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Crispy Loaded Potato Skins with Bacon and Cheddar

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A quick and easy recipe for crispy potato skins loaded with smoky bacon and sharp cheddar cheese, perfect for parties and casual snacking.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 large russet potatoes, scrubbed clean
  • 6 slices thick-cut bacon, cooked until crispy and chopped
  • 1 ½ cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
  • 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • 2 green onions, thinly sliced
  • Sour cream, for serving (optional)

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
  2. Prick each potato several times with a fork to prevent steam buildup.
  3. Bake the potatoes directly on the oven rack for 45-55 minutes until fork-tender inside.
  4. Remove potatoes and let cool for about 15 minutes until safe to handle.
  5. Slice each potato in half lengthwise and carefully scoop out the flesh, leaving about ¼ inch of potato attached to the skin.
  6. Brush the inside and outside of each skin with melted butter.
  7. Sprinkle smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper evenly over the skins.
  8. Place the skins skin-side down on a baking sheet or wire rack over the sheet.
  9. Bake for 10 minutes at 400°F to start crisping them up.
  10. Flip the skins over, fill each with crispy bacon bits, and top generously with shredded cheddar cheese.
  11. Return to the oven and bake for another 10 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
  12. Remove from oven and garnish with sliced green onions.
  13. Serve hot with sour cream on the side if desired.

Notes

Use russet potatoes for best crispiness. Par-bake potatoes fully before hollowing to avoid leathery skins. Brush with melted butter before final bake to lock in flavor and crunch. Avoid overcrowding baking sheet for even crisping. Reheat in oven or toaster oven to maintain crispiness; avoid microwaving.

Nutrition

Keywords: potato skins, bacon, cheddar, party snacks, crispy potato skins, loaded potato skins, easy snack recipe

Find it online: https://lenatable.com/crispy-loaded-potato-skins-with-bacon-and-cheddar-easy-recipe-for-perfect-party-snacks/