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The Ultimate Crispy Loaded Potato Skins Recipe (Game Day Ready)

A plate of loaded potato skins topped with melted cheddar cheese, bacon bits, sour cream, and chives.
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Make restaurant-style potato skins at home. This recipe focuses on techniques to achieve perfectly crispy potato shells, loaded with cheddar cheese, bacon, and classic toppings for the best game day appetizer.

Ingredients

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  • 4 large Russet potatoes
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
  • 8 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
  • 1/2 cup sour cream
  • 2 tablespoons chopped fresh green onions

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. Scrub the potatoes clean and prick them several times with a fork.
  2. Bake the potatoes directly on the oven rack for 50 to 60 minutes, or until the skins are firm and the insides are tender.
  3. Remove the potatoes from the oven and let them cool until you can handle them safely. Reduce the oven temperature to 375 degrees Fahrenheit.
  4. Slice each potato in half lengthwise. Carefully scoop out most of the inside potato flesh, leaving about a 1/4-inch thick shell. Save the scooped potato for another use, like mashed potatoes.
  5. Brush the inside and outside of each potato skin shell lightly with olive oil. Sprinkle the shells with salt and pepper.
  6. Place the skins cut-side up on a baking sheet. Bake for 10 minutes to start drying them out and crisping the edges.
  7. Remove the skins from the oven. Fill each shell generously with shredded cheddar cheese and crumbled bacon.
  8. Return the loaded potato skins to the oven and bake for another 8 to 10 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
  9. Remove from the oven and let them cool slightly. Top each skin with a dollop of sour cream and a sprinkle of fresh green onions before serving warm.

Notes

  • For extra crispy potato skins, after scooping the flesh, you can brush the shells again with a little more oil and bake them for 15 minutes before adding the fillings.
  • You can substitute turkey bacon or skip the bacon entirely for a vegetarian option.
  • If you own an air fryer, you can cook the filled skins at 375 degrees Fahrenheit for 5 to 7 minutes for a very quick crisp.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://cookincorner.com/potato-skins-recipe-game-day-ready/