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Crispy Loaded Potato Skins with Bacon and Cheese

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These crispy loaded potato skins are a quick and easy party snack featuring golden russet potatoes topped with sharp cheddar cheese, crispy bacon, and fresh green onions. Perfectly baked for a crunchy, cheesy, and smoky treat.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 medium russet potatoes
  • 6 slices bacon, cooked crisp and crumbled
  • 1 ½ cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
  • 3 stalks green onions, thinly sliced
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • Salt to taste (sea salt flakes recommended)
  • ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder
  • ¼ teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
  • Sour cream for serving (optional)

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
  2. Wash and dry the potatoes thoroughly. Pierce each potato a few times with a fork.
  3. Bake the potatoes directly on the oven rack for 45-50 minutes until tender but firm.
  4. Remove potatoes and let cool for 15 minutes.
  5. Slice each potato in half lengthwise. Using a spoon or small scoop, gently remove most of the flesh, leaving about ¼ inch (6 mm) around the edges.
  6. Brush the potato skins inside and out with olive oil.
  7. Sprinkle salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and smoked paprika inside each skin.
  8. Place the skins cut-side down on the prepared baking sheet. Bake for 10 minutes to crisp the outer skin.
  9. Flip the skins cut-side up and sprinkle evenly with shredded cheddar cheese and crumbled bacon.
  10. Bake for another 8-10 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
  11. Remove from oven and garnish with sliced green onions. Serve warm with a dollop of sour cream.

Notes

Cook bacon ahead of time on a wire rack in the oven at 375°F for about 15 minutes for extra crispiness. Avoid microwaving leftovers to keep skins crispy; reheat in oven at 375°F for 8-10 minutes. For vegetarian option, substitute bacon with sautéed mushrooms or smoked tempeh. For dairy-free, use plant-based cheese and coconut yogurt instead of sour cream.

Nutrition

Keywords: potato skins, loaded potato skins, bacon and cheese, party snacks, crispy potato skins, easy appetizer

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