The Best Stuffed Potato Skins bring together the comforting flavors of baked potatoes, crisp bacon, and melted cheese in a delightful appetizer or side dish that everyone will love. With a golden-brown exterior and a creamy interior, these potato skins are perfect for game days, parties, or a cozy evening at home.
Recipe Information
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Servings: 4
- Difficulty Level: Easy
Nutrition Information
- Calories per serving: 350
- Protein: 14g per serving
- Carbohydrates: 30g per serving
- Fat: 23g per serving
- Fiber: 3g per serving
- Sugar: 2g per serving
- Sodium: 550mg per serving
Why Make This The Best Stuffed Potato Skins
These potato skins aren’t just a dish; they are an experience! Each bite combines the crispiness of the skin with a tantalizing blend of cheesy, creamy goodness and the savory crunch of bacon. They are customizable and incredibly easy to make, which makes them a go-to recipe for any casual gathering. Plus, you can prepare them ahead of time and simply pop them in the oven when guests arrive, making entertaining effortless.
How to Make The Best Stuffed Potato Skins
Ingredients:
- 4 large russet potatoes
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1/2 cup cooked bacon, crumbled
- 2 green onions, chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Olive oil
Directions:
Step 1: Preparation
Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Wash the potatoes thoroughly and pierce them with a fork to allow steam to escape during baking.
Step 2: Baking Potatoes
Bake the potatoes in the preheated oven for 45-60 minutes, or until they are tender when poked with a fork.
Step 3: Scooping and Seasoning
Once cooked, let the potatoes cool slightly. Carefully cut them in half lengthwise and scoop out some of the flesh to create a bowl, leaving just enough to maintain structure. Brush the potato skins with olive oil and generously season with salt and pepper.
Step 4: Baking Skins
Place the potato skins on a baking sheet, skin-side up, and bake them for an additional 10 minutes until they start to crisp.
Step 5: Mixing Filling
In a mixing bowl, combine the scooped potato flesh with the shredded cheddar cheese, crumbled bacon, and half of the chopped green onions. Mix well until combined.
Step 6: Filling the Skins
Fill each potato skin with the cheesy potato mixture, pressing down slightly to pack it in.
Step 7: Final Bake
Return the filled potato skins to the oven and bake for another 10 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Step 8: Serving
Serve hot, topped with a dollop of sour cream and the remaining chopped green onions for an added burst of flavor.
How to Serve The Best Stuffed Potato Skins
These stuffed potato skins make a fantastic appetizer for any gathering or a delightful snack to enjoy while watching your favorite show. Pair them with a fresh garden salad or serve alongside a range of dipping sauces like ranch or barbecue for an extra touch!
How to Store The Best Stuffed Potato Skins
To store leftover stuffed potato skins, place them in an airtight container. They will keep well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through, about 10-15 minutes.
Expert Tips for Perfect The Best Stuffed Potato Skins
- Choose large, firm russet potatoes for the best results, as they have a sturdy skin that holds up well.
- For extra flavor, consider adding garlic powder or smoked paprika to the potato filling.
- Swap out the cheddar cheese for your favorite cheese variety, like Monterey Jack or pepper jack for a spicy kick!
- For a vegetarian option, simply omit the bacon or substitute it with cooked mushrooms or black beans.
Delicious Variations
- Loaded Potato Skins: Top with jalapeños, guacamole, or salsa for a Mexican twist.
- Buffalo Chicken Potatoes: Mix shredded cooked chicken with buffalo sauce and blue cheese for a tangy variation.
- BBQ Pulled Pork Skins: Fill with pulled pork and BBQ sauce for a Southern-inspired treat.
Frequently Asked Questions
-
Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the potato skins and filling in advance, then store them separately. Bake them just before serving. -
What can I use if I don’t have sour cream?
Greek yogurt is a great substitute for sour cream and adds a similar creaminess with a bit of tang. -
Can I freeze stuffed potato skins?
It’s best not to freeze them after baking as the texture may change. However, you can freeze the unbaked filled skins and bake them directly from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time. -
How can I make these healthier?
Use reduced-fat cheese and Greek yogurt in place of sour cream. Additionally, you can skip the bacon or replace it with turkey bacon. -
What should I serve with stuffed potato skins?
They pair beautifully with a variety of dips or a simple salad to balance the richness of the potatoes.
Conclusion
The Best Stuffed Potato Skins are sure to delight your taste buds and impress your guests. This simple yet delicious recipe brings together satisfying flavors and textures that make it hard to resist. Whether it’s game day or just a casual night in, these crispy, cheesy potato bites will always stand out. Give this recipe a try, and enjoy the compliments that come your way!
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The Best Stuffed Potato Skins
- Total Time: 75 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Omnivore
Description
Delightful appetizer or side dish featuring baked potatoes, crisp bacon, and melted cheese.
Ingredients
- 4 large russet potatoes
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1/2 cup cooked bacon, crumbled
- 2 green onions, chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Olive oil
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Wash the potatoes thoroughly and pierce them with a fork.
- Bake the potatoes in the preheated oven for 45-60 minutes, until tender.
- Let the potatoes cool slightly, cut in half lengthwise, and scoop out some flesh.
- Brush the skins with olive oil and season with salt and pepper.
- Place the skins on a baking sheet and bake for an additional 10 minutes until crisp.
- In a bowl, mix the scooped potato flesh with cheddar cheese, bacon, and half of the green onions.
- Fill each potato skin with the cheesy mixture, packing it in.
- Return filled skins to the oven and bake for another 10 minutes until cheese is melted.
- Serve hot, topped with sour cream and remaining green onions.
Notes
Can be prepared ahead of time. Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 60 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 550mg
- Fat: 23g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 14g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
