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Crispy Loaded Baked Potato Skins: Best Game Day Appetizer

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These crispy loaded baked potato skins are the ultimate game day appetizer, featuring a perfectly crunchy exterior, fluffy potato interior, and loaded with sharp cheddar, crispy bacon, and fresh green onions. They’re simple to make, built for a crowd, and guaranteed to disappear before halftime.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 large Russet potatoes
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper, freshly ground
  • 1 ½ cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
  • 6 slices thick-cut bacon, cooked and crumbled
  • ½ cup sour cream, for serving
  • 3–4 green onions, sliced

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Wash and scrub potatoes thoroughly, pat dry, and prick each several times with a fork.
  2. Rub potatoes with a little olive oil and a pinch of salt. Place directly on oven rack and bake for 50-60 minutes until tender. Let cool 10-15 minutes.
  3. Cut each potato in half lengthwise. Using a small spoon or melon baller, scoop out the flesh, leaving a ¼-inch (6 mm) thick layer attached to the skin. Save the scooped potato for another use.
  4. Place potato skins on a wire rack set over a rimmed baking sheet. Brush inside and outside with olive oil. Season with kosher salt and black pepper. Bake at 400°F (200°C) for 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden and dry.
  5. Remove from oven, flip skins skin-side down. Sprinkle inside each skin generously with shredded cheddar cheese. Return to oven and bake 5-7 minutes until cheese is melted and bubbly and edges are deeply golden and crispy.
  6. Remove from oven and immediately top with crumbled bacon. Let rest 1-2 minutes. Transfer to a serving platter, add a dollop of sour cream to each skin, and finish with sliced green onions. Serve immediately.

Notes

For extra crispiness, ensure potatoes are completely dry before oiling. Don’t skip the first crisping step—it’s essential for texture. Use a wire rack for even air circulation. Grate your own cheese for best melting. Cook bacon ahead while potatoes bake.

Nutrition

Keywords: potato skins, loaded potato skins, game day appetizer, crispy potato skins, baked potato skins, bacon cheese potato skins

Find it online: https://fizzlefork.com/crispy-loaded-baked-potato-skins-best-game-day-appetizer/