Looking for a delicious and easy-to-make appetizer that’s perfect for any occasion? These crispy loaded potato skins are sure to impress your guests with their amazing flavors and crunchy texture. Whether you’re hosting a party or just craving a savory snack, this recipe is a must-try!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe?
- Great flavors: The combination of crispy potato skins, melted cheddar cheese, savory bacon, and fresh green onions creates a mouthwatering flavor explosion.
- Quick prep time: With just a few simple ingredients and easy-to-follow steps, you can whip up a batch of these potato skins in no time.
- Perfect for meal prep: These loaded potato skins can be made in advance and reheated for a quick and satisfying meal or snack.
Ingredient Notes:
- Medium russet potatoes: Provide a sturdy base for the toppings and crisp up beautifully in the oven.
- Butter: Adds richness and helps to achieve a crispy texture.
- Salt and garlic powder: Season the potato skins for maximum flavor.
- Cheddar cheese: Melts into gooey goodness and adds a cheesy kick.
- Bacon: Provides a salty and smoky flavor.
- Green onions: Add a refreshing crunch and a pop of color.
- Sour cream: Perfect for dipping and adding a creamy element to the dish.
Step-by-Step Instructions based on medium russet potatoes:
- Preheat your oven to 400°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Wash and dry the potatoes, then prick them all over with a fork and place them on the baking sheet.
- Bake the potatoes for about 45-60 minutes, or until they are fork-tender.
- Let the potatoes cool slightly, then cut them in half lengthwise and scoop out the insides, leaving about ¼ inch of potato flesh.
- Brush the potato skins with melted butter and season with salt and garlic powder.
- Fill each potato skin with shredded cheddar cheese, crumbled bacon, and chopped green onions.
- Bake the loaded potato skins for another 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Serve hot with a dollop of sour cream on top.
Helpful Tips:
- For extra crispy skins, bake the scooped-out potato flesh separately until crispy and use as a topping.
- Feel free to customize the toppings with your favorite ingredients like diced tomatoes, jalapeños, or avocado.
- Store any leftover potato skins in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- To reheat, simply place the potato skins in a preheated oven at 350°F for 10-15 minutes, or until heated through.
Expert Tips for the Best Results:
- To speed up the baking process, you can microwave the potatoes for 5-7 minutes before baking them in the oven.
- Experiment with different types of cheese like mozzarella, pepper jack, or gouda for a unique flavor profile.
- For a vegetarian version, omit the bacon and add diced bell peppers or black beans for protein.
Serving Suggestions:
These loaded potato skins pair perfectly with a side salad, coleslaw, or a bowl of soup. For drinks, try serving them with a refreshing beer or a glass of chilled white wine.
Storage and Reheating Tips:
To store leftover potato skins, place them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat them in the oven at 350°F for 10-15 minutes, or until warmed through.
Frequently Asked Questions:
- Can I make these potato skins ahead of time? Yes, you can prepare the potato skins up to a day in advance and bake them just before serving.
- Can I freeze the potato skins? While they can be frozen, the texture may change slightly upon reheating.
- Can I use sweet potatoes instead of russet potatoes? Absolutely! Sweet potatoes will add a unique flavor and color to the dish.
Conclusion:
Now that you have all the tips and tricks for making the perfect crispy loaded potato skins, it’s time to get cooking! Whether you’re hosting a party or just craving a tasty snack, these potato skins are sure to be a hit. Give this recipe a try and let us know how it turned out – we’d love to hear from you!
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Crispy Loaded Potato Skins Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 mins
- Cook Time: 60 mins
- Total Time: 75 mins
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These crispy loaded potato skins are the perfect appetizer or snack, filled with melted cheddar cheese, crispy bacon, and tangy sour cream. They are easy to make and sure to be a hit at any gathering.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients:
- 6 medium russet potatoes
- 2 tablespoons butter, melted
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
Toppings:
- 1 cup cheddar cheese, shredded
- 4 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
- 2 whole green onions, chopped
- 1 cup sour cream for serving
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat the oven to 400°F.
- Bake Potatoes: Scrub the potatoes and bake for about 45-60 minutes until they are fork-tender.
- Cut and Scoop: Cut the potatoes in half, scoop out the flesh leaving a thin layer.
- Brush and Season: Brush the potato skins with melted butter, sprinkle with salt and garlic powder.
- Fill and Bake: Fill each potato skin with cheese, bacon, and green onions. Bake until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Serve: Serve hot with a dollop of sour cream on top.
Notes
- You can customize the toppings with your favorite ingredients like jalapenos, diced tomatoes, or even guacamole.
- For a vegetarian option, skip the bacon and add more veggies like bell peppers or mushrooms.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 potato skin
- Calories: 250 kcal
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 400 mg
- Fat: 15 g
- Saturated Fat: 8 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 20 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 8 g
- Cholesterol: 30 mg