Loaded potato skins are the perfect appetizer or snack for any gathering. These crispy, cheesy, and bacon-filled delights are sure to be a hit with everyone. With a combination of creamy sour cream and fresh green onions, each bite is a burst of flavor. Whether you're hosting a game day party or just craving a savory treat, these loaded potato skins are easy to make and incredibly satisfying.
Most of the ingredients for this recipe are commonly found in your kitchen. However, if you don't usually keep russet potatoes or green onions on hand, you might need to pick them up at the supermarket. Russet potatoes are ideal for this recipe due to their sturdy skins and fluffy interior. Green onions add a fresh, zesty flavor that complements the richness of the cheddar cheese and bacon.
Ingredients For Loaded Potato Skins Recipe
Russet potatoes: These large, starchy potatoes are perfect for baking and have a sturdy skin that holds up well to scooping and filling.
Olive oil: Used to brush the potato skins, helping them crisp up in the oven.
Cheddar cheese: Shredded cheese that melts beautifully, adding a rich and creamy texture to the potato skins.
Bacon: Cooked and crumbled, it adds a salty, smoky flavor that pairs perfectly with the potatoes and cheese.
Sour cream: A dollop of this creamy topping adds a tangy contrast to the rich flavors of the cheese and bacon.
Green onions: Chopped and sprinkled on top, they add a fresh, zesty flavor and a pop of color.
Salt: Enhances the natural flavors of the ingredients.
Pepper: Adds a bit of heat and depth to the overall flavor.
Technique Tip for This Recipe
When preparing potato skins, make sure to scoop out the flesh carefully, leaving about a quarter-inch layer to ensure the skins hold their shape and don't become too flimsy. This will provide a sturdy base for the cheese and bacon filling, ensuring a satisfying bite every time.
Suggested Side Dishes
Alternative Ingredients
russet potatoes - Substitute with sweet potatoes: Sweet potatoes provide a different flavor profile and are slightly healthier due to their higher vitamin content.
olive oil - Substitute with avocado oil: Avocado oil has a higher smoke point and a neutral flavor, making it a good alternative for roasting.
shredded cheddar cheese - Substitute with shredded mozzarella cheese: Mozzarella melts well and provides a milder flavor, which can be a good alternative if you prefer less sharpness.
bacon - Substitute with turkey bacon: Turkey bacon is lower in fat and calories, making it a healthier option while still providing a similar texture and flavor.
sour cream - Substitute with Greek yogurt: Greek yogurt is a healthier alternative that offers a similar creamy texture and tangy flavor.
green onions - Substitute with chives: Chives offer a milder onion flavor and can be used as a direct replacement for green onions.
salt - Substitute with sea salt: Sea salt can provide a more complex flavor profile and is often considered a healthier option due to its mineral content.
pepper - Substitute with white pepper: White pepper has a slightly different flavor and is less visually noticeable in the dish, which can be preferable in some recipes.
Other Alternative Recipes Similar to This Dish
How to Store / Freeze This Recipe
- Allow the potato skins to cool completely before storing. This prevents condensation, which can make them soggy.
- Place the cooled potato skins in an airtight container or wrap them tightly with aluminum foil or plastic wrap.
- Store the container in the refrigerator if you plan to eat them within 3-4 days. For longer storage, place them in the freezer.
- To freeze, arrange the potato skins in a single layer on a baking sheet and place them in the freezer for about 1-2 hours until they are firm. This prevents them from sticking together.
- Once frozen, transfer the potato skins to a freezer-safe bag or container. Label with the date to keep track of freshness.
- When ready to reheat, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). If refrigerated, bake for about 10-15 minutes. If frozen, bake for 20-25 minutes or until heated through and crispy.
- For added freshness, you can reheat the potato skins on a wire rack placed on a baking sheet. This allows air to circulate around them, ensuring they stay crispy.
- Avoid microwaving as it can make the potato skins rubbery. If you must use a microwave, do so in short bursts and check frequently to avoid overcooking.
- Top with fresh sour cream and chopped green onions just before serving to maintain their vibrant flavors and textures.
How to Reheat Leftovers
Oven Method:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Place the potato skins on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Cover them loosely with aluminum foil to prevent the cheese from over-browning.
- Bake for about 10-15 minutes, or until the potato skins are heated through and the cheese is bubbly.
- Remove the foil for the last 2-3 minutes if you want the cheese to get a bit crispy.
Microwave Method:
- Place the potato skins on a microwave-safe plate.
- Cover them with a microwave-safe lid or a damp paper towel to retain moisture.
- Heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes, checking halfway through to ensure they are warming evenly.
- If needed, continue heating in 30-second increments until the potato skins are hot and the cheese is melted.
Air Fryer Method:
- Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C).
- Arrange the potato skins in a single layer in the air fryer basket.
- Heat for 5-7 minutes, or until the potato skins are crispy and the cheese is melted.
- Check halfway through to ensure they are not overcooking.
Stovetop Skillet Method:
- Preheat a non-stick skillet over medium heat.
- Add a small amount of olive oil to the skillet.
- Place the potato skins in the skillet, cheese side up.
- Cover the skillet with a lid to help melt the cheese and heat the potato skins evenly.
- Cook for about 5-7 minutes, or until heated through and the cheese is melted.
Best Tools for This Recipe
Oven: Used to bake the potatoes until they are tender and to crisp up the potato skins.
Fork: Used to pierce the potatoes before baking to allow steam to escape.
Baking sheet: Used to place the potatoes on while baking.
Knife: Used to cut the potatoes in half lengthwise.
Spoon: Used to scoop out most of the potato flesh, leaving a bit to support the skin.
Pastry brush: Used to brush the potato skins with olive oil.
Mixing bowl: Used to hold the crumbled bacon and shredded cheese before filling the potato skins.
Measuring spoons: Used to measure the olive oil and chopped green onions.
Cheese grater: Used to shred the cheddar cheese.
Serving platter: Used to serve the loaded potato skins once they are topped with sour cream and green onions.
How to Save Time on Making This Recipe
Pre-cook the bacon: Cook the bacon ahead of time and store it in the fridge. This way, you can quickly crumble it when needed.
Use microwave for potatoes: Instead of baking the potatoes for 45 minutes, microwave them for about 10-12 minutes until tender, then proceed with the recipe.
Pre-shred cheese: Buy pre-shredded cheddar cheese or shred it in advance to save time during assembly.
Prep toppings in advance: Chop the green onions and prepare the sour cream ahead of time, so they are ready to go when the potato skins come out of the oven.
Loaded Potato Skins Recipe
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 4 large russet potatoes
- 2 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 4 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
- ½ cup sour cream
- 2 tablespoon chopped green onions
- to taste salt and pepper
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Scrub the potatoes clean and pierce them a few times with a fork. Bake for about 45 minutes or until tender.
- Let the potatoes cool slightly, then cut them in half lengthwise. Scoop out most of the flesh, leaving a bit to support the skin.
- Brush the potato skins with olive oil and sprinkle with salt and pepper. Bake for another 10 minutes until crispy.
- Fill the skins with shredded cheese and crumbled bacon. Return to the oven until the cheese is melted, about 5 minutes.
- Top with sour cream and chopped green onions. Serve immediately.
Nutritional Value
Keywords
Suggested Main Courses and Desserts for This Recipe
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