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Crispy Loaded Bacon Cheddar Potato Skins

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These crispy loaded bacon cheddar potato skins are a perfect snack or appetizer featuring crispy potato skins, smoky bacon, melted sharp cheddar cheese, and fresh green onions, served with sour cream.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 large russet potatoes
  • 6 slices bacon strips (thick-cut recommended)
  • 1 ½ cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder
  • ½ teaspoon onion powder
  • 3 green onions, thinly sliced
  • Sour cream (for serving, optional)

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
  2. Scrub and dry the potatoes thoroughly. Poke each potato several times with a fork to prevent bursting during baking.
  3. Bake the potatoes directly on the oven rack for 45-50 minutes until a skewer slides in easily and the skin is firm.
  4. While potatoes bake, cook the bacon in a pan over medium heat until crispy, about 8-10 minutes. Drain on paper towels or a wire rack, then crumble once cooled.
  5. Remove baked potatoes from oven and let cool until safe to handle. Cut each potato in half lengthwise.
  6. Carefully scoop out the potato flesh, leaving about ¼ inch (6 mm) of potato on the skin. Reserve the scooped potato for another use.
  7. Brush the potato skins inside and out with olive oil. Sprinkle with salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder.
  8. Place the potato skins on a baking sheet, skin-side down, and bake for 10 minutes at 400°F (200°C) to crisp the skins.
  9. Flip skins over and fill each with shredded cheddar cheese and crumbled bacon. Return to the oven and bake for another 5-7 minutes, or until cheese is melted and bubbly.
  10. Remove from oven and sprinkle with sliced green onions. Serve warm with a dollop of sour cream on the side.

Notes

For extra crispiness, broil the potato skins for 1-2 minutes watching closely to avoid burning. Use turkey bacon for a leaner option or dairy-free cheese and sour cream to make it vegan-friendly. Sweet potatoes can be used for a sweeter variation but may require longer baking.

Nutrition

Keywords: potato skins, bacon, cheddar cheese, crispy snack, appetizer, game day food, easy recipe

Find it online: https://tastypierecipes.com/crispy-loaded-bacon-cheddar-potato-skins-recipe-easy-perfect-snack-ideas/