Get crispy potato skins loaded with bacon bits and cheesy goodness!
Loaded potato skins are easy to make at home but have big restaurant-quality flavor and presentation!
Just in time for the big game, movie night, or a sudden snack attack!
Crispy Potato Skins
- This recipe shows how to make tasty potato skins in the oven and the air fryer!
- Crispy, crunchy, loaded potato skins are budget-friendly crowd-pleasers that can be ready in minutes!
- Eat potato skins on their own or with a variety of add-ins, toppings, and extras! We love sour cream, guacamole, and salsa, but anything goes!
Ingredients and Variations
Potatoes – Baker potatoes like Idahos (russets) have thicker skins that make for crispier snacks, and the light and fluffy baked insides can be used in other recipes! For a nutrition boost, switch out potatoes for sweet potatoes!
Cheese – Cheddar has a strong flavor and melts perfectly. Mozzarella, Monterey Jack, or a Mexican blend will all work. Mix and match, if desired.
Bacon – Fresh or ready-made bacon bits add a smoky, salty protein to loaded potato skins. Other proteins to try are diced ham, or for fewer calories, go for shredded chicken or turkey.
Variations – Make vegetarian loaded potato skins by omitting the bacon bits and using black beans, finely chopped broccoli, spinach, or corn kernels.
How to Make Potato Skins
Get crispy potato skins loaded with bacon bits and cheesy goodness!
- Prep potatoes as directed in Step 1 of the recipe, below.
- Cut potatoes in half and scoop out the potato, leaving a ¼” thick skin. Reserve the flesh for another use.
- Combine melted butter and salt and brush over the potato skins on both sides. Bake for 15 minutes and then turn over and bake another 5 minutes.
- Fill skins with cheese and bacon and bake until the cheese is melted.
Garnish with onions or red pepper flakes before serving.
Best Tips & Tricks!
- Use the scooped-out mashed potatoes for creamed potatoes, or mashed potato soup.
- Pop the finished loaded potato skins under the broiler to make them extra crispy on the edges and on top!
Leftovers
Keep leftover loaded potato skins in a covered container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat them in the microwave or the air fryer.
Chop up leftovers and add to a cheesy frittata, or mashed potato balls.
Appetizers To Serve With Potato Skins!
Have you tried this Loaded Potato Skins recipe? Leave a comment and rating below!
Loaded Potato Skins
Equipment
Ingredients
- 6 small baking potatoes
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter , melted
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 3 tablespoons bacon bits
- ¾ cup shredded cheddar cheese blend
- 2 green onions , thinly sliced
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 425°F. Scrub potatoes, poke them with a fork and bake for 40-50 minutes or until tender. Cool until they're easy to handle.
- Cut the potatoes in half lengthwise and scoop out the potato leaving a ¼-inch thick shell. Reserve the insides for another recipe.
- Stir together melted butter and salt and brush on both sides of the potato skins. Place them cut side down on a rimmed baking sheet. Bake for 15 minutes. Turn the potatoes over and bake for an additional 5 minutes.
- Remove the potatoes from the oven and fill each skin with cheese and bacon and return to the oven for 5 mintues to melt the cheese. Garnish with green onions.
Notes
- Use the leftover scooped out potatoes in other recipes.
- Crisp up loaded potato skins by placing under the broiler.
- Refrigerate leftovers in a covered container for up to 3 days.
Nutrition Information
Nutrition information provided is an estimate and will vary based on cooking methods and brands of ingredients used.
©The Shortcut Kitchen. Content and photographs are copyright protected. Sharing of this recipe is both encouraged and appreciated. Copying and/or pasting full recipes to any social media is strictly prohibited.
REPIN this Loaded Potato Skins Recipe!
Can I use fresh jalapeno?
Hi Sonya, that should work well in this recipe.