Baked Potato Skins with Cheddar, Bacon, and Green Onions Recipe
Crispy and flavorful Potato Skins loaded with melted cheddar cheese, crispy bacon, and garnished with fresh green onions and optional sour cream, making a perfect appetizer or snack for any occasion.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 60 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Yield: 12 potato skins (6 potatoes halved) 1x
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
Scale
Potatoes
- 6 small to medium russet potatoes
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (divided)
- Salt (to taste)
- Freshly ground black pepper (to taste)
- Garlic powder (to taste)
- Onion powder (to taste)
Toppings
- 5 ounces shredded cheddar cheese
- 6 slices bacon (cooked and chopped)
- 1/2 cup sour cream (optional)
- 2 green onions (thinly sliced)
Instructions
- Bake potatoes: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Scrub the potatoes thoroughly and pierce each several times with a fork. Rub them with olive oil and sprinkle with salt to season the skins. Place the potatoes on a baking sheet and bake for 45-55 minutes until they are tender when pierced with a fork.
- Scoop potatoes: Remove the potatoes from the oven and let them cool enough to handle. Cut each potato in half lengthwise. Carefully scoop out most of the flesh from each half, leaving about a 1/4-inch-thick shell to maintain structure, and set the flesh aside for another use if desired.
- Season skins: Brush the potato skins inside and out with the remaining olive oil. Sprinkle the skins with salt, freshly ground black pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder to taste for added flavor.
- Finish skins: Arrange the potato skins cut side down on the baking sheet and bake in a 450°F (230°C) oven for 10-15 minutes until the skins become crisp. Then, flip them cut side up, generously top with shredded cheddar cheese and chopped bacon. Return them to the oven and bake for an additional 5 minutes or until the cheese is fully melted and bubbly.
- Serve: Remove the potato skins from the oven and top each with a dollop of sour cream (if using) and sprinkle the thinly sliced green onions over the top. Serve immediately for the best crispiness and flavor.
Notes
- You can substitute cheddar cheese with your favorite melting cheese such as Monterey Jack or mozzarella for variation.
- For a vegetarian version, omit bacon and add sautéed mushrooms or bell peppers as toppings.
- Leftover potato flesh can be used in mashed potatoes or potato pancakes.
- To save time, potatoes can be microwaved until tender before scooping, but baking enhances the texture of the skins.
- Serve with additional sour cream or your favorite dipping sauce for extra flavor.
Keywords: potato skins, baked potato skins, cheesy potato skins, bacon potato skins, appetizer, party snacks
