Dive into the ultimate game-day indulgence with these Loaded Cheesy Bacon Potato Skins! Crispy potato skins are loaded with melty cheddar, salty bacon, and all the classic toppings you crave. This easy-to-make appetizer is a surefire crowd-pleaser that brings big flavor and comfort to any gathering.
Why You’ll Love This Loaded Cheesy Bacon Potato Skins for Game Day
These loaded potato skins are the perfect combination of crispy, creamy, and comforting. The fluffy potato interior is blanketed in gooey, melted cheddar cheese, crispy bacon, and all your favorite toppings like sour cream, chives, and a sprinkle of salt. They’re the ultimate game-day indulgence that’s easy to prepare and sure to satisfy any crowd. Plus, the classic flavors and irresistible textures make these potato skins absolutely craveable.
Ingredients
This recipe keeps the ingredient list simple, using just a handful of kitchen staples to create maximum flavor. You’ll need russet potatoes, olive oil, cheddar cheese, bacon, sour cream, chives, and a few pantry seasonings. The result is a loaded, flavor-packed appetizer that’s impossible to resist.
- 4-6 medium russet potatoes – washed and scrubbed clean
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 6 slices cooked bacon, crumbled
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh chives
Ingredient Substitutions
- Cheese: Swap in different cheeses like Monterey Jack or pepper jack, crumbled feta or blue cheese.
- Toppings: Chopped green onions, diced tomatoes, or even a drizzle of barbecue sauce would also be delicious additions.
How to Make Loaded Cheesy Bacon Potato Skins for Game Day
These loaded potato skins come together in just a few simple steps. With a little prep work and some easy baking, you’ll have a game-day appetizer that’s sure to wow your crowd.
Step 1: Prep Work
Start by baking the potatoes until tender and easily pierced with a fork. Let them cool slightly, then slice them in half lengthwise and scoop out the fluffy interiors, leaving about 1/4 inch of potato flesh attached to the skin.
Step 2: Main Cooking Process
Brush the potato skins with olive oil and season with salt and pepper. Bake until crispy and golden brown. Remove from the oven and load them up with shredded cheddar cheese and crumbled bacon.
Step 3: Final Steps/Assembly
Return the loaded potato skins to the oven and bake until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Top with dollops of cool, creamy sour cream and a sprinkle of fresh chives.
Step 4: Finishing Touches
Serve these loaded cheesy bacon potato skins immediately, while the cheese is still warm and melty. Enjoy them as an appetizer or a game-day snack that’s sure to impress.
Recipe Variations & Tips
- Flavor Boost: For extra flavor, try rubbing the potato skins with garlic powder, onion powder, or even a pinch of cayenne before baking.
- Cheese Swap: You can also get creative with different cheese blends, like cheddar and Parmesan or a Mexican cheese mix.
- Extra Indulgence: Top the loaded skins with crumbled bacon, diced jalapeños, or a drizzle of barbecue sauce.
- Air Fryer Method: You can absolutely make these loaded potato skins in the air fryer. Bake the potato halves until crispy, then top with the cheese and bacon and air fry until melted and hot.
Serving & Storage
Serve with: These loaded cheesy bacon potato skins are best enjoyed as a game-day appetizer or snack, perfect for sharing with friends and family.
Storage: Any leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheat: To reheat, simply place the potato skins in the oven or air fryer until crispy and warm.
Make-Ahead: You can partially prepare the potato skins in advance. Bake and hollow out the potato skins, then store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When ready to serve, simply top with the cheese and bacon and bake until hot and melty.
Nutrition Information
These loaded potato skins are a hearty, indulgent treat, but a little moderation goes a long way. Each serving (2 potato skin halves) contains approximately 280 calories, 16g of fat, 24g of carbs, and 11g of protein. They also provide a good source of vitamins, minerals, and fiber from the potatoes.
- Serving Size: 2 potato skin halves
- Calories: 280 kcal
- Protein: 11 g
- Carbs: 24 g
- Fat: 16 g
- Sodium: 530 mg
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes, you can partially prepare the potato skins in advance. Bake and hollow out the potato skins, then store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When ready to serve, simply top with the cheese and bacon and bake until hot and melty.
Can I use sweet potatoes instead of russet?
Absolutely! Sweet potatoes would also work beautifully in this recipe. The natural sweetness would pair deliciously with the savory bacon and cheese.
How can I make these vegetarian?
For a vegetarian version, simply omit the bacon and use a plant-based cheese alternative. You can also top the loaded potato skins with sautéed mushrooms, roasted veggies, or a drizzle of pesto for extra flavor.
Can I make these in the air fryer?
Yes, you can absolutely make these loaded potato skins in the air fryer. Bake the potato halves until crispy, then top with the cheese and bacon and air fry until melted and hot.
How do I get the potato skins extra crispy?
To achieve super crispy potato skins, make sure to thoroughly dry the potato halves after scooping out the insides. You can also brush them with a bit of extra oil before the initial baking step.
Try These Next
- cheesy bacon jalapeno stuffed pretzel bites for game day
- loaded chicken bacon ranch casserole for game day
- cheesy bacon jalapeno corn fritters for game day gatherings
Loaded Cheesy Bacon Potato Skins for Game Day
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 60 minutes
- Total Time: 75 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Category: 🥨 Appetizers, Snacks & Party Bites
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Loaded Cheesy Bacon Potato Skins are the perfect appetizer for game day! Crispy potato skins topped with gooey cheese, crispy bacon, and fresh green onions make a delicious and satisfying snack.
Ingredients
4 large russet potatoes
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1/2 cup cooked bacon, crumbled
1/4 cup sour cream
2 green onions, sliced
2 tbsp olive oil
Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Wash and scrub the potatoes, then pierce them several times with a fork.
3. Bake the potatoes for about 45-60 minutes, or until tender.
4. Once cooked, let them cool slightly, then cut them in half lengthwise.
5. Scoop out the flesh, leaving about 1/4 inch of potato inside.
6. Brush the insides of the potato skins with olive oil and season with salt and pepper.
7. Place the skins cut side up on a baking sheet and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes until crispy.
8. Remove from the oven and sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese and crumbled bacon into each skin.
9. Return to the oven for another 5-7 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
10. Top with sour cream and sliced green onions before serving.
Notes
For extra flavor, you can add spices like garlic powder or paprika to the potato skins before baking.
Feel free to customize the toppings to include jalapeños, different cheeses, or avocado.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 potato halves
- Calories: 250 kcal
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 400mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 10g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
Keywords: potato skins, appetizers, game day snacks