Description
A stress-free, crowd-pleasing appetizer featuring crispy russet potato skins topped with savory bacon and melted sharp cheddar cheese. Perfect for game day parties and easy enough for beginners to master.
Ingredients
Scale
- 4 large russet potatoes (about 2 lbs / 900g)
- 8 slices thick-cut bacon (cooked and crumbled, approx. 225g)
- 1 1/2 cups sharp cheddar cheese (shredded, approx. 170g)
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter (melted, approx. 45g)
- 1/2 cup sour cream (for serving)
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Wash potatoes thoroughly and prick them several times with a fork.
- Microwave potatoes on high for 5-7 minutes, flipping halfway, until tender but holding shape. Let cool for 5 minutes.
- Cut potatoes in half lengthwise. Scoop out the inside flesh, leaving about 1/4 inch attached to the skin to form a ‘boat’.
- Brush the inside of each skin generously with melted butter. Sprinkle with garlic powder and salt.
- Place skins cut-side up on a prepared baking sheet. Bake for 15 minutes to crisp the skins.
- While skins bake, cook bacon until crispy but chewy. Crumble into small pieces.
- Remove skins from oven. Top each with shredded cheddar cheese and crumbled bacon.
- Return to oven for 5-7 minutes until cheese is bubbly and melted.
- Serve immediately with a dollop of sour cream.
Notes
Do not scoop the skin too thin, or the skins will tear. The first bake is crucial for crispiness. For best results, shred your own cheese as pre-shredded cheese contains anti-caking agents that prevent smooth melting. Serve immediately as skins soften over time.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 skins per serving
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 1
- Sodium: 450
- Fat: 18
- Saturated Fat: 9
- Carbohydrates: 28
- Fiber: 3
- Protein: 12
Keywords: game day snacks, potato skins, bacon cheddar, party appetizer, easy recipes, super bowl food, crispy potato skins