Crispy Baked Potato Skins with Cheese and Bacon

Crispy Baked Potato Skins with Cheese and Bacon are an iconic appetizer loved for their crunchy shell, soft interior, gooey melted cheese, and savory bacon topping. This classic American pub-style snack is comforting, flavorful, and perfect for serving at parties, game nights, casual gatherings, or as a fun appetizer before dinner.

What makes this dish so irresistible is the delicious contrast in texture: crispy potato shells seasoned to perfection paired with rich melted cheese and golden bacon crumbles. Topped with fresh chives and served with sour cream, every bite is beautifully balanced and deeply satisfying.

Why I Love This Recipe

I love this recipe because it’s simple, delicious, and always a crowd favorite. It uses everyday ingredients, yet the result feels indulgent and restaurant-worthy.

The potatoes become wonderfully crispy in the oven, and the combination of cheese and bacon creates a comforting, nostalgic flavor that never gets old.

Why This is a Must-Try Dish

• ✔ A perfect party appetizer
• ✔ Crispy, cheesy, and satisfying
• ✔ Customizable with endless topping options
• ✔ Great way to use leftover potatoes
• ✔ Easy enough for beginners but impressive to serve

Once you make these, you’ll keep coming back because they’re fun, flavorful, and never fail to make people smile.

Recipe Details

Ingredients

Potato Skins

• 6 medium russet potatoes (washed and dried)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper
• ¼ teaspoon paprika (optional)

Filling

• 1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese
• 6 slices cooked bacon, crumbled
• 2 tablespoons melted butter (for brushing)

For Serving

• Sour cream
• Chopped fresh chives or green onions
• Optional: Hot sauce, ranch dressing

Cooking Directions

1. Bake the potatoes until tender.
2. Cut potatoes in half and scoop out centers, leaving a thin layer.
3. Brush potato skins with melted butter, season, and bake until crispy.
4. Fill with cheese and bacon, then bake again until melted and bubbly.
5. Serve warm with sour cream and chives.

Step-by-Step Method

1. Bake the Potatoes:
   Preheat oven to 200°C (400°F). Pierce potatoes with a fork, rub with olive oil, and bake for 45–55 minutes until tender.
2. Cool & Cut:
   Let potatoes cool slightly, then cut in half lengthwise.
3. Scoop Out Centers:
   Using a spoon, remove most of the inside, leaving about ¼–½ inch of potato attached to the skin.
4. Crisp the Skins:
   Brush inside and outside with melted butter. Sprinkle with salt, pepper, and paprika.
   Bake skin-side down for 10–12 minutes, then flip and bake 5 minutes more.
5. Add Cheese & Bacon:
   Fill each potato skin with shredded cheddar cheese and bacon crumbles.
6. Final Bake:
   Return to oven until cheese melts and edges are crispy—about 5–8 minutes.
7. Finish & Serve:
   Remove from oven and garnish with chives or green onions. Serve with sour cream.

How to Serve

Serve immediately while warm and crispy. Pair with:

• Sour cream
• Ranch dip
• Spicy mayo
• Salsa
• Barbecue sauce

These are perfect as appetizers, party snacks, or alongside burgers, wings, or salads.

Recipe Tips

• Use russet potatoes—they crisp best.
• Allow potatoes to cool before scooping to avoid tearing.
• Brush potatoes generously with butter or oil for a crispier texture.
• Save scooped potato filling to make mashed potatoes or potato pancakes!

Variations

Storage & Freezing

• Refrigeration: Store unfilled baked potato skins up to 3 days. Reheat before filling.
• Freezer: Potato skins (without toppings) can be frozen up to 2 months.
  Reheat from frozen at 180°C (350°F) for 15–20 minutes.

Once filled, leftovers last 1–2 days in the fridge.

Special Equipment Needed

• Oven
• Sharp knife
• Baking sheet
• Basting brush
• Spoon for scooping

FAQ

Q1: Can I use leftover baked potatoes?
Yes—this recipe works great with precooked potatoes.

Q2: Can I air fry them?
Absolutely! Air fry at 190°C (375°F) for 6–8 minutes until crisp.

Q3: Can I prepare them ahead?
Yes—bake and scoop potatoes ahead, refrigerate, then fill and bake before serving.

Conclusion

Crispy Baked Potato Skins with Cheese and Bacon are a timeless and irresistible appetizer that brings together the best comfort flavors—crispy potatoes, gooey cheese, and smoky bacon. Easy to prepare and endlessly customizable, this recipe will quickly become one of your entertaining favorites. Whether served at a party or family dinner, these potato skins are guaranteed to disappear fast!