A classic, crowd-pleasing Crispy Potato Skins recipe loaded with cheese, bacon, and green onions, and perfect as a snack, appetizer, or party food. You can customize them however you like!
Crispy Potato Skins Recipe
Ingredients (Serves 4–6):
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6 medium russet potatoes (scrubbed clean)
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2 tablespoons olive oil or melted butter
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Salt and black pepper, to taste
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1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
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6 slices bacon (cooked and crumbled)
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2–3 green onions (thinly sliced)
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Optional: sour cream, chives, jalapeños, or ranch for topping
🔪 Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Bake the Potatoes
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Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
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Pierce potatoes with a fork a few times, then place them on a baking sheet.
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Bake for 45–50 minutes, or until tender when pierced with a knife.
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Let cool slightly until they’re safe to handle.
2. Cut and Scoop
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Slice each potato in half lengthwise.
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Scoop out most of the flesh, leaving about ¼-inch of potato inside the skin (save the scooped-out potato for mashed potatoes or another dish).
3. Season and Crisp
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Brush the potato skins (both sides) with olive oil or melted butter.
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Season with salt and pepper.
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Place skin-side up on a baking sheet and bake at 425°F (220°C) for 10 minutes.
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Flip, then bake another 10 minutes skin-side down, until golden and crispy.
4. Load and Melt
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Sprinkle cheese and crumbled bacon evenly inside the crispy potato shells.
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Return to oven and bake for 5–7 minutes, or until cheese is fully melted and bubbly.
5. Garnish and Serve
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Top with green onions and optional toppings like sour cream, chives, or hot sauce.
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Serve hot and crispy!
✅ Tips:
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For extra crispiness, broil for 1–2 minutes after adding the cheese (watch closely!).
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Use small potatoes for bite-sized party appetizers.
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Try variations like buffalo chicken, pulled pork, or Tex-Mex style with black beans and jalapeños.