Get ready to kick your game day eats up a notch with these Loaded Bacon Cheddar Potato Skins! We’re talking crispy potato skins loaded with melty cheddar, crispy bacon, and all the fixings. These epic flavor bombs are about to become your new game day MVP. Forget the basic chips and dip – this sensational appetizer is going to have your guests begging for the recipe. So let’s get to work and transform those humble spuds into the ultimate flavor explosion, shall we?
Why You’ll Love This Loaded Bacon Cheddar Potato Skins for Game Day
These Loaded Bacon Cheddar Potato Skins are the ultimate game day crowd-pleaser! Not only are they absolutely INSANE on the flavor front, but they’re also super easy to make. Crispy potato skins act as the perfect vessel for melted cheddar, crispy bacon, tangy sour cream, fresh scallions, and a sprinkle of spicy cayenne. It’s a flavor party in your mouth! Plus, they’re portable and perfect for serving a crowd, making them the ultimate game day appetizer. Your guests will be blown away by how incredible these potato skins are, and they’ll be begging you for the recipe. Get ready to become the MVP of your next tailgate or watch party with these epic Loaded Bacon Cheddar Potato Skins!
Ingredients
To make these Loaded Bacon Cheddar Potato Skins, you’ll need a handful of simple ingredients: russet potatoes, olive oil, kosher salt, black pepper, shredded cheddar cheese, cooked and crumbled bacon, sour cream, sliced scallions, and a dash of cayenne pepper. That’s it! With just a few easy-to-find ingredients, you’ll be on your way to flavor paradise.
- 6-8 medium russet potatoes – for crispy, golden potato skins
- 2 tablespoons olive oil – to help the potato skins crisp up
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt – for seasoning the potato skins
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper – to add some kick
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese – the melty, cheesy goodness
- 6-8 slices cooked and crumbled bacon – for that salty, smoky crunch
- 1/2 cup sour cream – for a cool, tangy contrast
- 3 scallions, sliced – to add a fresh, oniony bite
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper – for a subtle heat kick
Ingredient Substitutions
- Cheese: Feel free to switch things up with different cheese varieties, like pepper jack or Monterey jack.
- Meat: You can also use crumbled chorizo or Italian sausage instead of bacon for a spicy twist.
- Sour Cream: If you’re not a fan of sour cream, try using Greek yogurt or ranch dressing instead.
How to Make Loaded Bacon Cheddar Potato Skins for Game Day
Let’s get to work on transforming those humble spuds into the ultimate flavor explosion, shall we?
Step 1: Prep Work
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). Scrub the russet potatoes and pierce them several times with a fork. Bake the potatoes directly on the oven rack for 50-60 minutes, or until they’re tender when pierced with a fork. Let the potatoes cool slightly, then cut them in half lengthwise.
Step 2: Main Cooking Process
Scoop out the potato flesh, leaving about 1/4 inch of potato attached to the skin. Brush the potato skins with a thin layer of olive oil and season them with a generous pinch of kosher salt and black pepper.
Step 3: Final Steps/Assembly
Place the seasoned potato skins back on the baking sheet and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until they’re crispy and golden brown. Remove the skins from the oven and top them with the shredded cheddar cheese. Return the potato skins to the oven and bake for another 5-7 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Step 4: Finishing Touches
Once the cheese is melted, remove the potato skins from the oven and top them with the crumbled bacon, a dollop of sour cream, sliced scallions, and a light sprinkle of cayenne pepper. Serve these Loaded Bacon Cheddar Potato Skins warm, and get ready to watch your guests go absolutely WILD over them!
Recipe Variations & Tips
- Spice it up: Try adding some diced jalapeño or pickled red onions for a spicy kick.
- Switch up the cheese: Experiment with different cheeses, like pepper jack or Monterey jack, for a unique flavor profile.
- Veggie twist: For a vegetarian version, swap out the bacon for sautéed mushrooms or roasted bell peppers.
- Get creative with toppings: Top the potato skins with chili, shredded barbecue chicken, or even a dollop of guacamole. The possibilities are endless!
- Bake until crispy: Be sure to thoroughly bake the potatoes until they’re tender, as this will ensure the skins are nice and crispy.
- Don’t skimp on the seasoning: Don’t be shy with the olive oil and seasoning – you want those potato skins to be bursting with flavor.
- Let it cool slightly: Don’t forget to let the potato skins cool slightly before topping them, as the hot cheese and toppings can get a little messy if you dive in too soon.
