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Crispy Loaded Potato Skins: The Ultimate Game Day Appetizer

Close-up of several loaded potato skins topped with melted cheese, crispy bacon bits, sour cream, and chopped green onions.
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Make pub-style potato skins that are perfectly crispy, loaded with melted cheddar, bacon, and fresh toppings. This easy recipe delivers a satisfying, crowd-pleasing appetizer for any gathering.

Ingredients

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

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. Scrub the potatoes clean and prick each potato 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 flesh, leaving about a 1/4-inch thick shell. Reserve the scooped potato for another use.
  5. Brush the outside and inside of each potato skin lightly with olive oil. Sprinkle the inside of the shells with salt and pepper.
  6. Place the potato skins cut-side up on a baking sheet. Bake for 10 minutes to dry out the shells and start crisping them.
  7. Remove the shells 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 fully melted and bubbly.
  9. Remove from the oven. Top each potato skin with a dollop of sour cream and a sprinkle of fresh green onions before serving.

Notes

  • For extra crispy potato skins, after scooping out the flesh, you can brush the inside of the shells with a little extra olive oil and bake them for 15 minutes before adding the cheese and bacon.
  • You can substitute turkey bacon or omit the bacon entirely for a vegetarian option.
  • Prepare the bacon and chop the green onions ahead of time to speed up assembly.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://pureplatepath.com/crispy-loaded-potato-skins-recipe-game-day/