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Oven Baked Potato Skins
- Total Time: 1 hour 2 minutes
- Yield: 8 potato skins (4 potatoes halved) 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Oven Baked Potato Skins are crispy, flavorful snacks featuring russet potato shells loaded with melted cheddar cheese, savory bacon, and topped with fresh green onions. Baked instead of fried, these easy-to-make appetizers offer a healthier crunch and can be customized with a variety of toppings and dietary preferences, making them perfect for game day, family gatherings, or any cozy night in.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 4 medium russet potatoes
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 6 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
- 2 green onions, freshly chopped
Instructions
- Prepare the Potatoes: Begin by scrubbing the russet potatoes clean and poking a few holes with a fork. Bake them whole at 400°F (200°C) for about 45 minutes or until tender. This ensures a perfectly cooked interior ready to be scooped out.
- Scoop Out the Flesh: Once the potatoes have cooled slightly, slice each one in half lengthwise. Carefully scoop out most of the soft potato flesh, leaving about a 1/4 inch thick shell to keep the skins sturdy. Reserve the scooped potato flesh for another use, such as mashed potatoes.
- Crisp the Skins: Brush each potato skin generously with olive oil and season with salt and pepper. Place the skins face down on a baking sheet and bake at 425°F (220°C) for 10-15 minutes until they turn crisp and golden brown.
- Add Cheese and Bacon: Flip the skins over and fill them evenly with shredded cheddar cheese and crispy bacon pieces. Return the potato skins to the oven and bake for another 5-7 minutes until the cheese has melted beautifully.
- Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle freshly chopped green onions on top for color and a fresh bite. Serve the potato skins warm with your favorite dips such as sour cream, ranch dressing, or guacamole.
Notes
- Use russet potatoes for the best crispiness and fluffy interiors.
- Don’t scoop out too much potato flesh; leaving about 1/4 inch ensures the skins hold their shape and toppings well.
- Use a sharp cheddar cheese for better melting and richer flavor.
- Pre-cook bacon until crispy before adding it to the skins.
- Keep an eye on baking time to avoid drying out the skins; look for golden brown and melty cheese.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 52 minutes
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 potato skins
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 400mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 9g
- Cholesterol: 30mg