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Crispy Loaded Baked Potato Skins with Bacon and Cheddar

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These crispy loaded baked potato skins with bacon and cheddar are the perfect snack for game day or a late-night craving. The double-baking method ensures a shatteringly crisp shell filled with gooey melted cheese and salty bacon.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 large Russet potatoes
  • 8 slices thick-cut bacon
  • 1 ½ cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
  • ½ cup sour cream
  • ¼ cup sliced green onions
  • 2 tablespoons melted butter
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • Optional: ranch dressing, paprika, pickled jalapeños

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Wash and scrub potatoes, pat dry, and prick each 4-5 times with a fork.
  2. Bake potatoes directly on oven rack or lined baking sheet for 50-60 minutes until fork-tender and internal temperature reaches 205°F (96°C). Let cool 10 minutes.
  3. While potatoes bake, cook bacon in a skillet over medium heat until crispy, about 6-8 minutes. Drain on paper towels, then crumble.
  4. Cut each potato in half lengthwise. Scoop out flesh leaving about ¼ inch (6 mm) attached to skin. Save flesh for another use.
  5. Place potato skins cut-side up on a lined baking sheet. Brush inside and edges with melted butter. Season with salt and pepper.
  6. Bake buttered skins at 400°F (200°C) for 10 minutes to dry and start crisping.
  7. Remove from oven. Divide shredded cheddar evenly among skins. Sprinkle crumbled bacon on top.
  8. Return to oven and bake 8-10 minutes until cheese is melted and bubbly and edges are deep golden brown and crispy.
  9. Let rest 2 minutes. Top with sour cream and sliced green onions. Serve immediately.

Notes

For extra crispy skins, increase second bake time by 2-3 minutes. To make ahead, bake and scoop potatoes a day in advance; store empty skins in fridge, then brush with butter and bake before serving. Avoid over-scooping to keep skins sturdy.

Nutrition

Keywords: potato skins, loaded potato skins, bacon cheddar potato skins, crispy potato skins, game day snack, party appetizer

Find it online: https://lumalunch.com/crispy-loaded-baked-potato-skins-with-bacon-and-cheddar/