Description
Crispy potato skins shine as a classic party favorite that brings comfort and flavor to any gathering. Golden edges and cheesy goodness make these irresistible bites a crowd-pleasing appetizer for hungry guests craving something simple yet delicious.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 6 medium russet potatoes, scrubbed clean
- 1 ½ cups (150 g) shredded cheddar cheese
- 6 slices bacon, cooked until crispy and crumbled
Seasonings and Enhancers:
- 3 tablespoons (45 milliliters) olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
Garnish and Serving:
- ¼ cup green onions, sliced
- Sour cream
Instructions
- Thoroughly cleanse and dry potatoes, then puncture with a fork. Massage with olive oil and season generously with salt. Roast in a preheated 400F (200C) oven for 45-50 minutes until tender.
- Once cooled, slice potatoes lengthwise and carefully excavate the interior, maintaining a thin potato layer against the skin. Reserve the extracted potato flesh for alternative culinary uses.
- Coat potato interiors with olive oil and dust with garlic powder, salt, and freshly ground pepper. Position skins face-down on a baking sheet and crisp for 10 minutes, then flip and continue roasting for an additional 5 minutes.
- Distribute shredded cheese and crumbled bacon across the potato cavities. Return to the oven and bake until cheese melts completely and develops a golden, bubbling texture.
- Remove from oven and embellish with finely chopped green onions and fresh parsley. Present immediately, accompanied by a side of cool, tangy sour cream for optional dipping.
Notes
- Swap russet potatoes for sweet potatoes to create a nutritious twist with added beta-carotene and fiber.
- Use turkey bacon or plant-based bacon alternatives for lower-fat and vegetarian-friendly versions of this classic appetizer.
- Experiment with different cheese combinations like sharp cheddar, pepper jack, or goat cheese to elevate flavor profiles and keep the dish exciting.
- Ensure potatoes are completely dry before initial baking to achieve maximum crispiness and prevent soggy potato skins.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Appetizer, Snacks
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 420 mg
- Fat: 22 g
- Saturated Fat: 9 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 30 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 10 g
- Cholesterol: 30 mg