Appetizer & Snacks

Loaded Baked Potato Skins with Bacon and Cheese

Name: Loaded Baked Potato Skins with Bacon and Cheese
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 1 h
Yield: 6
Ingredients: 6 medium russet potatoes; 4 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled; 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese; ½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese; 2 tablespoons olive oil; Salt and black pepper, to taste; ½ teaspoon garlic powder; Sour cream, for serving; Chopped chives or green onions, for garnish

Servings: 6 Total Time: 1 hr Difficulty: Beginner

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Introduction

There’s something undeniably satisfying about Loaded Baked Potato Skins with Bacon and Cheese. Crispy potato edges, tender potato flesh, gooey melted cheese, and smoky bacon bits come together to create a snack or appetizer that’s both comforting and indulgent. These potato skins are a classic favorite at pubs, parties, and family gatherings, loved for their rich flavor and versatile appeal.

Baked potato skins take the humble potato to a whole new level. They’re perfect for game days, casual dinners, or even as a party platter. The combination of textures—crispy skin, fluffy interior, melty cheese, and crunchy bacon—makes each bite unforgettable. Serve with a dollop of sour cream, sprinkle of chives, and you have a dish that everyone will go back for seconds.

Why I Love This Recipe

I love this recipe because it’s the perfect balance of crispy, cheesy, and savory. The potato skins are easy to handle, ideal for snacking or serving as an appetizer, and incredibly satisfying. I also love that it’s highly customizable—you can add extra toppings like green onions, jalapeños, or even pulled chicken.

It’s also a recipe that brings people together. Potato skins are fun to share, and everyone enjoys building their bite with the perfect combination of cheese, bacon, and sour cream. The rich flavor and comforting textures make it a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.

Why It’s a Must-Try Dish

This dish is a must-try because:

It’s crispy, cheesy, and indulgent—a flavor-packed snack or appetizer.
Perfect for parties, game nights, or family dinners.
Highly customizable—add your favorite toppings for extra flair.
Easy to make ahead—prep potatoes and bake when needed.
Classic pub-style appetizer that impresses every time.

If you want a recipe that’s both easy and show-stopping, loaded baked potato skins are it.

Recipe Details

Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 45 minutes
Total Time: 60 minutes
Servings: 6 servings (2 potato skins per person)
Calories: ~320 kcal per serving
Course: Appetizer / Snack
Cuisine: American

Ingredients

6 medium russet potatoes
4 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese (optional for extra melt)
2 tablespoons olive oil
Salt and black pepper, to taste
½ teaspoon garlic powder (optional)
Sour cream, for serving
Chopped chives or green onions, for garnish

Optional: jalapeños, diced tomatoes, or crumbled blue cheese

Cooking Directions

Step-by-Step Preparation

Bake the Potatoes
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Scrub potatoes clean, pat dry, and pierce a few times with a fork.
- Rub with olive oil and sprinkle with salt.
- Bake directly on the oven rack for 40–45 minutes until tender.
Prepare the Skins
- Let potatoes cool slightly. Cut each potato in half lengthwise.
- Scoop out most of the flesh, leaving about ¼ inch thickness along the skin. Reserve scooped potato for another use (mashed potatoes, soup, etc.).
Crisp the Skins
- Brush potato skins with olive oil, sprinkle with salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
- Place skin-side down on a baking sheet. Bake for 10 minutes until edges are crispy.
Add Cheese and Bacon
- Flip skins skin-side up. Sprinkle cheddar and mozzarella cheese evenly over the skins.
- Top with crumbled bacon.
Bake Until Cheese Melts
- Bake for another 5–7 minutes until cheese is fully melted and bubbly.
Garnish and Serve
- Remove from oven, top with sour cream and chopped chives or green onions. Serve immediately.

How to Serve

Serve hot as an appetizer or snack.
Arrange on a platter with extra sour cream and optional toppings.
Pair with a fresh salad or dipping sauces like ranch or spicy aioli for a complete appetizer experience.

Recipe Tips

Choose russet potatoes for crisp skins and fluffy interiors.
Don’t overfill with cheese—a moderate amount melts perfectly without becoming greasy.
Make ahead: Bake potatoes in advance and refrigerate; assemble and bake cheese and bacon topping before serving.
Uniform size potatoes ensure even baking.

Variations

Spicy Potato Skins: Add sliced jalapeños or a sprinkle of chili powder.
Loaded Veggie Skins: Top with sautéed peppers, onions, or mushrooms.
Pulled Chicken Skins: Add shredded cooked chicken with BBQ sauce before baking.
Blue Cheese and Bacon: Swap cheddar for blue cheese for a tangy twist.
Tex-Mex Skins: Add black beans, corn, and a dash of cumin.

Freezing and Storage

Refrigeration: Store baked potato skins in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through.
Freezing: Not recommended once assembled with cheese, as texture may change. You can freeze baked potato skins without cheese for up to 1 month and add toppings after reheating.

Special Equipment Needed

Baking sheet
Spoon for scooping potato flesh
Knife and cutting board
Oven

Conclusion

Loaded Baked Potato Skins with Bacon and Cheese are a classic, indulgent appetizer that’s perfect for parties, game days, or casual dinners. Crispy on the outside, soft on the inside, and topped with melted cheese, savory bacon, and fresh chives, these potato skins deliver comfort, flavor, and visual appeal in every bite. Easy to make and endlessly customizable, they’re sure to become a staple in your appetizer repertoire.

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