Baked Potato Skins

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.

Baked Potato Skins Ingredients

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. 

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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. 

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