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Crispy Loaded Potato Skins with Cheddar and Bacon

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Crispy potato skins topped with melted cheddar cheese and smoky bacon, perfect for party snacks and comfort food. This easy recipe delivers a crowd-pleasing appetizer in under 45 minutes.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 large russet potatoes
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • 1½ cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
  • 6 slices bacon, cooked crisp and crumbled
  • 2 green onions, thinly sliced
  • ½ cup sour cream (optional, for serving)

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and allow it to reach temperature.
  2. Wash and dry the potatoes thoroughly.
  3. Prick potatoes all over with a fork to allow steam to escape.
  4. Bake whole potatoes directly on the oven rack for 45-50 minutes or until tender when pierced with a fork.
  5. Remove potatoes and let cool for about 10 minutes until warm but handleable.
  6. Slice potatoes in half lengthwise and carefully scoop out the insides, leaving about a ¼-inch thick shell.
  7. Brush potato skins inside and out with olive oil, then sprinkle with salt and pepper.
  8. Place skins cut-side down on a baking sheet or wire rack and bake for 10 minutes to crisp the outside.
  9. Flip skins cut-side up and fill each with shredded cheddar cheese and crumbled bacon.
  10. Bake for another 10-12 minutes until cheese is melted, bubbly, and golden in spots.
  11. Remove from oven and sprinkle sliced green onions over the top.
  12. Serve immediately with a dollop of sour cream for dipping.

Notes

Brushing the skins with olive oil is essential for crispiness. Flip skins cut-side down before crisping to get crunchy edges. Avoid overloading toppings to prevent sogginess. Let potatoes cool before scooping to avoid tearing skins. Broil for 1-2 minutes at the end if cheese isn’t melting evenly. To reheat leftovers, warm in oven at 375°F for 10 minutes to maintain crispiness; avoid microwaving.

Nutrition

Keywords: potato skins, loaded potato skins, cheddar cheese, bacon, party snacks, appetizer, comfort food, easy recipe

Find it online: https://zoeplate.com/crispy-loaded-potato-skins-with-cheddar-and-bacon-easy-recipe-for-party-snacks/