Description
Budget-friendly, crispy, and cheesy baked potato skins loaded with bacon, cheddar, and sour cream. Perfect for game day, tailgating, or a quick kid-approved snack.
Ingredients
Scale
- 4 large Russet potatoes (or 6 medium, about 2 lbs / 900g)
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil or olive oil
- 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded (200g)
- 1 cup cooked bacon, crumbled (about 100g)
- ½ cup sour cream (120g)
- 3–4 green onions, sliced
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper or foil.
- If using raw potatoes, wash them, poke holes with a fork, and microwave on high for 5-7 minutes until soft. Let cool for 10 minutes. If using leftover baked potatoes, ensure they are completely cool.
- Cut potatoes in half lengthwise. Use a spoon or melon baller to scoop out the insides, leaving a ¼-inch border attached to the skin.
- Place skins scoop-side up on baking sheets. Brush edges lightly with oil.
- Bake skins for 10 minutes until edges are golden and crispy. Remove from oven.
- While skins bake, cook bacon until crispy, drain on paper towels, and crumble. Mix crumbled bacon with half of the shredded cheese.
- Divide the bacon-cheese mixture among the potato shells, pressing gently. Sprinkle remaining cheese on top.
- Return to oven and bake for another 5-7 minutes until cheese is bubbly and melted.
- Remove from oven. Top each skin with a dollop of sour cream and a sprinkle of sliced green onions. Serve immediately.
Notes
Pre-baking the skins is crucial to prevent sogginess. Shred your own cheese for better melting. For leftovers, reheat in the oven or air fryer at 350°F for 5-7 minutes to restore crispness. Do not freeze as texture suffers.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 skin
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 2
- Sodium: 350
- Fat: 16
- Saturated Fat: 8
- Carbohydrates: 25
- Fiber: 2
- Protein: 12
Keywords: football party food, baked potato skins, bacon cheese, budget recipes, kid-friendly snacks, game day appetizers, crispy potato skins, easy party food