Crispy Baked Potato Skins (Print version)

Golden potato skins filled with melted cheese and crispy bacon, topped with fresh onions.

# What You'll Need:

→ Potatoes

01 - 4 medium russet potatoes, scrubbed clean

→ Toppings

02 - 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
03 - 4 slices bacon
04 - 3 green onions, thinly sliced
05 - 2 tablespoons sour cream, for serving

→ Seasoning

06 - 2 tablespoons olive oil
07 - 1/2 teaspoon salt
08 - 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

# Cooking Steps:

01 - Preheat oven to 400°F. Line baking sheet with parchment paper.
02 - Prick potatoes all over with fork. Rub with 1 tablespoon olive oil and sprinkle with salt.
03 - Place potatoes on baking sheet. Bake 40-45 minutes until tender when pierced with knife.
04 - Cook bacon in skillet over medium heat until crisp. Drain on paper towels, then crumble.
05 - Remove potatoes from oven. Cool 10 minutes. Reduce oven temperature to 375°F.
06 - Cut potatoes in half lengthwise. Scoop out flesh, leaving 1/4 inch attached to skin. Reserve flesh for another use.
07 - Brush insides and outsides of skins with remaining olive oil. Place skin-side down on baking sheet. Bake 8-10 minutes until crisp.
08 - Sprinkle cheese evenly into each skin. Top with bacon. Return to oven and bake 5-7 minutes until cheese is melted and bubbly.
09 - Remove from oven. Garnish with green onions and sour cream. Serve hot.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • Theyre the kind of comfort food that makes people gather in the kitchen and linger
  • The combination of crispy potato, smoky bacon, and melted cheese hits every craving at once
02 -
  • Dont skip cooling the potatoes before scooping or youll burn your fingers and the skins might tear
  • Leaving that thin layer of potato attached to the skin is what gives them structure without getting soggy
03 -
  • Use a melon baller or small cookie scoop for clean, even potato removal
  • Rubbing the skins with oil before the final bake ensures they get properly crispy, not just dry
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