Name: Baked Potato Skins with Bacon
Prep time: 75 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 90 min
Ingredients: 5 whole Russet potatoes; baked and cut in half lengthwise (10 total); 2 cups cheddar cheese; shredded; 6 slices cooked bacon, crumbled; 2 tablespoon butter; melted; 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder; 1/2 teaspoon onion powder; 1/4 teaspoon paprika; 1/4 teaspoon salt; 1/8 teaspoon black pepper; sour cream; chives or green onions; sliced

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5 from 7 votes

Crispy Baked Potato Skins are coated with a garlic butter mixture, filled with melted cheese, bacon pieces, and topped with sour cream and chives. These potato skins can be easily customized, making the best appetizer or game-day snack!

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If you’re looking for an easy, delicious, cheesy, and unforgettable appetizer, these Potato Skins are it. These are the ultimate game day appetizer but of course, make a perfect appetizer for just about any occasion. I love how these potato skins are baked, not fried, and can be made a day or two in advance if needed.

Everyone will love these cheesy potatoes that are crispy on the outside, stuffed with melty cheese and bacon on the inside, and topped with your favorite toppings.

Other game day recipes to add to your menu are Blue Cheese Dip, Pepperoni Pizza Dip, Crab Stuffed Mushrooms, Pizza Roll Ups, Chicken Ranch Pasta Salad, Homemade Guacamole, and Sheet Pan Chicken Nachos.

INGREDIENTS

Potatoes: Russet, Yukon Gold, or sweet potatoes can all be used.

Shredded cheese: I always recommend shredding your own cheese for an extra melty texture. I use sharp or extra sharp cheddar cheese but other cheeses you can use or add are Monterey Jack, Mexican blend, American, or Colby.

Cooked bacon: turkey bacon will also work perfectly.

Butter: you can use salted or unsalted for this recipe.

Garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper: used to give these potato skins flavor. You could also add red chili flakes.

Sour cream: french onion dip or plain Greek yogurt are other great alternatives.

Chives or green onions: optional toppings.

HOW TO MAKE POTATO SKINS

STEP ONE. Scoop out the center of the potatoes- leaving about 1/4 of an inch of potato on the skin.

STEP TWO. Melt butter and add garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt and pepper. Brush on the potato skins and place them skin side up on a baking sheet. Broil for 10 minutes.

STEP THREE. Flip the potato skins over and evenly distribute the bacon and cheddar cheese. Place back in the boiler for 2-4 minutes until the cheese has melted.

STEP FOUR. Top with sour cream or french onion dip and chives. Serve and enjoy!

THESE POTATO SKINS ARE

Super cheesy and loaded with bacon in each bite.
Perfect for game days, parties, anytime you’re craving cheesy potatoes with bacon 😉
Easy to prep the day before so all you have to do is warm them before you serve them.
Easy to make vegetarian if desired.
The ultimate party appetizer, who doesn’t love these little yummies?!

HOW TO BAKE POTATOES

STEP ONE. Pre-heat oven to 375 degrees F. Scrub, dry, and poke potatoes with a fork several times. Rub the potatoes with a little olive oil with your hands and sprinkle generously with salt.

STEP TWO. Place the potatoes on a baking sheet and bake for 50-60 minutes, or until they are cooked through. You should be able to pierce the center with a fork or knife.

STEP THREE. Let the potatoes cool for 20 minutes or until they are cool enough to handle.

RECIPE TIPS AND VARIATIONS

For a healthier alternative: use turkey bacon, reduced-fat cheese, and low-fat sour cream.
Make these vegetarian by omitting the bacon.
Prep these potato skins a day or two before. Perfect if you are making these for a holiday, party, or occasion so all you have to do is heat them to warm the potatoes and melt the cheese.

OTHER TOPPINGS AND COMBINATIONS TO ADD:

Broccoli and cheese: use steamed broccoli and shredded cheese such as cheddar or American.
Ground beef and steak
Caramelized onions
Sauteed, steams or roasted veggies
Buffalo chicken and blue cheese crumbles
Chili, my Turkey Chili would be perfect on these potato skins
Taco meat, cheese, salsa, guacamole, and sour cream

OTHER FOOTBALL FOOD

Baked Potato Skins with Bacon by Kathryn’s Kitchen Blog
Bavarian Party Dip by Palatable Pastime
Chipotle Bacon Jalapeno Deviled Eggs by Daily Dish Recipes
Fried Spinach Artichoke Cheese Balls by Magical Ingredients
Fried Tortellini by Jolene’s Recipe Journal
Game Day Brownie Bites by Fresh April Flours
Jalapeno Popper Chicken Chili by Hezzi-D’s Books and Cooks
Mexican Pork Skewers by A Day in the Life on the Farm
Oven-Roasted Sauerkraut with Beer by Faith, Hope, Love, & Luck Survive Despite a Whiskered Accomplice
Pulled Pork Sandwiches by Family Around the Table
Slow Cooker Chorizo Queso Dip by Cheese Curd In Paradise
Souper Bowl Chili by Our Good Life
Spinach Dip by The Spiffy Cookie
Walking Tacos by Jen Around the World

OTHER POTATO RECIPES TO TRY

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