor.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Source of Dietary Fiber
The potato skin is an excellent source of dietary fiber, which is essential for digestive health, regulating blood sugar levels, and promoting a feeling of fullness.
Rich in Potassium
Potatoes are a significant source of potassium, an electrolyte that helps regulate fluid balance, muscle contractions, and nerve signals. A diet rich in potassium can also help offset the negative effects of sodium on blood pressure.
Provides B Vitamins
Potatoes contain several B vitamins, including B6, which is crucial for over 100 enzyme reactions in the body, primarily related to metabolism. It also plays a role in brain development and immune function.
Frequently asked questions
A typical serving of two potato skins has approximately 350-450 calories, depending on the size of the potatoes and the amount of cheese, bacon, and sour cream used.