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Ultimate Crispy Baked Potato Skins Recipe: Classic Loaded with Bacon, Cheddar, and Chives

Three crispy potato skins loaded with melted cheese, bacon bits, and fresh chives, ready to eat.
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Make the best crispy potato skins filled with melted cheese, smoky bacon, and fresh chives. This easy appetizer recipe is perfect for game day or your next gathering.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 large Russet potatoes
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
  • 1/2 cup cooked, crumbled bacon
  • 1/4 cup chopped fresh chives or green onions
  • 1/2 cup sour cream (for serving)

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. Scrub the potatoes clean and pierce each one several times with a fork.
  2. Bake the potatoes directly on the oven rack for 50 to 60 minutes, or until the skins are firm and the insides are tender.
  3. Remove the potatoes from the oven and let them cool until you can safely handle them. Reduce the oven temperature to 375 degrees Fahrenheit.
  4. Slice each potato in half lengthwise. Carefully scoop out most of the inside potato flesh, leaving about a 1/4-inch thick shell. Save the scooped potato for another use, like mashed potatoes.
  5. Brush the outside and inside of each potato shell lightly with olive oil. Sprinkle with salt and pepper.
  6. Place the shells cut-side up on a baking sheet. Bake for 10 minutes to start drying out the skins.
  7. Remove the shells from the oven. Fill each potato skin generously with shredded cheddar cheese and crumbled bacon.
  8. Return the loaded potato skins to the oven and bake for another 8 to 10 minutes, or until the cheese is fully melted and bubbly.
  9. Remove from the oven. Top each skin with chopped chives. Serve immediately with a dollop of sour cream if desired.

Notes

  • For extra crispy potato skins, you can lightly brush the shells with a little melted butter before the second bake.
  • Prepare the bacon and shred the cheese ahead of time to speed up assembly before serving.
  • You can substitute Monterey Jack cheese for cheddar or use a blend of both cheeses.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://rosatasty.com/crispy-potato-skins-classic-loaded-recipe/