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Baked Potato Skins

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a plate of Baked Potato Skins garnished with green onions
Loaded baked potato skins feature potatoes filled with smoky bacon, sharp cheddar cheese, and a blend of seasonings, making them the ultimate crowd-pleasing snack.
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Table of Contents
  1. Baked Potato Skins Ingredients
  2. Substitutions and Additions
  3. How To Make This Baked Potato Skins Recipe
  4. How To Serve
  5. Storage
  6. Why We Love This Recipe
  7. Frequently Asked Questions
  8. More Recipes You’ll Love
  9. JUMP TO RECIPE

Sink your teeth into the irresistible goodness of these baked potato skins. The perfect appetizer, these crispy, cheesy bites are perfect for game nights or casual gatherings. Get ready to indulge in this savory treat that’s every bit as delicious as your favorite restaurant.

a plate of Baked Potato Skins garnished with green onions

Baked Potato Skins Ingredients

Baked Potato Skins raw ingredients that are labeled
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Russet potatoes provide the perfect starchy base for achieving crispy skins in this recipe, ready for plenty of tasty toppings.

Bacon adds a delightful smoky and savory flavor, while sharp cheddar cheese contributes to the ooey-gooey goodness, striking a perfect balance. 

Seasonings like garlic powder, onion powder, and smoked paprika infuse the skins with a smoky and savory kick that keeps you craving another bite. 

You’ll need:

  • 4 medium to large potatoes
  • Salt for sprinkling
  • ¼ cup of vegetable oil  
  • ½ teaspoon of salt 
  • ½ teaspoon of garlic powder 
  • ¼ teaspoon of onion powder 
  • ¼ teaspoon of smoked paprika 
  • 1 cup of sharp cheddar cheese 
  • 4 slices of bacon, cooked and crumbled 
  • 2 green onions, diced, optional 
  • Sour cream, optional 

Substitutions and Additions

VEGETABLE OIL: Olive oil will work as a suitable substitute for vegetable oil. 

POTATOES: While russet potatoes work best, you can experiment with Yukon Gold for a creamier texture or sweet potatoes for a sweeter twist.

BACON: Swap regular bacon for turkey bacon or crispy pancetta for a different flavor. Whichever you use, be sure to cook and crumble into bacon pieces ahead of time.

CHEESE: Try different cheeses like mozzarella, pepper jack, or even a cheese blend to give your potato skins a whole new cheesy flavor.

SEASONINGS: Feel free to play with various seasoning combinations, like adding a pinch of cayenne for a spicy kick or fresh herbs for a burst of freshness.

GREEN ONION: Instead, you can garnish with a sprinkle of Italian seasoning, freshly chopped parsley, or chives. A garnish isn’t necessary, but we like how it gives the potato skins a pop of green color.

How To Make This Baked Potato Skins Recipe

If you’ve ever wondered how to make potato skins at home, you’ll be surprised at how easy it is! Once you bake the potatoes, it takes no time at all to prepare these crispy potato skins.

PRO TIP: Use the scooped-out potato insides to make baked potato soup, fry it up in a skillet with a little oil or butter, or make mashed potatoes with it.

STEP ONE: Preheat the oven to 425°F. Wash the potatoes under running water, pat dry with paper towels, and place potatoes on a sheet pan. 

Using a fork, poke each potato several times all over. Lightly rub oil on the potatoes and sprinkle with some salt. 

PRO TIP: Don’t skip piercing the potato with a fork. Failure to do so may result in an exploded potato.

STEP TWO: Bake potatoes for 55 minutes to one hour or until they’re easily pierced with a fork. Remove from the oven and let cool.

PRO TIP: Oven temperatures vary and may need to be recalibrated periodically to ensure they are accurate. Make sure to keep a close eye on your potatoes as the suggested bake time approaches.

fork pierced potatoes baked on a baking sheet

STEP THREE: When potatoes have cooled enough to handle, slice potatoes in half, lengthwise. Scoop out the insides with a large spoon, leaving about a half inch of potato flesh.

PRO TIP: If possible, let the potatoes cool before you handle them. They will be extremely hot straight out of the oven, and the skins will break more easily when they’re hot. For best results, give them some extra time and to cool.

Baked Potatoes cut in half and the inside scooped out with a spoon

If you just can’t wait before cutting them open, use caution and wear silicone kitchen mitts to protect your hands. Alternatively, you can hold the hot potatoes with kitchen tongs.

STEP FOUR: In a small bowl, combine the following ingredients: oil, salt, garlic powder, onion powder, and smoked paprika, and mix well. 

Brush the oil mixture over both sides of the potato skin evenly. Place skins on the same baking sheet scooped side up. Bake for eight to ten minutes, until crispy. 

Turn over (brown skins up) halfway through the cooking process.

oil mixture brushed on top of the Baked Potato Skins

STEP FIVE: Remove from the oven and sprinkle the shredded cheese and bacon bits on top of the skins. Place back in the oven and bake until the cheese is melted, around two to three minutes.

Baked Potato Skins topped with shredded cheese and bacon

STEP SIX: Remove from the oven and serve with a dollop of sour cream and a sprinkle of thinly sliced green onions.

How To Serve

Whether you’re planning a cozy night in or hosting a gathering, baked potato skins are a tasty dish:

Serve your potato skins with sauces for dipping, like classic blue cheese or ranch dressing. 

Serve this tasty recipe as an appetizer potato, along with our stuffed mushrooms, at your next party. Your guests will love the crispy, cheesy bites as they mingle.

Make game day even better by featuring baked potato skins as a halftime snack. Pair them with your favorite dip for the ultimate indulgence.

