Print

Crispy Loaded Potato Skins with Bacon and Cheese

crispy loaded potato skins - featured image
Print Recipe

These crispy loaded potato skins with bacon and cheese are a quick and easy crowd-pleasing snack featuring perfectly crisped potato shells loaded with melted cheddar, mozzarella, and smoky bacon.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 medium russet potatoes
  • 6 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
  • 1 ½ cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
  • ½ cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil or vegetable oil
  • ½ cup sour cream (optional, for serving)
  • 2 stalks green onions, thinly sliced
  • Salt, to taste
  • Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Scrub the potatoes clean under cold water and dry them well.
  2. Prick each potato a few times with a fork. Place them directly on the oven rack or on a baking sheet lined with foil. Bake for 45-55 minutes until tender when pierced with a fork.
  3. Remove potatoes and let cool until warm but handleable. Slice each potato in half lengthwise. Scoop out the soft flesh, leaving about ¼ inch of potato attached to the skin. Reserve the scooped potato for another use.
  4. Brush the potato skins inside and out with olive oil. Sprinkle evenly with salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Place skin-side down on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
  5. Bake the skins at 425°F (220°C) for 10-15 minutes until edges are golden and skins start to crisp.
  6. Remove from oven and turn skins over. Fill each with a mix of shredded cheddar, mozzarella, and crumbled bacon.
  7. Return to oven and bake for another 10 minutes at 425°F (220°C), or until cheese is melted and bubbly with golden spots.
  8. Top with sliced green onions and serve immediately with a dollop of sour cream on the side.

Notes

For extra crispy skins, broil for 1-2 minutes at the end but watch closely to avoid burning. You can substitute cheddar with Monterey Jack or pepper jack for different flavors. For a dairy-free option, use plant-based cheese and coconut yogurt instead of sour cream. Air fryer can be used to cook potatoes at 400°F for about 40 minutes before scooping and filling.

Nutrition

Keywords: potato skins, loaded potato skins, bacon and cheese, crispy potato skins, snack recipe, party appetizer

Find it online: https://bitefuljoy.com/crispy-loaded-potato-skins-with-bacon-and-cheese-easy-recipe-for-perfect-snacks/