These Loaded Potato Skins Are the Ultimate Crispy, Cheesy Appetizer (2024)

  • Snacks and Appetizers
  • Game Day
  • Super Bowl
  • Cheese
  • Russet Potatoes

Bake cheesy potato skins until crisp, then load them with all the good stuff.

By

Elise Bauer

These Loaded Potato Skins Are the Ultimate Crispy, Cheesy Appetizer (1)

Elise Bauer

Elise founded Simply Recipes in 2003 and led the site until 2019. She has an MA in Food Research from Stanford University.

Learn about Simply Recipes'Editorial Process

Updated November 17, 2023

These Loaded Potato Skins Are the Ultimate Crispy, Cheesy Appetizer (2)

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There is nothing like a plate full of crispy potato skins, filled with melty cheddar cheese, and topped with bacon bits, sour cream, and green onions.

The first time I had these I was 21 years old, at an outdoor cafe on Newbury Street in Boston; I thought I had died and gone to heaven.

Oh for the days of youth when one could eat potato skins with wild abandon! I could eat a whole plate back then (and drink a pitcher of beer along with it) and be none the worse. Sigh.

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The Secret to the Best Potato Skins: Bake, Don't Fry!

These potato skins are easy to make. Some approaches call for deep frying, but I don't think it is really necessary. You just want to bake the skins at a high enough heat so that they get crispy enough to hold the toppings.

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The Best Potatoes for Potato Skins

Russets make the best potatoes for these classic potato skins because of their they're big and their skin is tough enough to handle the preparation. While other potatoes such as red potatoes or Yukon gold potatoes will taste good using this preparation, their thinner skins make them less than ideal for potato skins.

Tips for Baking a Potato

If you're new to baking potatoes, check out How to Bake a Potato for foolproof step-by-step instructions. If you want just a few tips to bake a better potato, follow these.

  • Russets make the best baking potatoes. Remember that the bigger the potato, the longer the baking time.
  • Poke holes in the potatoes to avoid explosions and allow some of their moisture to escape.
  • Rub oil on the skins and sprinkle with kosher salt. Skip wrapping in foil.
  • To check for doneness, slide a fork or a skewer into the center of the potato. If it slides in and out easily, the potato is done.

Topping Variations to Try

Cheese, sour cream, and chives are the classic topping for potato skins, but sometimes it's fun to switch things up. Try these fun toppings:

  • Chili (with or without sour cream and chives)
  • Buffalo-sauced chicken and blue cheese
  • Bacon, fried onions, and cheese
  • Cooked broccoli and cheddar cheese

Make Ahead Tips for Potato Skins

Bake, scoop, and roast the skins. Allow the roasted skins to cool completely and place them in a tightly sealed container for up to 2 days. When it comes time to bake the topped potatoes, bring the refrigerated skins to room temperature, add the cheese and bacon, and bake again.

You can also cook the bacon ahead of time and refrigerate for up to 4 days. Bring to room temperature before adding them to the skins. Prep the cheese and green onions up to 2 days ahead of time and refrigerate them until needed.

Recipes to Use Up the Insides of the Potatoes!

  • Easy Shepherd's Pie
  • Potato Dinner Rolls
  • Homemade Potato Bread
  • Make-Ahead Mashed Potatoes
  • Slow-Cooker Mashed Potatoes

From the Editors Of Simply Recipes

Potato Skins

Prep Time10 mins

Cook Time100 mins

Total Time110 mins

Servings4to 6 servings

If you have a potato whose skin or flesh has turned green, cut out those parts, do not use them. The green indicates the presence of a toxin that develops when potatoes are exposed to sunlight.

Ingredients

  • 6 medium russet potatoes (3 pounds)

  • Extra virgin olive oil

  • Kosher salt

  • Freshly ground pepper

  • 6 slices bacon

  • 4 ounces grated cheddar cheese

  • 1/2 cup sour cream

  • 2 green onions, thinly sliced

Method

  1. Bake the potatoes:

    Scrub the potatoes clean then bake the potatoes using your favorite method, either oven or microwave. If using an oven, pierce a few times with a sharp knife or the tines of a fork, rub with olive oil and bake in a 400°F oven for about an hour until the potatoes are cooked through and give a little when pressed.

    If using a microwave, pierce the potato a few times with a sharp knife of the tines of a fork, rub all over with olive oil and cook on the high setting for about 5 minutes per potato.

    Tip

    I have found that baking the potatoes in a conventional oven yields potatoes that are easier to work with (cut and scoop out), the potato seems to adhere to the skins a little better, but there is hardly a discernible difference in the final product.

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  2. Cook the bacon:

    While the potatoes are cooking, cook the bacon strips in a frying pan on medium-low heat for 10 to 15 minutes, or until crisp. Drain on paper towels. Let cool. Crumble.

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  3. Cut the potatoes in half and scoop out the insides:

    Remove the potatoes from the oven and let cool enough to handle. Cut in half horizontally. Use a spoon to carefully scoop out the insides, reserving the scooped potatoes for another use, leaving about 1/4 of an inch of potato on the skin.

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  4. Bake the potato skins:

    Increase the heat of the oven to 450°F. Brush or rub olive oil all over the potato skins, outside and in. Sprinkle with salt.

    Place on a baking rack in a roasting pan (don't use a cookie sheet, it will warp, use a roasting pan or broiler pan that can take the heat).

    Cook for 10 minutes on one side, then flip the skins over and cook for another 10 minutes. Remove from oven and let cool enough to handle.

