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The Best Crispy Loaded Potato Skins with Bacon and Cheddar

Close-up of two crispy potato skins loaded with melted cheddar cheese, bacon bits, sour cream, and green onions.
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Make the ultimate party appetizer with these easy, crispy baked potato skins. We load them with sharp cheddar, Monterey Jack, and smoky bacon for a crowd-pleasing snack ready in about an hour.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 large Russet potatoes
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 6 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
  • 1 1/2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
  • 1/2 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
  • 1/2 cup sour cream (for topping)
  • 2 tablespoons chopped fresh green onions (for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. Scrub the potatoes clean and pierce each one several times with a fork.
  2. Bake the potatoes directly on the oven rack for 50 to 60 minutes, or until the skins are tender when squeezed.
  3. Remove the potatoes from the oven and let them cool until you can safely handle them. Reduce the oven temperature to 375 degrees Fahrenheit.
  4. Slice each potato in half lengthwise. Carefully scoop out the inside potato flesh, leaving about a 1/4-inch thick shell. Save the scooped potato for another use.
  5. Brush the inside and outside of each potato skin shell lightly with olive oil. Sprinkle the shells with salt and pepper.
  6. Place the skins cut-side up on a baking sheet. Bake for 10 minutes to help dry them out and start crisping the edges.
  7. Remove the skins from the oven. Fill each skin generously with the cheddar and Monterey Jack cheese mixture, followed by the crumbled bacon.
  8. Return the loaded potato skins to the 375 degree Fahrenheit oven. Bake for another 10 to 12 minutes, or until the cheese is fully melted and bubbly. For extra crispiness, briefly place them under the broiler for 1 to 2 minutes, watching closely to prevent burning.
  9. Remove from the oven. Top each potato skin with a dollop of sour cream and a sprinkle of fresh green onions before serving hot.

Notes

  • To achieve maximum crispiness, make sure the potato shells are completely dry before you add the oil and seasonings.
  • You can prepare the bacon and shred the cheese ahead of time to speed up assembly for your next party food gathering.
  • If you want a vegetarian option, skip the bacon and add finely diced jalapeños or extra chives instead.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://yumdrizzle.com/crispy-loaded-potato-skins-recipe-easy-appetizer/