Serving & Storage
Serve with: These Loaded Bacon Cheddar Potato Skins are best served warm and fresh out of the oven. They make the perfect game day appetizer, but they’re also great as a snack or a side dish. Arrange the potato skins on a large platter and watch them disappear in no time!
Storage: For any leftovers, let the potato skins cool completely, then store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply place them on a baking sheet and pop them in the oven at 400°F (200°C) for 5-10 minutes, or until heated through and the cheese is melted. You can also reheat them in the microwave, but they won’t be quite as crispy.
Make-Ahead: You can absolutely make the potato skins in advance. Bake the potatoes and prepare the skins, but wait to add the toppings until just before serving. Store the prepared potato skins in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When ready to serve, simply top with the cheese, bacon, and other toppings, then bake until heated through and the cheese is melted.
Nutrition Information
These Loaded Bacon Cheddar Potato Skins are a delicious indulgence, but they do pack a nutritional punch. Each serving (2 potato skins) contains approximately 300 calories, 15 grams of fat, 30 grams of carbohydrates, and 12 grams of protein. The potatoes provide a good source of fiber and vitamins, while the bacon and cheddar cheese add a satisfying dose of protein and healthy fats.
- Serving Size: 2 potato skins
- Calories: 300 kcal
- Protein: 12 g
- Carbs: 30 g
- Fat: 15 g
- Sodium: 600 mg
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make these potato skins in advance?
Yes, you can absolutely make the potato skins in advance. Bake the potatoes and prepare the skins, but wait to add the toppings until just before serving. Store the prepared potato skins in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When ready to serve, simply top with the cheese, bacon, and other toppings, then bake until heated through and the cheese is melted.
Can I use sweet potatoes instead of russet potatoes?
Absolutely! Sweet potatoes make a delicious swap for the traditional russet potatoes. The sweet and savory combination is out of this world. Just be sure to adjust the baking time, as sweet potatoes may take a bit less time to become tender.
How can I make these potato skins healthier?
To make these Loaded Bacon Cheddar Potato Skins a bit healthier, you can use low-fat or reduced-fat cheddar cheese, opt for turkey bacon, and swap the sour cream for plain Greek yogurt. You can also load up on the veggies by adding diced tomatoes, sliced olives, or even some steamed broccoli.
Can I freeze these potato skins?
Yes, you can definitely freeze these potato skins! Bake and assemble the potato skins as directed, then let them cool completely. Place the filled potato skins on a baking sheet and freeze until solid, then transfer them to an airtight container or freezer bag. They’ll keep for up to 3 months in the freezer. When ready to serve, bake the frozen potato skins at 400°F (200°C) for 15-20 minutes, or until heated through and the cheese is melted.
What’s the best way to reheat leftover potato skins?
The best way to reheat leftover potato skins is in the oven. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and place the potato skins on a baking sheet. Bake for 5-10 minutes, or until heated through and the cheese is melted. You can also reheat them in the microwave, but they may not be as crispy.
Try These Next
- Loaded Chili Cheese Sweet Potato Skins For Game Day
- Loaded Bacon Cheddar Potato Skins With Smoky Ranch Dip
- Fiery Buffalo Chicken Mac And Cheese Casserole For Game Day
Loaded Bacon Cheddar Potato Skins for Game Day
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 60 minutes
- Total Time: 75 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Category: 🥓 BACON EMPIRE
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Crispy potato skins loaded with melted cheddar cheese, crispy bacon, and topped with green onions. Perfect for game day snacking!
Ingredients
4 large russet potatoes
8 slices of bacon, cooked and crumbled
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1/2 cup sour cream
2 green onions, sliced
Salt and pepper to taste
Cooking oil for brushing
Instructions
1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Wash and scrub the potatoes, then prick them with a fork.
3. Rub the potatoes with olive oil and sprinkle with salt.
4. Bake in the oven for 45-50 minutes, until tender.
5. Remove potatoes and let them cool slightly.
6. Cut the potatoes in half lengthwise and scoop out the insides, leaving a bit of potato on the skin.
7. Brush the skins with oil and season with salt and pepper.
8. Return the skins to the oven for another 10-15 minutes, until crispy.
9. Fill each skin with crumbled bacon and shredded cheese.
10. Bake for an additional 5-7 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
11. Top with sour cream and sliced green onions before serving.
Notes
For extra flavor, consider adding jalapeños or your favorite hot sauce. These can be prepared ahead of time and reheated in the oven.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 skin
- Calories: 250 kcal
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 350mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 10g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
Keywords: potato skins, bacon, cheddar, game day