Crispy Potato Skins

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Crispy Potato Skins are the ultimate comfort food appetizer—golden, crunchy, and packed with flavor. Perfect for game days, parties, or snack cravings, these savory skins are loaded with cheese, bacon, and green onions, offering the ideal combination of textures and bold taste in every bite.

ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

russet potatoesolive oilsalt and peppercheddar cheesecooked bacon bitssour creamgreen onions (for garnish)

directions

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with foil.

Scrub the potatoes clean, then pierce them a few times with a fork.

Bake the whole potatoes for 45-50 minutes or until tender. Let them cool slightly.

Slice each potato in half lengthwise and scoop out most of the flesh, leaving a thin layer inside the skins.

Brush both sides of the potato skins with olive oil and season with salt and pepper.

Place them skin-side up on the baking sheet and bake for 10 minutes to crisp.

Flip the skins over, fill with shredded cheddar cheese and bacon bits, and bake for another 5-7 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Remove from the oven and top with sour cream and chopped green onions.

Servings and timing

This recipe yields approximately 8 potato skin halves (serves 4 as an appetizer).
Preparation time: 10 minutes
Baking time: 55-60 minutes
Assembly and final bake: 15 minutes
Total time: 1 hour 20-25 minutes

Variations

Use Monterey Jack or pepper jack cheese for a spicier flavor.
Add chopped jalapeños or hot sauce for heat.
Swap bacon with seasoned black beans for a vegetarian version.
Top with guacamole or salsa instead of sour cream for a twist.

storage/reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Reheat in a 375°F (190°C) oven for 10-12 minutes to regain crispiness.
Avoid microwaving, as it will make the skins soggy.

FAQs

Can I make potato skins ahead of time?
Yes, bake and scoop the potatoes in advance, then refrigerate until ready to fill and finish baking.

Can I freeze potato skins?
Yes, freeze after the first bake (before adding toppings), then bake directly from frozen until heated through and crisp.

Why are my potato skins not crispy?
Make sure to brush them thoroughly with oil and bake them skin-side up first to crisp properly.

What do I do with the scooped-out potato flesh?
Save it for mashed potatoes, potato soup, or potato pancakes.

Do I need to use russet potatoes?
Russets are best for crispiness and structure, but other starchy potatoes can work in a pinch.

Can I air fry these?
Yes, air fry at 400°F (200°C) for about 5-7 minutes after adding toppings for a crispy finish.

Conclusion

Crispy Potato Skins are a crowd-pleasing appetizer that deliver bold flavor and satisfying crunch in every bite. With customizable toppings and easy prep, they’re a go-to option for gatherings or a cozy night in. Once you try them homemade, you’ll never go back to store-bought again.

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