The Best Homemade Potato Skins Recipe
What You’ll Love About This Recipe
Making homemade potato skins is a fun and rewarding kitchen adventure that everyone will enjoy. With crispy potato shells, gooey cheese, and your favorite toppings, these treats are perfect for game day or a cozy night in.
- Customizable: You can top them with bacon, sour cream, or even jalapeños—whatever suits your taste buds.
- Easy to Make: Just a few simple steps and basic ingredients are all you need.
- Crowd-Pleaser: Whether it’s a party or a family snack, these potato skins are always a hit.
Recipe
Crispy and cheesy homemade potato skins are a crowd-pleasing appetizer or snack, featuring golden potato halves topped with melted cheese, crispy bacon, and green onions. These are perfect for game day or any gathering.
Ingredients:
- 4 medium-sized russet potatoes
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 6 slices cooked bacon, crumbled
- 2 green onions, sliced
- Sour cream (optional, for serving)
Instructions:
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Scrub the potatoes clean and pat them dry. Poke several holes in each potato with a fork.
- Brush the potatoes with olive oil and sprinkle with salt and pepper. Place them directly on the oven rack and bake for 45-60 minutes, or until tender.
- Remove the potatoes from the oven and let them cool slightly. Cut each potato in half lengthwise. Scoop out the flesh, leaving about a 1/4-inch thick shell. Reserve the scooped-out potato for another use.
- Brush the inside and outside of the potato skins with olive oil. Place them skin-side down on a baking sheet and bake for 10 minutes.
- Flip the skins over and fill each with shredded cheddar cheese and crumbled bacon. Return to the oven for 5-7 minutes, or until the cheese is melted.
- Remove from the oven, sprinkle with green onions, and serve with sour cream if desired.
Notes:
- For extra crispiness, broil the potato skins for 1-2 minutes after adding the cheese.
- Customize toppings with jalapeños, guacamole, or salsa.
Equipment:
- Baking sheet
- Fork
- Pastry brush
Time:
Prep time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 75 minutes
Cuisine: American
Serving: 8 potato skins
Nutrition
Potato skins are a delicious snack that can be made at home with simple ingredients. Here’s the nutritional breakdown for a typical serving.
| Nutrient | Amount per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 220 |
| Total Fat | 12g |
| Saturated Fat | 6g |
| Cholesterol | 25mg |
| Sodium | 380mg |
| Total Carbs | 22g |
| Dietary Fiber | 2g |
| Sugars | 1g |
| Protein | 7g |
What To Serve With It
When I make homemade potato skins, I love pairing them with a variety of dips, like sour cream, guacamole, or even a spicy ranch. For sides, I usually go with a fresh garden salad or some grilled veggies to keep things balanced. If you’re feeling extra, adding nachos or buffalo wings can turn it into a fun, party-style spread.
Dip Options
A great dip can take your potato skins from tasty to irresistible, and I’ve got a few favorites that never disappoint. A warm cheese dip, melted with a mix of cheddar and cream cheese, is my go-to—it’s rich, creamy, and clings perfectly to every bite. For something lighter, I love a cool dollop of sour cream, maybe with a sprinkle of chives or a dash of hot sauce for kick. If I’m feeling fancy, I’ll mix sour cream with ranch seasoning or garlic powder. These dips are simple but make all the difference, turning each crispy skin into a flavor-packed treat.
Side Dishes
Now that we’ve covered dips, let’s talk about what else to serve with these crispy potato skins. I love pairing them with a fresh green salad—it balances the richness of the cheese variations. If you’re craving something heartier, try grilled chicken or smoky BBQ ribs; their bold flavors complement the potato skins perfectly. For a lighter option, roasted veggies like bell peppers or zucchini, cooked using simple cooking methods, add color and crunch. And don’t forget a side of tangy coleslaw—it cuts through the cheesiness. Mix and match these sides to create your ideal meal!
