Loaded Potato Skins, an all-time favorite comfort food, are great all year round, perfect for game day, family gatherings, or just for a fun snack. These crispy little nuggets of potato skin goodness, bubbling with melted cheese and bursting with the smoky tang of crispy bacon, are sure to be a hit. You’ve got to experience this cheesy, baked and bacon-filled joy. Just thinking about it is going to make your mouth water! The prep time is easy, the taste is cheesy, and the payoff is huge. So, let’s get the aprons on and get ready to party with these totally tuber-licious treats.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Servings: 6
- Yield: 12 loaded potato skins
Alright guys, without further delay, let’s dig into what���s needed for these scrummy spuds!
Ingredients & Equipment You’ll Need
- 6 medium russet potatoes
- 2 cups shredded Cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 6 strips cooked bacon, crumbled
- 2 green onions, thinly sliced
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
As for the equipment, all you need is a large baking sheet, a sharp knife, a spoon and an oven.
The nifty russet potatoes are the star of this recipe, the insides get fluffed up in the oven and the outsides get beautifully crispy. As for the cheddar cheese, who doesn���t love some melted stretchy cheese magic? And green onions bring a pop of color and a touch of freshness to things! And yes, possible substitutes to our list include using turkey bacon for a healthier twist or different cheeses like mozzarella or gouda to mix things up.
How To Make Loaded Potato Skins
- Start off by preheating your oven to 400 degrees.
- While the oven is heating up, wash and dry the potatoes. Then, pierce each potato with a fork a few times to allow steam to escape while baking.
- Place the potatoes on the baking sheet and let them bake in the oven for about an hour until they are nice and tender.
- Remove them from the oven and let them cool a little before cutting each one in half lengthwise.
- Scoop out the inside of each potato half leaving about 1/4 inch of flesh on the skin. You can save the scooped-out potato flesh for another use.
- Now, sprinkle the inside of each potato skin with some salt and pepper.
- Load them up with cheese and bacon, then return to the oven to bake for about 10 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and melted.
- Top with a dollop of sour cream and some green onions before serving. Enjoy!
Tips For The Best Results
- Use russet potatoes for that fluffy inside and perfect crispy outside.
- Ensure the potatoes are fully baked before you cut and scoop.
- Save the scooped-out potato for another recipe like mashed potatoes.
Storage Tips
- Store leftovers in an air-tight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- You can reheat them in the oven or toaster oven to get that crispy skin back.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I freeze the loaded potato skins?
A: Yes, after baking them just let them cool down completely. Wrap them individually in a plastic wrap and freeze. They can be good for up to 3 months.
Q: What can I use instead of bacon?
A: Turkey bacon, ham or even cooked chicken can be a great substitute.
Q: Can I make them ahead of time?
A: Yes! Just follow the recipe and stop right before you bake them the second time. Then, you just have to pop them in the oven for the final bake when you’re ready.
Q: Can I use a different cheese?
A: Absolutely, mozzarella, gouda or even feta for a slightly different flavor profile can work.
Q: What can I do with the leftover scooped-out potato?
A: You can make mashed potatoes, potato croquettes or even potato soup.
Nutritional Facts of Loaded Potato Skins
Each serving of Loaded Potato Skins is packed with nutrients and is a good source of potassium and vitamin C. Here’s the breakdown per serving:
- Calories: 218 kcal
- Carbohydrates: 29.75 g
- Protein: 7.45 g
- Fat: 8.34 g
- Saturated Fat: 4.4 g
- Cholesterol: 22 mg
- Sodium: 338 mg
- Potassium: 683 mg
- Fiber: 2.19 g
- Sugar: 2.3 g
- Vitamin C: 45.2 mg
- Calcium: 101 mg
- Iron: 1.5 mg
And there you have it – Loaded Potato Skins! Packed with flavour and fun, these potato skins make a great appetizer or side dish for any meal. Enjoy them piping hot from the oven. Dive in, devour and demand for seconds. Trust me, this is a fun ride you’re going to want to get on again and again. Happy munching!
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