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Crispy Loaded Potato Skins Recipe – Easy Bacon & Cheddar Appetizer

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These crispy loaded potato skins are the ultimate comfort food appetizer, featuring golden potato shells filled with melty cheddar, smoky bacon, and fresh green onions. Perfect for game days, parties, or family nights, they’re easy to make and always a crowd-pleaser.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 6 medium russet potatoes (about 2.5 lbs)
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1 1/2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
  • 6 slices bacon, cooked until crisp and chopped
  • 3 green onions, thinly sliced
  • Sour cream (for serving)
  • 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon paprika
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • Optional: Jalapeños, sliced
  • Optional: Fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro
  • Optional: Hot sauce or ranch dressing for dipping

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Scrub potatoes clean and dry well. Poke each potato a few times with a fork.
  2. Rub potatoes with 1 tablespoon olive oil and sprinkle with kosher salt. Place on a baking sheet (wire rack optional). Bake for 45-50 minutes, until skins are crisp and a fork slides in easily.
  3. Let potatoes cool for 10 minutes. Slice each in half lengthwise. Scoop out most of the flesh, leaving about 1/4 inch around the edges. Reserve scooped potato for another use.
  4. In a small bowl, mix melted butter, garlic powder, paprika, and black pepper. Brush inside and outside of each potato skin with seasoned butter.
  5. Place skins cut-side down on baking sheet. Bake for 10 minutes, then flip and bake another 8 minutes until edges are deep golden and crisp.
  6. Sprinkle insides with half the cheddar cheese, then top with chopped bacon. Return to oven for 4-5 minutes, until cheese is bubbly and melted.
  7. Remove from oven. Sprinkle with remaining cheddar, sliced green onions, and any optional toppings. Serve immediately with sour cream on the side.

Notes

For best results, use russet potatoes for their sturdy, crispy skins. Double baking ensures maximum crunch. Pre-cook bacon until crisp and use freshly shredded cheese for best melt. You can prep potatoes ahead and finish with butter and toppings before serving. For vegetarian, skip bacon and add sautéed mushrooms or black beans. All ingredients are naturally gluten-free; check labels to be sure.

Nutrition

Keywords: potato skins, loaded potato skins, bacon cheddar appetizer, game day snacks, party food, comfort food, gluten-free appetizer

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