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Crispy Loaded Potato Skins Recipe with Gooey Cheddar and Bacon Made Easy

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A quick and easy appetizer featuring crispy russet potato skins loaded with melty sharp cheddar cheese and smoky bacon, perfect for game nights and casual gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 medium russet potatoes
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil or vegetable oil
  • 1 ½ cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
  • 6 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
  • ½ cup sour cream (optional)
  • 2 stalks green onions, thinly sliced
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • Salt to taste
  • Freshly ground black pepper to taste
  • Optional toppings: jalapeño slices, diced tomatoes, hot sauce

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
  2. Wash and dry the potatoes thoroughly; do not peel.
  3. Prick each potato a few times with a fork to allow steam to escape.
  4. Bake the potatoes directly on the oven rack for 45-50 minutes until tender.
  5. Let the potatoes cool for about 10 minutes.
  6. Cut each potato in half lengthwise and carefully scoop out the flesh, leaving about ¼ inch (6 mm) of potato attached to the skin.
  7. Brush the potato skins generously with olive oil.
  8. Sprinkle garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper on the inside of each skin.
  9. Place the skins skin-side down on a parchment-lined baking sheet and bake for 10 minutes at 400°F (200°C) to crisp up.
  10. Remove from the oven and flip skins over.
  11. Fill each skin with shredded cheddar cheese and sprinkle crumbled bacon on top.
  12. Return to the oven and bake for another 10 minutes or until cheese is bubbly and golden.
  13. Garnish with sliced green onions and a dollop of sour cream. Add optional toppings if desired.

Notes

For crispier skins, use a wire rack on the baking sheet to allow air circulation. If skins aren’t crisping enough, broil for the last 2-3 minutes but watch closely to prevent burning. Save scooped potato flesh for mashed potatoes or potato pancakes. To reheat leftovers, bake at 375°F for 10 minutes instead of microwaving to maintain crispiness. The recipe can be adapted for vegetarian or dairy-free diets by substituting bacon and dairy products.

Nutrition

Keywords: potato skins, loaded potato skins, crispy potato skins, cheddar cheese, bacon, appetizer, game night snack, easy snack

Find it online: https://flurpchef.com/crispy-loaded-potato-skins-recipe-with-gooey-cheddar-and-bacon-made-easy/