She Strengthens

The Ultimate Loaded Potato Skins Recipe

Are you ready to elevate your snack game? Look no further! Crispy potato skins loaded with bacon, cheese, and a hint of freshness are the perfect treat for any occasion.

Selecting the Perfect Potatoes

When shopping for potatoes, opt for 5-pound bags, as they tend to be smaller in size than loose potatoes. Be sure to avoid green-spotted or sprouted potatoes, as they contain the bitter toxin solanine.

Getting Started

This recipe yields 16 delicious loaded potato skins and can be prepared in just 1 hour and 30 minutes. With an easy difficulty level, anyone can master this dish!

Ingredients

• 8 (3-inch-long) russet potatoes (about 2 1/4 pounds), scrubbed and thoroughly dried
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter (1/4 stick), melted
• Kosher salt
• Freshly ground black pepper
• 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese (about 4 ounces)
• 5 to 6 slices cooked, crumbled bacon
• 1/3 cup sour cream
• 2 tablespoons finely chopped fresh chives

Baking the Potatoes

Preheat your oven to 400°F and arrange a rack in the middle. Pierce each potato several times with a fork or sharp knife. Place the potatoes directly on the oven rack and bake until the skins are crisp and a knife easily pierces the potatoes, about 50 minutes.

Preparing the Skins

Transfer the potatoes to a wire rack until cool enough to handle, about 10 minutes. Set the oven to broil. Slice each potato in half lengthwise. Using a spoon, scoop out the flesh, leaving about 1/4 inch intact; reserve the flesh for another use.

Adding the Finishing Touches

Brush the insides of the potatoes with the melted butter and season with salt and pepper. Flip the potatoes over, brush the skin sides with butter, and season with salt and pepper. Evenly space the potato halves skin-side up on a baking sheet and broil until the butter foams and the skins start to crisp, about 2 to 3 minutes.

The Final Assembly

Flip the potato halves over and broil until the top edges just start to brown, about 2 to 3 minutes more. Evenly fill each skin with cheese and crumbled bacon. Place in the broiler and broil until the cheese is melted and bubbling, about 4 to 5 minutes. Remove from the broiler and top each with 1 teaspoon of the sour cream and a sprinkling of the chives. Serve immediately and enjoy!