How to Make the Perfect Loaded Potato Skins
American · Medium · 90 min · 8 servings
These crispy loaded potato skins are filled with melted cheese, crispy bacon, and finished with cool sour cream for the perfect game day bite. Each shell is twice-baked to achieve a perfectly crunchy exterior that holds up to generous toppings.
Why this recipe works
This Loaded Potato Skins recipe has been crafted to deliver restaurant-quality results in your home kitchen. At just 90 minutes from start to finish, it fits perfectly into a busy schedule without sacrificing flavor. Each serving comes in at 280 calories with 12g of protein, making it a balanced choice for any meal.
What you will need
This recipe uses 6 simple ingredients that you can find at any grocery store:
- 4 large russet potatoes
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 6 strips bacon cooked and crumbled
- 0.5 cup sour cream
- 3 tbsp chives finely chopped
Step by step instructions
Step 1: Bake the Potatoes
Preheat oven to 400 degrees F. Scrub the russet potatoes clean and pierce each one several times with a fork. Rub the skins with olive oil and bake directly on the oven rack for 55 to 60 minutes until tender throughout when pierced with a knife.
Step 2: Scoop and Prepare Shells
Let the potatoes cool for 10 minutes until safe to handle. Cut each potato in half lengthwise and scoop out most of the interior flesh leaving about a quarter inch shell. Brush the inside and outside of each shell lightly with remaining olive oil.
Step 3: Crisp and Fill
Place the shells cut side down on a baking sheet and bake at 425 degrees F for 10 minutes to crisp them up. Flip them over, fill each shell with shredded cheddar and crumbled bacon, then return to the oven for 5 more minutes until the cheese is fully melted.
Step 4: Top and Serve
Remove the potato skins from the oven and transfer to a serving platter. Add a small dollop of sour cream to each skin and sprinkle generously with fresh chopped chives. Serve immediately while still hot and crispy.
Easy substitutions
Missing an ingredient? Here are some swaps that work perfectly:
- bacon → turkey bacon or diced ham for a lighter option
- sour cream → Greek yogurt for added protein and fewer calories
Common mistakes to avoid
Watch out for these pitfalls that can affect your results:
- Not scooping out enough potato flesh which makes the skins too thick and doughy
- Skipping the second bake step which is essential for achieving a truly crispy shell
Nutrition facts
Per serving: 280 calories, 12g protein, 22g carbs, 17g fat, 2g fiber.
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