Loaded Potato Skins | Everyone's Favorite Appetizer

• Crispy & Cheesy. Perfectly baked potato shells hold gooey melted cheese with just the right crunch.
• Party Favorite. These are always the first appetizer to disappear at gatherings.
• Customizable. Add or swap toppings to make them exactly how you like.
• Comfort Food Classic. Nothing says cozy and indulgent like cheesy potatoes with bacon.

Whether you’re making them for a Super Bowl party, family movie night, or as a hearty side dish, these potato skins are guaranteed to please.

Loaded potato skins are a time-tested crowd-pleaser for a reason. The combination of crispy potato, melty cheese, smoky bacon, and cool toppings creates the perfect bite of savory comfort food.

Plus, they’re easy to make and can be customized with your favorite add-ins like jalapeños, sour cream, or even pulled pork for extra indulgence.

• Russet Potatoes- Their thick skins hold up well to baking and scooping, while their fluffy insides provide the perfect base for stuffing.
• Olive Oil- Brushed onto the potato shells, it helps them bake up extra crispy and golden.
• Cheddar Cheese- Melts into the hot potato skins, creating a gooey, savory layer of flavor. Monterey Jack or a Mexican blend can be swapped in for variety.
• Bacon- Adds salty, smoky crunch that balances the creamy and cheesy components.
• Green Onions- Provide freshness, color, and a mild onion bite that brightens the rich flavors.
• Sour Cream- A cool, tangy topping that cuts through the richness and adds a creamy finish.
• Salt & Pepper- The basic seasonings that bring out the flavors in both the potato shells and toppings.

1. Prepare the Potatoes. Preheat your oven to 400°F. Scrub and dry russet potatoes, then prick them with a fork. Bake for 45–60 minutes until tender. Let cool slightly.
2. Scoop & Season. Slice each potato in half lengthwise. Carefully scoop out most of the flesh, leaving a thin layer to hold the shape. Brush insides and outsides with olive oil, then season with salt and pepper.
3. Bake to Crisp. Place the hollowed potato halves cut-side down on a baking sheet. Bake at 450°F for 10 minutes, then flip and bake another 5–10 minutes until crispy.
4. Add Fillings. Sprinkle shredded cheddar into each potato skin, followed by crispy bacon. Return to oven for 5 minutes until cheese is melted and bubbly.
5. Top & Serve. Garnish with sour cream and green onions. Serve immediately while hot and crispy.

Loaded Potato Skins may look impressive, but with a few smart tips, you can make them perfectly crispy, cheesy, and flavorful every time. These little secrets will help you achieve restaurant-quality potato skins right in your own kitchen.

• Choose the right potatoes. Russet potatoes are best because their sturdy skins crisp up beautifully and their fluffy insides are easy to scoop.
• Don’t skip the double bake. Baking the potato shells once to cook them through, then again after adding toppings, ensures both crispy edges and melty cheese.
• Scoop carefully. Leave a thin layer of potato inside the skins when scooping to keep them sturdy and prevent tearing.
• Brush with oil generously. Lightly brushing the insides and outsides with olive oil helps the skins get golden and crunchy.

One of the best things about Loaded Potato Skins is how customizable they are. Whether you’re looking to mix up the flavors for a game day spread or simply use what’s in your fridge, these creative variations will keep them exciting and delicious every time.

• BBQ Chicken- Swap the bacon for shredded BBQ chicken and drizzle with extra barbecue sauce before serving.
• Buffalo Style- Toss shredded chicken in buffalo sauce, top with cheese, and finish with a drizzle of ranch or blue cheese dressing.
• Vegetarian Skins- Skip the bacon and add sautéed mushrooms, peppers, or black beans for a hearty veggie-friendly version.
• Tex-Mex- Add taco-seasoned ground beef or black beans, corn, and jalapeños, then top with salsa and sour cream.

Loaded Potato Skins are rich, cheesy, and incredibly satisfying on their own, but they shine even brighter when paired with the right dishes. Whether you’re planning them as a game-day appetizer, a party snack, or even a fun dinner side, here are some tasty ideas to serve alongside these crispy, flavor-packed bites.

• Salad- A crisp green salad with a tangy vinaigrette helps cut through the richness of the potatoes.
• Grilled or Baked Chicken- A lighter protein that balances out the heaviness of the cheese and bacon.
• Steak Bites- Juicy, savory steak pairs perfectly with the crispy skins for a hearty meal.
• Soup- A bowl of chili, tomato soup, or broccoli cheddar soup makes a cozy combo.

Loaded potato skins are best served fresh but can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 375°F until hot and crispy again.

Yes! Assemble and bake potato skins through the second bake, but before adding sour cream and green onions. Cool completely, then freeze in a single layer on a sheet tray. Transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container. They will last up to 2 months.

To reheat, bake from frozen at 400°F for 15–20 minutes.

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