Loaded Potato Skins with Sour Cream

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When it comes to irresistible appetizers or crowd-pleasing snacks, nothing beats Loaded Potato Skins with Sour Cream. Crispy, golden potato skins topped with gooey cheese, crispy bacon, and dollops of cool, tangy sour cream—this classic comfort food is a hit at any gathering. Perfect for game nights, parties, or even as a fun side dish, these loaded potato skins are easy to make and always deliver big on flavor.

Crispy and Flavorful Potato Skins

Loaded potato skins are a delicious way to turn humble spuds into a gourmet treat. By carefully scooping and crisping the potato shells, then layering them with cheese, bacon, and green onions, you achieve a mouthwatering combination of textures and flavors. The creamy sour cream topping ties it all together for a satisfying bite every time.

Whether you’re looking to impress your guests or treat yourself to something indulgent, these potato skins are guaranteed to disappear from the plate in no time. With a few simple steps and readily available ingredients, you’ll have a winning recipe on your hands!

Ingredients for Loaded Potato Skins with Sour Cream

Creating these indulgent potato skins requires just a few key ingredients that work together to deliver a deliciously satisfying snack. Here’s what you’ll need:

• Russet Potatoes – Choose medium-sized Russet potatoes for their sturdy skins and fluffy interior, perfect for baking and holding the toppings.
• Cheddar Cheese – Shredded cheddar melts beautifully and adds a rich, cheesy flavor to each bite.
• Bacon – Crispy, crumbled bacon provides a smoky, savory element that complements the potatoes perfectly.
• Green Onions – Thinly sliced green onions add a fresh, slightly tangy flavor and a pop of color.
• Sour Cream – A dollop of tangy sour cream on top cools down the richness and completes the dish.
• Olive Oil – Brushing the potato skins with olive oil helps them crisp up beautifully in the oven.
• Salt and Pepper – Simple seasoning brings out the best in the potato and toppings.

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How to Make Loaded Potato Skins with Sour Cream

These loaded potato skins are surprisingly simple to prepare, and the results are worth every step. Here’s how to create them:

Step 1:

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Wash and scrub the potatoes thoroughly, then pat them dry. Pierce each potato several times with a fork to allow steam to escape while baking.

Step 2:

Place the potatoes directly on the oven rack and bake for 45-50 minutes, or until they are tender when pierced with a fork. Remove the potatoes from the oven and let them cool until they are safe to handle.

Step 3:

Cut each potato in half lengthwise. Use a spoon to scoop out most of the potato flesh, leaving about 1/4-inch of potato attached to the skin. Save the scooped-out potato for another use, like mashed potatoes or potato soup.

Step 4:

Brush the potato skins inside and out with olive oil and sprinkle them with salt and pepper. Arrange them on a baking sheet, cut side down, and return to the oven. Bake for 8-10 minutes, then flip them over and bake for another 8-10 minutes, until the skins are golden and crisp.

Step 5:

Remove the potato skins from the oven and sprinkle the insides with shredded cheddar cheese and crumbled bacon. Return to the oven for 5-7 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Step 6:

Take the loaded potato skins out of the oven and top them with a dollop of sour cream and a sprinkle of sliced green onions. Serve immediately and enjoy!

How Long to Bake Loaded Potato Skins

Baking potato skins to crispy perfection involves a two-step baking process. Here’s how to get them just right:

• Initial Baking (Whole Potatoes) – Bake the whole potatoes at 400°F (200°C) for 45-50 minutes, or until they are tender when pierced with a fork.
• Crisping the Skins – After scooping out the flesh, bake the skins for an additional 16-20 minutes (8-10 minutes per side) at the same temperature, until they are golden and crisp.
• Final Bake with Toppings – Once the cheese and bacon are added, return the skins to the oven for 5-7 minutes, just until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

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How to Store Leftovers

If you have any leftovers (unlikely, but possible!), storing and reheating them properly ensures they stay delicious:

• Refrigerator – Place leftover potato skins in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. Reheat in a 375°F (190°C) oven for about 10 minutes to restore their crispiness.
• Freezer – Potato skins can be frozen before adding the sour cream. Arrange them in a single layer on a baking sheet, freeze until solid, and then transfer to a freezer-safe container for up to 1 month. Reheat directly from frozen in a 375°F oven until warmed through.

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Tips for Perfect Loaded Potato Skins

Make your potato skins extra special with these handy tips:

• Choose the Right Potatoes – Russet potatoes are ideal for their sturdy skins and fluffy interior. Avoid waxy potatoes, as their skins are too thin.
• Crisp the Skins – Don’t skip the second bake! This step ensures the skins are crispy and can hold the toppings without getting soggy.
• Save the Scooped Potato – Use the scooped-out potato for mashed potatoes, gnocchi, or even potato pancakes—no waste!
• Customize Toppings – Add your favorite extras like jalapeños for spice, diced tomatoes for freshness, or even avocado slices for a creamy twist.
• Serve Immediately – Loaded potato skins are best enjoyed fresh from the oven for the perfect combination of crispy, cheesy, and creamy.

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