Easy & Crispy Cheesy Bacon Potato Skins Recipe

Looking for the perfect appetizer that’s crispy, cheesy, and loaded with flavor? Cheesy Bacon Potato Skins Recipe is a crowd-pleasing snack that combines crispy baked potato skins, melted cheese, and crunchy bacon, topped with sour cream and fresh green onions. These potato skins are a favorite at restaurants, but making them at home is easy and just as delicious. Whether you’re preparing them for game day, a party, or a cozy movie night, this recipe is a must-try!

Recipe Overview

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Active Time: 50 minutes
• Resting Time: 5 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
• Cuisine: American
• Course: Appetizer, Snack
• Servings: 6
• Calories: 320 per serving

Equipment Needed

• Baking sheet
• Parchment paper
• Sharp knife
• Spoon (for scooping out potato flesh)
• Brush (for applying oil)
• Skillet (for cooking bacon)
• Tongs (for handling hot potato skins)

Ingredients

• 6 medium Russet potatoes
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 6 strips of bacon, cooked and crumbled
• 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
• 1/2 cup sour cream
• 2 green onions, finely chopped
• 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)

Instructions

Step 1: Bake the Potatoes

1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Wash and scrub the potatoes thoroughly, then pat them dry.
3. Lightly prick each potato with a fork to allow steam to escape.
4. Rub the potatoes with olive oil and sprinkle with salt and pepper.
5. Place the potatoes directly on the baking sheet and bake for 40-45 minutes, or until they are tender when pierced with a fork.

Step 2: Prepare the Potato Skins

6. Remove the potatoes from the oven and let them cool for about 5-10 minutes until they’re safe to handle.
7. Cut each potato in half lengthwise.
8. Using a spoon, carefully scoop out the flesh, leaving about 1/4 inch of potato around the edges.
9. Brush the inside and outside of the potato skins with a bit more olive oil and sprinkle with garlic powder and smoked paprika.

Step 3: Crisp Up the Skins

10. Place the scooped-out potato halves back onto the baking sheet, cut side down.
11. Bake for another 10 minutes to crisp up the skins.
12. Flip the potato skins over and bake for an additional 5 minutes until golden brown.

Step 4: Add Cheese & Bacon

13. Sprinkle each potato skin evenly with shredded cheddar cheese and crumbled bacon.
14. Return to the oven and bake for 5-7 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Step 5: Serve & Enjoy

15. Remove from the oven and let the potato skins cool for 2-3 minutes.
16. Top each with a dollop of sour cream and a sprinkle of chopped green onions.
17. Serve warm and enjoy!

Nutrition Information (Per Serving)

• Calories: 320
• Protein: 10g
• Carbohydrates: 28g
• Fat: 18g
• Saturated Fat: 7g
• Cholesterol: 25mg
• Fiber: 3g
• Sugar: 2g
• Sodium: 430mg

Tips for the Best Potato Skins

• Choose the Right Potatoes: Russet potatoes work best because their skin crisps up beautifully.
• Don’t Over-Scoop: Leaving a little potato flesh ensures a sturdy base for toppings.
• Double Baking is Key: This method makes the skins extra crispy and restaurant-quality.
• Customize Your Toppings: Try adding jalapeños, diced tomatoes, or a drizzle of ranch dressing.

Variations

• Loaded Potato Skins: Add cooked ground beef, salsa, and Mexican cheese for a taco-style twist.
• Buffalo Chicken Skins: Toss shredded chicken in buffalo sauce and top with blue cheese.
• Vegetarian Option: Skip the bacon and load up on sautéed mushrooms, spinach, and feta cheese.

Conclusion

These Cheesy Bacon Potato Skins are the ultimate appetizer, offering the perfect balance of crunch, cheese, and smoky bacon flavor. Easy to prepare and full of savory goodness, they’re great for parties, casual dinners, or even as a fun snack. Try this recipe today and impress your guests with a classic favorite made right in your kitchen!

Enjoy your Cheesy Bacon Potato Skins Recipe, and don’t forget to share with friends and family!