Savory Loaded Potato Skins are the ultimate comfort food, perfect for parties, game days, or just as a tasty snack. These delightful bites combine crispy potato skins with rich, gooey cheese, crispy bacon, and fresh green onions. They are simple to make and can be customized with your favorite toppings, making them a hit with everyone.
Recipe Information
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 60 minutes
- Total Time: 75 minutes
- Servings: 4
- Difficulty Level: Easy
Nutrition Information
- Calories per serving: 490
- Protein: 20g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fat: 32g
- Fiber: 3g
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 800mg
Why Make This Best Savory Loaded Potato Skins
There are countless reasons to make these Best Savory Loaded Potato Skins. They are incredibly satisfying, bursting with flavor, and offer a wonderful crunch that pairs perfectly with the creamy toppings. Plus, they are highly versatile; you can mix and match toppings to suit your tastes. Whether you’re hosting a gathering or just want to treat yourself, these potato skins deliver comfort and joy in every bite.
How to Make Best Savory Loaded Potato Skins
Making these loaded potato skins is straightforward, and the results are downright delicious. Follow the steps below to create this mouthwatering dish that everyone will love.
Ingredients:
- 4 large russet potatoes
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup cooked and crumbled bacon
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 3 green onions, sliced
- Olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Directions:
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Step 1: Preparation
Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Wash the potatoes thoroughly under running water. Using a fork, pierce each potato several times, rub them with olive oil, and sprinkle with salt.
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Step 2: Baking
Place the prepared potatoes directly on the oven rack and bake for about 45-60 minutes until they are tender when pierced with a knife. The skin should be crispy and the flesh soft.
-
Step 3: Scooping
Remove the potatoes from the oven and allow them to cool slightly. Cut each potato in half lengthwise and scoop out some of the flesh, ensuring to leave a small border around the edge to keep the skins sturdy.
-
Step 4: Crispy Skins
Brush the insides of the potato skins with olive oil and season with salt and pepper. Place them cut side up on a baking sheet and bake for an additional 10 minutes until they are crispy and golden.
-
Step 5: Filling
Remove the crispy potato skins from the oven and fill each one generously with shredded cheese and crumbled bacon.
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Step 6: Melting
Return the filled potato skins to the oven for another 5-10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
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Step 7: Topping
Take the potato skins out of the oven and top them with dollops of sour cream and sliced green onions before serving.
How to Serve Best Savory Loaded Potato Skins
These loaded potato skins are a perfect appetizer or snack. Serve them warm from the oven, garnished with extra green onions and a side of salsa for an extra kick. They are great for parties, game nights, or simply enjoying during a cozy evening at home.
How to Store Best Savory Loaded Potato Skins
If you have leftovers (which is rare!), let them cool completely, then store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them in an oven preheated to 350°F (175°C) until heated through, for about 10-15 minutes.
Expert Tips for Perfect Best Savory Loaded Potato Skins
- Choose the Right Potatoes: For the best texture, opt for large, firm russet potatoes—they have thick skins and a fluffy interior.
- Don’t Overbake: Keep an eye on the potatoes while baking to avoid making them too dry.
- Crispy Factor: For extra crispiness, you can broil the skins for a minute or two after baking.
- Customization: Feel free to add toppings like jalapeños, different types of cheese, or even sautéed vegetables to make them your own.
Delicious Variations
- Spicy Loaded Potato Skins: Add chopped jalapeños or a drizzle of hot sauce before serving.
- BBQ Chicken Skins: Swap out bacon for shredded cooked chicken mixed with BBQ sauce.
- Vegetarian Skins: Skip the meat and load up with sautéed mushrooms, bell peppers, and a sprinkle of your favorite veggie cheese.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Can I make these in advance?
Yes! You can prepare the potato skins up to the filling stage, then store them in the refrigerator. Just bake them when you’re ready to serve. -
What can I use instead of sour cream?
Greek yogurt makes a great substitute for sour cream, providing a similar tanginess with added protein. -
Can I freeze loaded potato skins?
Yes, freeze them before baking for up to 2 months. When you’re ready, bake from frozen, adding a few minutes to the cooking time. -
What other toppings can I use?
Try adding guacamole, feta cheese, or salsa for different flavor profiles! -
Are these healthy?
While they are indulgent, you can lighten them up by using reduced-fat cheese or skipping the bacon for a vegetarian version.
Conclusion
These Best Savory Loaded Potato Skins are more than just a snack; they’re a comforting dish that brings people together. With their crispy edges, cheesy centers, and customizable toppings, they’re bound to become a favorite in your household. Give this easy recipe a try, and watch as they disappear from the plate in no time! Enjoy cooking and sharing these delicious treats!
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Best Savory Loaded Potato Skins
- Total Time: 75 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: None
Description
Delicious loaded potato skins topped with cheese, bacon, and green onions, perfect for parties and gatherings.
Ingredients
- 4 large russet potatoes
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup cooked and crumbled bacon
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 3 green onions, sliced
- Olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Wash the potatoes thoroughly under running water. Using a fork, pierce each potato several times, rub them with olive oil, and sprinkle with salt.
- Place the prepared potatoes directly on the oven rack and bake for about 45-60 minutes until they are tender when pierced with a knife.
- Remove the potatoes from the oven and allow them to cool slightly. Cut each potato in half lengthwise and scoop out some of the flesh, ensuring to leave a small border around the edge to keep the skins sturdy.
- Brush the insides of the potato skins with olive oil and season with salt and pepper. Place them cut side up on a baking sheet and bake for an additional 10 minutes until they are crispy and golden.
- Remove the crispy potato skins from the oven and fill each one generously with shredded cheese and crumbled bacon.
- Return the filled potato skins to the oven for another 5-10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Take the potato skins out of the oven and top them with dollops of sour cream and sliced green onions before serving.
Notes
For extra crispiness, broil the skins for a minute after baking. Customize toppings to your liking.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 60 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 490
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 32g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 18g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 60mg