    These Loaded Potato Skins Are the Ultimate Crispy, Cheesy Appetizer (8)

    These Loaded Potato Skins Are the Ultimate Crispy, Cheesy Appetizer (9)

  5. Add the cheese and baconand bake again:

    Arrange the potato skins skin-side down on the roasting pan or rack. Sprinkle the insides with freshly ground black pepper, cheddar cheese, and crumbled bacon.

    Return to the oven. Broil for an additional 2 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly. Remove from oven.

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    These Loaded Potato Skins Are the Ultimate Crispy, Cheesy Appetizer (11)

  6. Top with sour cream and green onions to serve:

    Use tongs to place skins on a serving plate. Add a dollop of sour cream to each skin, sprinkle with green onions.

    Serve immediately.

    Did you love the recipe? Give us some stars and leave a comment below!

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Nutrition Facts (per serving)
365Calories
15g Fat
45g Carbs
14g Protein

×

Nutrition Facts
Servings: 4to 6
Amount per serving
Calories365
% Daily Value*
Total Fat 15g19%
Saturated Fat 7g35%
Cholesterol 41mg14%
Sodium 398mg17%
Total Carbohydrate 45g16%
Dietary Fiber 5g17%
Total Sugars 3g
Protein 14g
Vitamin C 20mg101%
Calcium 190mg15%
Iron 2mg13%
Potassium 1195mg25%
*The % Daily Value (DV) tells you how much a nutrient in a food serving contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Nutrition information is calculated using an ingredient database and should be considered an estimate. In cases where multiple ingredient alternatives are given, the first listed is calculated for nutrition. Garnishes and optional ingredients are not included.

These Loaded Potato Skins Are the Ultimate Crispy, Cheesy Appetizer (2024)

FAQs

Why shouldn't you eat the skin of potatoes? ›

Glycoalkaloids occur naturally in potatoes and are toxic to humans at high levels. Glycoalkaloids are concentrated in the peel and prolonged exposure of tubers to light will stimulate the formation of glycoalkaloids near the surface of the potato tuber. Glycoalkaloids are not broken down by cooking or frying.

How many calories are in a potato skin appetizer? ›

550 CALORIES

Are crispy potato skins good for you? ›

Baked potato skin is a great source of potassium and magnesium. When you don't have enough potassium in your diet, your body retains extra sodium, and too much sodium raises your blood pressure. A potassium-rich diet can help decrease blood pressure, protecting the heart and reducing the risk of stroke.

Are potato skins healthy for dogs? ›

Potato skins contain oxalates. Oxalates are fine in moderation. However, if your dog eats too many potato skins, they may develop kidney problems. In order to keep your pet safe, consider keeping the potato skins to yourself and only sharing small amounts of unseasoned, cooked potatoes.

Are potato skins bad for your gut? ›

Despite their nutritional content, potato skins can be difficult to digest for some people. The skin is tough and fibrous, which can make it hard for the digestive system to break down. This can lead to bloating, gas, and other digestive discomforts.

Can potatoes make you sick after eating? ›

If a potato has developed very high solanine levels, consuming it could make you ill. The risk of illness may be higher for children ( 2 ). Eating large amounts of solanine can cause: diarrhea.

Are potato skins healthier than fries? ›

Baked potatoes offer more nutritional value than fries because they still have skin. Potato skins are the most nutrient-dense part of a baked potato. Another benefit of heart-healthy baked potatoes is that they are not deep-fried in oil and grease like french fries.

Why are my potato skins not crispy? ›

If you oil them up early, the skins may not turn crispy. The salt, too, can run off the potatoes in the heat. Instead, do a quick oil baste after the potatoes reach 205°F: Remove the pan from the oven. Brush with olive oil (or bacon grease if you have it) and a hefty sprinkle of kosher salt.

Why can't dogs eat mashed potatoes? ›

Generally speaking, mashed potatoes are not good for dogs. These rich dishes can cause digestive upset, and some recipes can even have toxic ingredients. This includes: High-fat dairy products: Butter, whole milk, cream, and/or sour cream are common ingredients in mashed potatoes.

Why can't dogs eat boiled potatoes? ›

Dogs can eat potatoes as long as they are plainly cooked and offered in moderation. Roasted potatoes, prepared without spices or butter are the best way to let your pet have a taste of a delicious spud. But avoid giving your dog raw or boiled potatoes as they're not safe for dogs to eat as they contain solanine.

Can dogs eat tuna? ›

Can dogs have tuna? Yes, you can feed your dog canned tuna, as long as you do so in moderation and infrequently. Choose the version that's packed in fresh water instead of oil or salted water. Also check the label to make sure there is no extra salt added to the canned tuna.

What are the side effects of potatoes on skin? ›

Rubbing potatoes on your skin or applying potato juice on face way too often can cause itching and irritation of the skin. Women with sensitive skin who are quick to get an allergic reaction must not use potato for the face. Other side effects may include a runny nose, breathing difficulties, and hives.

Why is it good to remove potato skin? ›

It's best to peel potatoes for dishes like mashed potatoes, scalloped potatoes, or potato salad since they should have a smoother texture. On the other hand, potato peels contain iron, fiber, vitamin B, and vitamin C, so leave the peels on if you want a nutrient boost in your dish.

What does solanine taste like? ›

In lab tests, eating potatoes with this level of solanine gave a two-part sensation: an immediate bitter taste lasting about one minute; followed by a strong burning taste which lasted about five minutes. The taste is along the sides of the tongue, and the back of the mouth.

At what point should you not eat potatoes? ›

As they age, or with improper storage, potatoes may develop sprouting and green spots. If there isn't any sprouting, you can use the color change as an indicator of spoilage. If the skin looks greenish or if there's sprouting present, you'll need to remove the sprouts or toss the whole potato, depending on severity.

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