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Crispy Loaded Potato Skins: The Ultimate Game Day Appetizer

Close-up of crispy potato skins loaded with melted cheddar cheese, bacon bits, sour cream, and chives.
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Create restaurant-style potato skins with a perfectly crispy shell, loaded with melted cheddar cheese, savory bacon, and topped with cool sour cream and fresh chives. This recipe delivers the best party food for any gathering.

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 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
  • 1/2 cup sour cream
  • 2 tablespoons fresh chives, chopped

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Scrub the potatoes clean and pierce them several times with a fork.
  2. Bake the potatoes directly on the oven rack for 50 to 60 minutes, or until they are tender when squeezed.
  3. Remove the potatoes from the oven and let them cool until you can handle them safely. Reduce the oven temperature to 375°F (190°C).
  4. Slice each potato in half lengthwise. Carefully scoop out most of the flesh, leaving about a 1/4-inch thick shell. Reserve the scooped potato for another use.
  5. Brush the outside and inside of each potato shell lightly with olive oil. Sprinkle the shells with salt and pepper.
  6. Place the shells cut-side up on a baking sheet. Bake for 10 minutes to start drying them out and crisping the edges.
  7. Remove the shells from the oven. Fill each shell generously with shredded cheddar cheese and crumbled bacon.
  8. Return the loaded potato skins to the oven and bake for another 8 to 10 minutes, until the cheese is fully melted and bubbly.
  9. Remove from the oven and let them cool slightly. Top each potato skin with a dollop of sour cream and a sprinkle of fresh chives before serving.

Notes

  • For extra crispiness, you can brush the shells with a little melted butter before the second bake.
  • Prepare the bacon and shred the cheese ahead of time to make assembly quick for parties.
  • These are best served immediately after the final bake while the cheese is gooey.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://www.unfoldrecipes.com/crispy-loaded-potato-skins-recipe/