Crispy Loaded Potato Skins

These crispy loaded potato skins are a game day classic for a reason. The potatoes bake up tender on the inside, then get brushed with a seasoned butter and baked again until perfectly golden and crunchy. They’re filled with melty sharp cheddar, crispy bacon, and finished with sour cream and scallions for the ultimate bite.

They’re easy to prep ahead, easy to serve, and always one of the first things gone at any gathering — whether it’s game day, movie night, or feeding a hungry crowd.

Crispy Loaded Potato Skins

Ingredients

For the Potatoes
• 8 small russet potatoes
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 2 teaspoons kosher salt

For the Potato Skins
• 3 tablespoons butter, melted
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
• ¼ teaspoon onion powder
• ¼ teaspoon smoked paprika

For the Filling
• 8 ounces sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
• 8 slices bacon, cooked crispy and crumbled
• Sour cream, for serving
• Thinly sliced scallions, for serving

Instructions
1. Bake the Potatoes
Preheat oven to 400°F.
Wash the potatoes well, pat dry, and place on a baking sheet.
2. Season
Pierce each potato several times with a fork.
Brush with olive oil and sprinkle evenly with salt.
3. Bake Until Tender
Bake for 30–60 minutes, depending on size, until a knife slides in easily.
Remove from oven and let cool until easy to handle.
4. Make the Butter Mixture
In a small bowl, mix melted butter, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and smoked paprika.
5. Scoop the Potatoes
Cut each potato in half lengthwise.
Scoop out the centers, leaving about ¼ inch of potato in each skin.
6. Crisp the Skins
Place potato skins cut-side down on the baking sheet.
Brush the outside with half of the butter mixture.
Bake for 8 minutes.
7. Flip & Crisp Again
Flip the potato skins cut-side up.
Brush the inside with the remaining butter mixture.
Bake for another 8 minutes, until golden and crispy around the edges.
8. Add the Filling
Fill each potato skin with shredded cheese and crumbled bacon.
Return to oven and bake for 5 minutes, just until the cheese is melted.
9. Serve
Serve immediately with sour cream and sliced scallions, if desired.

Tip

You can bake the potatoes ahead of time and finish crisping and filling the skins right before serving — perfect for game day or entertaining.

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