Baked Potato Skins
Crispy baked potato skins topped with sharp Cheddar cheese, smoky bacon, and creamy sour cream. Finished with fresh green onions, this appetizer is perfect for game day or any gathering. Easy to prepare and irresistibly delicious.
4 Servings
Ingredients
- 4 large baking potatoes scrubbed
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon grated Parmesan cheese
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
- ¼ teaspoon ground paprika
- ⅛ teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1 ½ cups shredded sharp Cheddar cheese
- 8 slices cooked bacon crumbled
- ½ cup sour cream
- 4 stalks green onion sliced
Instructions
Preheat the Oven
- Preheat your oven to 450°F (230°C). Prepare a baking sheet by ensuring it is clean and ready for use. Using a fork, pierce each potato several times to allow steam to escape during baking.
Bake the Potatoes
- Place the potatoes on the prepared baking sheet. Bake them in the preheated oven for 50 minutes to 1 hour, or until they can be easily pierced with a fork. Remove the potatoes from the oven and allow them to cool slightly.
Prepare the Potato Skins
- Once the potatoes are cool enough to handle, cut each one lengthwise. Scoop out the flesh of the potatoes, leaving about ¼ inch of potato inside the skin. Reserve the scooped potato flesh for another use, such as mashed potatoes.
Season the Skins
- In a small bowl, combine olive oil, Parmesan cheese, salt, garlic powder, paprika, and black pepper. Brush this mixture generously onto both sides of the potato skins to ensure even coverage.
Crisp the Skins
- Return the seasoned potato skins to the baking sheet. Bake for an additional 10 minutes, flipping them halfway through to achieve an evenly crisp texture.
Add the Toppings
- Remove the potato skins from the oven. Evenly distribute the shredded Cheddar cheese and crumbled bacon over each skin. Return them to the oven for 2-3 minutes, or until the cheese is fully melted.
Serve with Garnishes
- Remove the loaded potato skins from the oven. Top each one with a dollop of sour cream and a sprinkle of sliced green onions before serving. Serve immediately for the best flavor and texture.
Notes
This recipe is naturally gluten-free. However, double-check your Parmesan cheese and bacon for any gluten-containing additives to ensure compliance with dietary needs.