Get ready to transform your ordinary potato into a crispy, cheesy, bacon-loaded masterpiece that will have everyone at your table begging for seconds! These Bacon Cheese Potato Skins are not just a side dish – they're a culinary experience that combines the irresistible crunch of perfectly baked potato skins with the smoky richness of crisp bacon and the creamy indulgence of melted cheddar cheese. Whether you're hosting a game day party, looking for the perfect appetizer, or simply craving a decadent treat, these potato skins are about to become your new obsession.
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 35 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 4 large russet potatoes
- 8 slices of bacon
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 2 green onions, chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Wash the russet potatoes thoroughly and pat them dry with a clean kitchen towel.
- Pierce each potato several times with a fork to allow steam to escape during baking. Place potatoes directly on the oven rack and bake for 45-50 minutes until they are tender when pierced with a knife.
- While potatoes are baking, cook the bacon in a large skillet over medium heat until crisp and golden brown. Transfer bacon to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess grease, then crumble into small pieces.
- Once potatoes are done, remove from oven and let cool for 10 minutes until they are comfortable to handle. Cut each potato lengthwise in half.
- Carefully scoop out the potato flesh, leaving about 1/4 inch of potato attached to the skin to create a shell. Save the scooped potato for another use like mashed potatoes.
- Brush the potato skins inside and out with melted butter or olive oil. Sprinkle with salt and pepper.
- Place potato skins cut-side up on a baking sheet. Sprinkle generously with shredded cheddar cheese and crumbled bacon.
- Return to the oven and bake for 10-12 minutes, or until cheese is melted and edges are crispy.
- Remove from oven and let cool for 2-3 minutes. Top with chopped green onions and a dollop of sour cream before serving.
- Serve immediately while hot and crispy, enjoying the perfect blend of crisp potato skin, melted cheese, and smoky bacon.
Tips
- Choose the Right Potatoes: Large russet potatoes work best due to their thick skin and starchy interior, which creates the perfect crispy shell.
- Baking Technique: Ensure your potatoes are thoroughly dried before baking to achieve maximum crispiness. Piercing the potatoes allows steam to escape and prevents them from bursting.
- Bacon Perfection: Cook bacon until it's extra crispy – this ensures a satisfying crunch and intense flavor in your potato skins.
- Cheese Melting Hack: For the most even cheese coverage, grate your own cheddar instead of using pre-shredded cheese. Fresh-grated cheese melts more smoothly and has better flavor.
- Crispy Skin Secret: Brushing the potato skins with melted butter or olive oil before the final bake helps create a golden, crispy exterior.
- Make-Ahead Tip: You can partially prepare these potato skins in advance. Bake and scoop the potatoes earlier in the day, then finish with cheese and bacon just before serving.
- Serving Suggestion: Serve immediately after the final bake to enjoy maximum crispiness and melted cheese goodness.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 380kcal
Carbohydrates: 25g
Protein: 15g
Fat: 25g
Saturated Fat: 12g
Cholesterol: 55mg
