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Easy Baked Potato Skins

Easy Baked Potato Skins

Craving a quick, healthy, and flavorful snack? These Easy Baked Potato Skins are incredibly simple to make, customizable to your taste, and a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Perfect for using leftover baked potatoes!
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour 5 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 20 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Appetizer, Snack
Cuisine: American

Ingredients
  

  • 4 Russet potatoes medium
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1/2 cup cooked bacon crumbled
  • 1/4 cup sour cream for serving
  • 2 tablespoons chopped green onions for serving

Method
 

  1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
  2. Scrub potatoes clean and pierce several times with a fork.
  3. Rub potatoes with olive oil, salt, and pepper.
  4. Bake for 45-60 minutes, or until tender.
  5. Let potatoes cool slightly, then cut in half lengthwise.
  6. Scoop out the potato flesh, leaving a 1/4-inch border. Reserve scooped-out potato for another use.
  7. Brush the inside of the potato skins with olive oil.
  8. Bake for 10-15 minutes, or until crispy.
  9. Top with cheddar cheese and bacon.
  10. Bake for 5 minutes, or until cheese is melted and bubbly.
  11. Top with sour cream and green onions.
  12. Serve immediately.

Notes

Start by using Russet potatoes, as they tend to crisp up the best. Don’t skimp on the olive oil; it's crucial for creating that golden-brown, irresistible exterior. Piercing the potatoes before baking prevents them from exploding in the oven. After scooping out the insides, brushing some extra olive oil on the inside and outside of the potato skins before the second bake is key for that extra crisp. Pre-baking the skins before adding toppings helps to prevent a soggy final product. Experiment with your favorite toppings to create a personalized snack masterpiece, like adding a dash of hot sauce or a sprinkle of your favorite herbs for an extra burst of flavor.