Loaded cheesy potato skins are a favorite staple for the Super Bowl, or just about any casual family gathering, and it’s an appetizer my husband looks forward to more than the actual game! They are like a salted potato boat filled with crisp bacon and melted gooey cheddar and are so good dipped in sour cream or our homemade ranch dressing. They’re really easy to make, and you only need four ingredients! This recipe is one of our favorite Super Bowl Recipes. Be sure to check out our full list of recipes for the big game. You’ll find all kinds of saucy meats, savory appetizer recipes, sweet treats, and delicious dips. Everything you could possibly need to host the Super Bowl or any tailgate/sports-watching party!
Easy Cheesy Potato Skins Ingredients
Making loaded cheesy potato skins is an easy and fun task! This recipe comes together with a few simple steps using delicious ingredients. Everyone loves cheese and bacon then add it to the potatoes and you have a delicious appetizer or snack that everyone enjoys!
Potatoes – Pick up medium russet potatoes and wash them but leave the skin on them. Olive oil – This will help crisp up the potato skin and bake the inside a softer potato whereas the outside is crisp and flavorful. Cheddar cheese – Preshredded or a brick of sharp cheddar cheese will melt over top in the oven. Bacon – You can cook up your own bacon, or buy it pre-cooked and crumbled from the grocery store, but steer clear of those tough bacon bits. Butter – The melted butter is brushed over the potatoes to soften and crisp the skin while broiling. Salt – Sprinkle the salt on the potato leaving a balance of flavors but also giving a crispy and salty outer layer. Chives – Garnish on top with a little greenery and spice!
How to Make Loaded Potato Skins
These potatoes don’t take long to make and are a simple recipe that comes together quickly. Simply, bake potatoes, scoop out the inside, then broil the cheese and bacon. Combined it is layers of deliciousness!
Tips for the Best Loaded Potato Skins
Sometimes picking and choosing the best ingredients makes all the difference in some recipes and this is one of those recipes! From cooking raw bacon, using the right cheese, and how to shred the cheese, plus making the skin extra crispy are all great tips and how to make the best loaded cheesy potato skins!
Cooking bacon – If cooking raw bacon at home, simply place bacon slices onto a foil-lined baking sheet. Bake at 400 degrees for 20 to 25 minutes until done. Serving size – This recipe does not have exact measurements because you can do as much or as little as you like of these. If I fill up a cookie sheet-sized pan with these, I usually use a dozen russet potatoes, a package of bacon, and a pound of shredded cheddar cheese. Crispy potato skins – If you use melted butter or baking shortening to rub on the potato skins, the skins become crisper and withhold their shape while broiling. They don’t crack as much and usually have an extra buttery flavoring. Shed the Cheese – It tastes a lot better if you get a block of cheese and shred it yourself as opposed to getting the pre-shredded cheese. The pre-shredded cheese is floured to keep from sticking with sometimes can really take away from the flavor. It also doesn’t have the best melty cheese appearance. Tillamook cheese – I prefer Tillamook cheese to every other brand I have tried. It’s creamier and better tasting, and they let their cheese age naturally instead of genetically trying to make it age faster, and you can really taste the difference. Top it Off – Experiment with various toppings like jalapenos, diced tomatoes, blue cheese crumbles, or sautéed onions. See more great ideas and variations below. Perfect Pairings – Pair with your sour cream or your favorite dipping sauce, such as ranch dressing or BBQ sauce
Tasty Variations
There are countless topping ideas to make potato skins unique and flavorful. Here are some creative options: Feel free to mix and match ingredients to come up with your signature loaded potato skin creation! Do you have a favorite way of making potato skins? Let us know in the comments below!
More Potato Side Dishes
If you love potatoes as much as we do you should definitely try some of these other potato sides!
Parmesan Crusted Potatoes
Baked Sweet Potato Halves
Loaded Potato Wedges
Parmesan Garlic Grilled Potatoes
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