Elevate your movie night with a platter of baked potato skins. They’re the perfect finger food to enjoy while watching your favorite flicks.

Include these as a side dish for family dinners. They’ll complement everything from burgers to grilled chicken.

If you are hosting a fun event, check out a couple more of our appetizer recipes, such as our stuffed ziti fritta and taco bites.

Storage

To ensure you can enjoy these delicious baked potato skins anytime, here’s how to store them:

MAKE AHEAD: You can prepare the homemade potato skins ahead of time by following all the steps up to filling them with cheese and bacon. 

Store them in the fridge until you’re ready to bake and serve.

IN THE FRIDGE: If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. To reheat, simply pop them back in the oven or microwave until warm.

IN THE FREEZER: For longer storage, freeze the potato skins after baking but before adding the cheese and bacon. Wrap them individually in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, then store them in a freezer-safe bag for up to three months. When you’re ready to enjoy, bake them from frozen until heated through.

REHEATING: To reheat, place the skins in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 10-15 minutes, or microwave them in 30-second intervals until warm.

Why We Love This Recipe

CRISPY PERFECTION: The combination of crisp potato skins, savory bacon, and melty cheddar cheese creates a texture and taste that’s simply irresistible.

CROWD-PLEASER: Whether you’re hosting a party or enjoying a cozy night in, these skins fit the bill for any occasion.

ENDLESS VARIATIONS: With the option to customize toppings and seasonings, you can create endless flavor combinations to suit your cravings.

a plate of Baked Potato Skins garnished with green onions and served with a bowl of sour cream

Next time you’re looking for an appetizer that combines crispy perfection with the irresistible flavors of a delicious, cheesy baked potato filling, turn to these crispy baked potato skins. Their universal appeal and endless customization options make them a surefire hit. 

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use different types of potatoes for this potato skin recipe?

While Russet potatoes work best, you can experiment with Yukon Gold or sweet potatoes for unique variations.

Can I freeze these if I have leftovers?

You can freeze the baked skins before adding cheese and bacon to save time, but add the cheese and bacon to the thawed potato skins and bake them fresh for best results.

Can I make a larger batch for a big gathering?

Certainly! Just double or triple this loaded potato skins recipe to suit the number of guests.

How do I make sure the stuffed potato skins are crunchy?

Ensure you bake them long enough initially, and brush them with oil before baking to achieve that crispy texture.

Can I prepare these in advance for a party?

Absolutely! You can prepare the skins ahead and then bake them when your guests arrive for a warm and crispy treat.

How do I bake a crispy skin baked potato?

The best way to make sure the baked potato skins are crispy is to coat them in a spread of butter before baking. The butter gives the skin an almost fried texture and will help it stay crispy as you finish making your potato skins.

Is it necessary to use bacon, or can I make a vegetarian version?

You can skip the bacon or use vegetarian bacon alternatives for a meatless version.

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a plate of Baked Potato Skins garnished with green onions

Baked Potato Skins

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Loaded baked potato skins feature potatoes filled with smoky bacon, sharp cheddar cheese, and a blend of seasonings, making them the ultimate crowd-pleasing snack.
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour 15 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 20 minutes
Servings 8 potato skins

Ingredients
  

  • 4 medium to large potatoes
  • Salt, for sprinkling
  • ¼ vegetable oil
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder
  • ¼ teaspoon onion powder
  • ¼ teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese
  • 4 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
  • 2 green onions, diced (optional)
  • Sour cream, optional

Instructions
 

  • Pre-heat the oven to 425 degrees F. Wash the potatoes under running water; pat dry with paper towels and place on a baking sheet. Using a fork, poke each potato several times all over. Lightly rub oil on the potatoes and sprinkle with some salt. Place on a baking sheet.
  • Bake for 55 minutes to 1 hour, or until they’re easily pierced with a fork. Remove from oven; let cool.
  • When potatoes have cooled enough to handle, cut potatoes in half, lengthwise. Scoop out the insides with a large spoon, leaving about ½ inch flesh.
  • In a small bowl combine the following ingredients: oil, salt, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika; mix well. Brush oil mixture over both sides of the potato skin, evenly. Place skins on the same baking sheet, scooped side up; Bake for 8-10 minutes, until crispy. Turn over (brown skins up) halfway through the cooking process.
  • Remove from oven and sprinkle the cheese and bacon pieces on top of the skins. Place back in the oven and bake until the cheese is melted, around 2-3 minutes.
  • Serve hot, topped with sour cream and green onions, if desired.

Notes

  • Use the scooped-out potato insides to make baked potato soup, fry it up in a skillet with a little oil or butter, or make mashed potatoes with it.  
  • Don’t skip piercing the potato with a fork. Failure to do so may result in an exploded potato.
  • Oven temperatures vary and may need to be recalibrated periodically to ensure they are accurate. Make sure to keep a close eye on your potatoes as the suggested bake time approaches.
  • If possible, let the potatoes cool before you handle them. They will be extremely hot straight out of the oven, and the skins will break more easily when they’re hot. For best results, give them some extra time and to cool.

Nutrition

Calories: 105kcal | Carbohydrates: 1g | Protein: 5g | Fat: 9g | Saturated Fat: 4g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 3g | Trans Fat: 0.01g | Cholesterol: 21mg | Sodium: 311mg | Potassium: 45mg | Fiber: 0.1g | Sugar: 0.1g | Vitamin A: 206IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 103mg | Iron: 0.1mg
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Proudly Prepared by the Spaceships Kitchen

This recipe was developed, tested, cooked and photographed by the Spaceships Kitchen. From our dinner table to yours, we hope you think it's out of this world!

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