How do you make crispy potato skins at home?

To make crispy potato skins at home, start by baking large russet potatoes until tender, about 45-60 minutes at 400°F (205°C). Let them cool, then cut in half and scoop out most of the flesh, leaving a 1/4-inch thick shell. Brush the skins with olive oil, sprinkle with salt, and bake again at 425°F (220°C) for 10-15 minutes until crispy. Remove from the oven, fill with cheese, bacon, or your favorite toppings, then return to the oven for a few minutes until melted and hot. This method ensures a crunchy texture with flavorful toppings.

What are the best toppings for potato skins?

Popular toppings for potato skins include shredded cheddar cheese, crispy bacon bits, sour cream, chopped green onions, and jalapeños. You can customize them with chili, guacamole, or diced tomatoes for variety. For a healthier twist, try topping with steamed broccoli and low-fat cheese or Greek yogurt instead of sour cream. The key is to layer the toppings after the skins are crispy to keep the texture balanced and flavorful.

Can potato skins be made ahead of time?

Yes, potato skins can be prepared ahead of time. Bake and hollow out the potatoes, then let the skins cool completely. Store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. When ready to serve, re-crisp the skins in a 400°F (205°C) oven for 10 minutes before adding toppings and baking them again until heated through. This saves preparation time while maintaining the crispiness and flavor.

Are potato skins healthy to eat?

Potato skins can be healthy when prepared with mindful ingredients. The skin contains fiber, vitamins, and minerals beneficial for digestion and immunity. Opt for baking instead of frying, and limit high-fat toppings like excessive cheese or bacon. Using fresh vegetables as toppings can boost nutritional value. Moderation and choosing wholesome toppings make potato skins a tasty yet nutritious snack or appetizer.

What type of potatoes work best for making potato skins?

Russet potatoes are the best choice for making potato skins because of their thick skins and starchy interior, which crisp up well when baked. Their size and shape make them easy to hollow out and fill. Yukon Gold potatoes can be used but typically have thinner skins and a creamier texture. Avoid waxy potatoes like red or fingerling types, as their skins do not crisp as nicely.

Crispy Potato Skins With Cheesy Bacon Toppings Recipe

Name: Potato Skins
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 1 h 5 min
Total time: 1 h 15 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: – 6 small baking potatoes; – 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted; – ½ teaspoon dried parsley; – ¼ teaspoon seasoned salt; – ¼ teaspoon garlic powder; – 3 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled (or 3 tablespoons bacon bits); – 2 tablespoons sliced green onions or chives; – 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese; – Sour cream for serving

Description

🥔 Crispy Oven Baked Potato Skins offer a delicious crispy texture with melted cheesy toppings and savory bacon bits, perfect for any appetizer or snack.
🧀 These potato skins are easy to make and customizable with various toppings, making them a crowd-pleaser at gatherings or game days.

Ingredients

– 6 small baking potatoes

– 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted

– ½ teaspoon dried parsley

– ¼ teaspoon seasoned salt

– ¼ teaspoon garlic powder

– 3 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled (or 3 tablespoons bacon bits)

– 2 tablespoons sliced green onions or chives

– 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

– Sour cream for serving

Instructions

1-Getting started with potato skins is fun and straightforward, especially if you’re new to cooking. First, preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Rinse and scrub the potatoes thoroughly to remove any dirt, then poke them several times with a fork for even cooking.

2-Next, place the potatoes directly on the oven rack and bake for 40 to 50 minutes until they’re tender. Once done, let them cool a bit before cutting each potato in half lengthwise and scooping out the flesh, leaving a ¼-inch thick shell to hold the toppings. Now, mix the melted butter with dried parsley, seasoned salt, and garlic powder, then brush this mixture inside and outside of the potato shells for extra flavor.

3-Place the shells cut side down in a baking dish and bake for 15 minutes, then flip them and bake for another 5 minutes until they’re nice and crisp. Fill each shell with shredded cheddar cheese and crumbled bacon, and pop them back in the oven for 5 to 7 minutes until the cheese melts and bubbles. Finally, top with sliced green onions and serve warm with sour cream on the side.

4-For those who prefer using an air fryer, preheat it to 400°F (205°C). Bake the poked potatoes for 35 to 40 minutes, scoop out the flesh, and brush with the butter mixture. Air fry the shells cut side down for 7 to 9 minutes, flipping halfway through, then add cheese and bacon and air fry for 2 more minutes. This method keeps things quick and crispy, perfect for busy evenings.

Notes

🥄 Scoop potato flesh while still warm for easier removal.
🥓 Use bacon grease instead of butter for extra flavor.
❄️ Freeze empty potato shells on a baking sheet, then store in freezer bags for months; bake directly from frozen.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
Category: Appetizer
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 potato skin half

Keywords: potato skins, cheesy toppings, bacon bits, crispy appetizer