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Crispy Loaded Potato Skins with Bacon

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Crispy loaded potato skins with bacon are the perfect party snack featuring golden, crunchy potato skins topped with sharp cheddar, smoky bacon, sour cream, and fresh green onions. Easy to make and irresistibly delicious, they are a crowd-pleaser for game nights and casual get-togethers.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 large russet potatoes
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • 1 ½ cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
  • 6 slices bacon, cooked crispy and crumbled
  • ½ cup sour cream
  • 3 stalks green onions, thinly sliced
  • Optional: chopped fresh chives or a pinch of smoked paprika

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Scrub the russet potatoes clean under running water, then pat dry with a towel. Poke them a few times with a fork to help steam escape during baking.
  2. Bake the potatoes directly on the oven rack or on a baking sheet for about 45-50 minutes, or until a fork easily pierces through.
  3. While potatoes bake, cook bacon slices in a skillet over medium heat until crispy, about 6-8 minutes. Drain on paper towels and crumble once cooled.
  4. Remove potatoes from the oven and let them cool until safe to handle, about 10 minutes.
  5. Slice potatoes in half lengthwise and carefully scoop out the inside, leaving about ¼-inch of potato attached to the skin.
  6. Brush each potato skin with olive oil on both sides, then season with salt and black pepper.
  7. Return skins to the oven, skin side down on the baking sheet, and bake for 10 minutes to crisp up the edges.
  8. Flip skins over and sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese generously over each, followed by crumbled bacon.
  9. Bake again for 5-7 minutes until cheese melts and bubbles.
  10. Remove from oven and top with dollops of sour cream and sliced green onions. Serve warm.

Notes

For extra crispy skins, brush liberally with olive oil and bake skin side down before adding toppings. A quick broil (30-60 seconds) at the end can help crisp the skins further but watch closely to avoid burning. Let potatoes cool before scooping to keep skins intact. Use turkey bacon and dairy-free cheese for a leaner or dairy-free option. Avoid microwaving potatoes to maintain crispiness.

Nutrition

Keywords: potato skins, bacon, party snacks, crispy potato skins, loaded potato skins, cheddar cheese, sour cream, green onions

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