Crispy Potato Skins

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Crispy Potato Skins are a classic appetizer or snack that combines crunchy edges, fluffy centers, and savory toppings like melted cheese, crispy bacon, and green onions. Perfect for game days, parties, or anytime you’re craving comfort food, these potato skins are easy to make and endlessly customizable.

ingredients

this Recipe

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

russet potatoes (medium-sized)
olive oil or melted butter
salt
black pepper
shredded cheddar cheese
cooked bacon (crumbled)
green onions or chives (sliced)
sour cream (for serving)

directions

Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Scrub potatoes clean and pierce with a fork. Bake directly on the oven rack for 45–50 minutes, or until tender.

Remove from oven and let cool slightly. Slice each potato in half lengthwise.

Scoop out most of the flesh, leaving a thin layer inside to hold the shape.

Brush the insides and outsides with olive oil or melted butter. Season with salt and pepper.

Place skins cut-side down on a baking sheet and bake for 10 minutes. Flip and bake another 10 minutes until crispy.

Fill each skin with shredded cheese and bacon. Return to oven and bake 5 more minutes, or until cheese is melted.

Top with green onions and a dollop of sour cream. Serve hot.

Servings and timing

This recipe serves 4–6 (makes 8–12 skins).
Preparation time: 15 minutes
Baking time: 65 minutes total
Total time: 1 hour 20 minutes

Variations

Use mozzarella, pepper jack, or blue cheese for different flavors.
Add cooked ground beef, taco meat, or pulled pork for a hearty version.
Make them vegetarian with sautéed mushrooms or black beans.
Drizzle with hot sauce or ranch for an extra kick.

storage/reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Reheat in the oven or air fryer at 375°F until warm and crisp.
Avoid microwaving to preserve crispiness.

FAQs

Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes—bake and scoop the potatoes in advance, then fill and reheat before serving.

What kind of potatoes work best?
Russet potatoes are ideal for their sturdy skin and fluffy center.

Do I need to boil the potatoes first?
No, baking ensures the best flavor and texture.

Can I freeze potato skins?
Yes—freeze after the second bake (before adding toppings), then reheat and top later.

How do I get them super crispy?
Bake twice and brush with oil—don’t skip the flip during baking.

Are they gluten-free?
Yes, as long as your toppings are gluten-free.

What’s the best way to scoop the potatoes?
Use a spoon and leave about ¼-inch of potato to hold the shape.

Can I use leftover baked potatoes?
Absolutely—just follow the slicing, scooping, and baking steps from there.

Can I make them in the air fryer?
Yes—air fry at 400°F for 10–15 minutes until crisp before topping.

Can I make these dairy-free?
Yes—use vegan cheese and dairy-free sour cream.

Conclusion

Crispy Potato Skins are the ultimate snack—simple, satisfying, and always a hit. With golden shells, melty cheese, and endless topping options, they’re perfect for entertaining or treating yourself to something deliciously indulgent.

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