Description
Loaded potato skins are crispy, golden baked potato halves filled with a savory blend of melted cheddar cheese, crispy bacon, and fresh green onions, topped with sour cream for the perfect comforting snack or appetizer. Quick and customizable, this recipe delivers a satisfying crunch and cheesy richness ideal for game days, parties, or anytime you want a delicious, easy-to-make treat.
Ingredients
Scale
Potatoes
- 4 large Russet potatoes
Toppings
- 1 1/2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 6 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
- 3 green onions, chopped
- 1/2 cup sour cream, for serving
Other
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Bake the Potatoes: Scrub the potatoes clean and pierce them with a fork. Rub each with olive oil and sprinkle with salt. Bake at 400°F (200°C) for 45-60 minutes until the potatoes are tender and the skins are crispy and golden.
- Prepare the Skins: When the potatoes are cool enough to handle, slice them lengthwise. Carefully scoop out the inside flesh, leaving about 1/4 inch of potato to maintain the structure. Reserve the scooped pulp for other uses.
- Crisp the Potato Shells: Brush the hollowed potato skins with olive oil and place them skin side up on a baking sheet. Bake at 450°F (230°C) for 10 minutes, then flip and bake for an additional 5 minutes until the skins are extra crispy.
- Add Toppings: Fill each potato skin with shredded cheddar cheese, crispy bacon bits, and chopped green onions. Return to the oven for 5-7 minutes until the cheese melts and becomes bubbly.
- Serve and Garnish: Remove the loaded potato skins from the oven and top each with a dollop of sour cream and additional chopped green onions or chives. Serve warm and enjoy.
Notes
- Use Russet potatoes for a crispy skin and fluffy interior.
- Do not scoop out too much potato flesh; leaving a thin layer will keep the skins intact and add texture.
- Pre-crisping the potato shells before adding toppings ensures they stay crunchy.
- Experiment with cheese varieties like mozzarella or pepper jack for different flavors.
- Add bacon and green onions fresh before baking to maintain crispness and flavor.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 potato skins
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 480mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 10g
- Cholesterol: 35mg