Description
Crispy, cheesy, and salty homemade potato skins that are better than takeout. This easy game day snack is ready in about an hour and uses simple pantry ingredients.
Ingredients
Scale
- 4 large russet potatoes (about 2 lbs / 900g)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (or bacon grease)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded (200g)
- 6 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled (150g)
- ½ cup sour cream (120g)
- 3–4 green onions, sliced
- Optional: ½ cup sliced jalapeños, guacamole, or BBQ sauce
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Wash and scrub potatoes thoroughly, then pat completely dry. Prick each potato a few times with a fork.
- Place potatoes directly on the oven rack or in a baking dish. Bake for 45-60 minutes until soft all the way through. Let cool for 10-15 minutes.
- Cut each potato in half lengthwise. Scoop out the flesh with a spoon, leaving about ¼ inch attached to the skin to form a ‘boat’.
- Brush the inside of each skin with olive oil or bacon grease. Sprinkle with salt. Place skin-side up on a baking sheet, ensuring they are not touching.
- Bake for 10 minutes to crisp the skins. Remove from oven.
- Reduce oven temperature to 375°F (190°C). Divide shredded cheese and crumbled bacon evenly among the potato skins.
- Return to oven and bake for 10-15 minutes until cheese is bubbly and slightly browned.
- Remove from oven and let cool for 2-3 minutes. Sprinkle with sliced green onions and serve immediately.
Notes
Do not skip the first 10-minute bake to crisp the skins. Shred your own cheese for better melting. Cook bacon in the oven while potatoes bake to save time. If serving a crowd, keep finished skins warm in a 200°F oven. Do not cover with foil. Reheat leftovers in a 400°F oven to restore crispiness.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 55 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4 skins per serving
- Calories: 380
- Sugar: 2
- Sodium: 520
- Fat: 22
- Saturated Fat: 10
- Carbohydrates: 35
- Fiber: 3
- Protein: 12
Keywords: loaded potato skins, game day snacks, football party food, easy appetizer, crispy potato skins, homemade potato skins, cheese dip, bacon appetizer