Description
Crispy, loaded baked potato skins topped with cheddar cheese, bacon, sour cream, and green onions. A perfect, make-ahead game day snack that is easier to make than it looks.
Ingredients
Scale
- 4 large Russet potatoes
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (or mix of cheddar and Monterey Jack)
- 12 slices thick-cut bacon, cooked and crumbled
- 1 cup full-fat sour cream
- 4 stalks green onions, thinly sliced
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Flaky sea salt for finishing
- Optional: Sliced jalapeños, chives, or BBQ sauce
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Wash and dry potatoes, prick with a fork, and bake directly on the rack for 45-60 minutes until soft. Let cool for 10 minutes.
- Slice potatoes in half lengthwise. Scoop out the insides, leaving about ¼ inch of potato attached to the skin. Save the insides for another use.
- Brush the inside of each skin with melted butter. Sprinkle with garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
- Place skins skin-side up on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Bake for 15 minutes to crisp the skins.
- Remove from oven and reduce heat to broil. Top skins with shredded cheese and crumbled bacon.
- Broil for 2-3 minutes until cheese is melted and bubbly. Watch closely to prevent burning.
- Remove from oven and immediately sprinkle with green onions and flaky sea salt. Drizzle with sour cream if desired. Serve hot.
Notes
For best results, shred your own cheese as pre-shredded cheese contains anti-caking agents that prevent proper melting. You can prep the skins up to 24 hours in advance by scooping and pre-baking them, then storing in the fridge. Re-crisp in the oven before adding toppings. Do not microwave leftovers as they will become chewy; reheat in the oven at 375°F for 5-7 minutes.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Category: Appetizer
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 skins per serving
- Calories: 320
- Sodium: 450
- Fat: 18
- Carbohydrates: 28
- Fiber: 3
- Protein: 12
Keywords: potato skins, game day snack, football party food, bacon, cheddar cheese, easy appetizer, make-ahead snack, crispy potato skins