Easy Loaded Potato Skins Recipe 5-Step | Crispy, Cheesy and Perfect For Game Day

You can also make Loaded Potato Skins at home in a very easy way and believe me it will be much better and tastier than the shop bought one.

How to Make Loaded Potato Skins: Cheesy, crispy and considered to be a great addition to the game day.

Are you also looking for such an appetizer that is very crispy, cheesy and full of great taste, then you can also make Loaded Potato Skins, it is considered to be the best option which is absolutely perfect for you.
The classic American appetizer is crispy baked potato shells topped with gooey melted cheese, creamy sour cream and crispy bacon which gives a great taste in every bite.
If you want a comforting snack to whip up, you can make these. Whether it’s a party or game day, this easy loaded potato skins recipe is the perfect weekend get-together and is guaranteed to be a hit.

In this tutorial, you’ll learn how to make loaded potato skins at home using simple ingredients and the proper technique for restaurant-quality results.

Loaded Potato Skins Introduction:

Loaded Potato Skins are a staple of American comfort food culture. They are most popular in diners and sports bars. They are a simple recipe that involves scooping up chunks of crispy potato and baking them until crispy. Then, they are stuffed with bacon bits, cheddar cheese, green onions, and served with sour cream. Crispy baked potato skins are a fun and delicious addition to a game day appetizer.

This recipe is easy to customize. Add jalapeños for a spicy twist, or turkey bacon for a milder twist. Or, try adding some vegetarian toppings.

This is a great appetizer or side dish to eat with a salad, or you can make it your main course. And these oven baked potato skins are a great way to serve and will become everyone’s favorite.

Ingredients:

Below are some of the essential ingredients you need to make classic loaded potato skins.

Main Ingredients:

6 – medium sized russet potatoes (thick skinned potatoes are great or you can use starchy ones)
1½ cheddar cheese, shredded (you can choose mild or sharp according to your preference)
6 slices cooked bacon, crumbled
3 tablespoons melted butter or olive oil
Freshly ground black pepper and salt to taste
½ teaspoon paprika (use this for extra flavor)
½ teaspoon garlic powder
1 cup sour cream
¼ cup chopped green onion

Optional toppings and add ins:

Jalapenos sliced
Cooked sausage or ground beef
Ranch dressing
Salsa or guacamole
Blue cheese crumbles

Step-by-Step Guide

1. Baking the Potatoes

Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).

Wash the russet potatoes thoroughly to remove any dirt, then scrub them well.

Prick each potato with a fork to allow steam to escape while baking.

Place the potatoes on an oven rack or baking sheet lined with foil.

Bake for 50 to 60 minutes, until the potatoes are tender and can be pierced with a fork to test for doneness.

Remove from oven once they are well baked and allow to cool for 12 to 15 minutes to make the perfect loaded potato skins.

2. Slice and Scoop

Let cool and cut each potato lengthwise into halves.

Scoop out about ¼ inch of potato pulp from the center of each potato. Use a spoon to scoop out the top layer.

Save the excess for a seasoned potato or another recipe.

3. Season the skins, then crisp them up

Brush melted butter or olive oil all over the inside and outside of the potato skins.
Sprinkle with seasonings like black pepper, garlic powder, salt, and paprika.
Place the skins on a baking sheet, skin side down, and bake at 450°F (232°C) for about 10 to 12 minutes.
Flip and bake for another 6 to 10 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy.

Cooking and Baking Instructions:

4. Add toppings and bake again-
Remove the potato skins from the oven.
Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the skins.
Top the top with crumbled bacon.

Place back in the oven and bake for 6 to 8 minutes, or until the cheese is completely melted and bubbly.

5. Garnish and serve
Let it cool for a few minutes after removing from the oven.
Sprinkle chopped green onion or chives on top and don’t forget to drizzle the sour cream.
Enjoy your hot and crispy loaded potato skins.

Serving suggestions:

Homemade loaded potato skins are great to serve hot and crispy.
Here are some great pairings you can go for and believe me, you will enjoy them even better.
Serve with a dipping sauce like ranch, blue cheese dressing or spicy Sriracha mayo.
It can be served with cold drinks at parties or even on game nights.
It can also be served as a side dish with grilled chicken, burgers or ribs.
Offer your guests a DIY talking bar so they can customize their potato skins their way.

Variations and Substitutions:

If you want to customize your loaded potato skins recipe, you can try the following twists:

Vegan Potato Skins:
Omit the bacon and top with black beans, corn or grilled vegetables. You can also use sautéed mushrooms.

Spicy Potato Skins:
Add/add chopped jalapenos, hot sauce or pepper jack cheese.

Breakfast Potato Skins:
Scrambled eggs, sausage crumbles and cheese for a delicious twist.

Vegan Potato Skins:
Use coconut bacon and plant-based cheese and skip the sour cream and use a vegan alternative like creamy or almond yogurt.

For Storage and Reheating:

How to Store: –

Let the potato skins cool completely first.
Then store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 to 3 days.
Heat in the oven at 375°F for 12 to 15 minutes. Heat until crispy all over.
In an Air Fryer: For even more crispiness, air fry at 370°F for 6 to 7 minutes.

In a Microwave: Use the microwave only if you are in a hurry or else avoid it as it will make them soggy instead of crispy.

Frequently Asked Questions about Loaded Potato Skins:

Q. Can I make potato skins ahead of time?
Yes you can bake potato skins ahead of time. Scoop and crisp. Then store in the fridge and add toppings before the final bake.

Q. Can I freeze loaded potato skins?

Yes you can, but wrap individually in plastic wrap. Do not wrap all together and then refrigerate. Reheat from frozen at 400°F for 15 minutes.

Q. What is a good potato that we can use for this?

The best potatoes are ideal because of their starchy interiors and thick skins.

Q. How can I make them extra crispy?

First you can generously oil them and then bake them twice – once before adding toppings and then once after. If needed you can cook them under the broiler for 2 minutes. This makes homemade potato skins delicious.

Final Thoughts

Loaded Potato Skins are one of the most satisfying appetizers you can make at home and you can make them anytime—whether you’re having a party, watching the big game, or just craving a comforting snack, these cheesy, crunchy, bacon-filled bites are always a favorite.

With this step-by-step guide, you now know how to make loaded potato skins that are star quality. So let’s get started! Grab some russet potatoes, turn on the oven, and prepare a delicious homemade dish. Once it’s done, enjoy and serve it to your family. And don’t forget to share it with your friends. So that’s how you can make one of the best comfort food recipes.