Crispy Cheesy Bacon Potato Skins
Elevate your snack game with these deliciously crispy potato skins, reminiscent of your favorite restaurant treats! Perfectly baked and filled with gooey cheddar cheese, savory bacon bits, and topped with fresh green onions, these potato skins make for an irresistible addition to any gathering—be it a lively football party or a cozy movie night at home. Why stop at just one when you can enjoy a platter of these satisfying delights? Get ready for them to disappear in no time!
N/A
Servings
438
Calories
6
Ingredients
Ingredients
potatoes
8 (cleaned and pierced)
vegetable oil
1 1/3 cups (for frying)
shredded cheddar cheese
11 ounces (for filling)
bacon bits
3 tablespoons (for topping)
sour cream
16 ounces (for serving)
green onions
2 (chopped for garnish)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a 9x13-inch baking pan.
2
Pierce each potato several times with a fork to allow steam to escape. Microwave the potatoes on high for about 10 to 12 minutes or until they are tender all the way through.
3
Let the potatoes cool slightly, then cut each potato in half vertically. Carefully scoop out the flesh, leaving about 1/4 inch of potato flesh on the skin to hold its shape.
4
In a deep fryer or a deep saucepan, heat the vegetable oil to 365°F (180°C). Fry the empty potato shells in the hot oil for about 5 minutes, or until they turn golden brown and crispy. Use a slotted spoon to transfer them to a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess oil.
5
Arrange the crispy potato skins in the prepared baking pan. Generously fill each shell with shredded cheddar cheese and sprinkle with bacon bits.
6
Bake the assembled potato skins in the preheated oven for 7 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbling and melted.
7
Remove from the oven and top with chopped green onions. Serve immediately with a side of sour cream for dipping. Enjoy!
Nutrition Information
30g
Fat
30g
Carbs
15g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Crispy Cheesy Bacon Potato Skins?
They are restaurant-style crispy potato shells filled with melted cheddar cheese and savory bacon bits, topped with fresh green onions and served with sour cream.
How many potatoes do I need for this recipe?
The recipe requires 8 cleaned and pierced potatoes.
What is the recommended oven temperature?
Preheat your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit (190 degrees Celsius).
How do I prepare the potatoes before cooking?
Each potato should be pierced several times with a fork to allow steam to escape while cooking.
How long should I microwave the potatoes?
Microwave the potatoes on high for approximately 10 to 12 minutes or until they are tender.
How much potato flesh should I leave in the skin?
Carefully scoop out the flesh leaving about 1/4 inch of potato on the skin to maintain its shape.
What type of oil is used for frying?
The recipe calls for 1 1/3 cups of vegetable oil.
What temperature should the frying oil reach?
Heat the vegetable oil to a temperature of 365 degrees Fahrenheit (180 degrees Celsius).
How long do I fry the empty potato shells?
Fry the empty shells in hot oil for about 5 minutes or until they are golden brown and crispy.
How much cheddar cheese is needed?
You will need 11 ounces of shredded cheddar cheese for the filling.
How much bacon is used for the topping?
The recipe uses 3 tablespoons of bacon bits.
What is the baking time for the assembled potato skins?
Bake the filled potato skins for about 7 minutes or until the cheese is bubbling.
What dipping sauce is recommended?
These potato skins are best served with a side of sour cream for dipping.
How many green onions should I use?
Use 2 chopped green onions as a garnish.
What size baking pan should I use?
A lightly greased 9x13-inch baking pan is required.
How many calories are in this recipe?
There are 438 calories in a serving of these potato skins.
What is the fat content of this dish?
The dish contains 30 grams of fat per serving.
How many carbohydrates are in these potato skins?
There are 30 grams of carbohydrates per serving.
How much protein do these potato skins provide?
Each serving provides 15 grams of protein.
Can I serve these for a football party?
Yes, these are an ideal appetizer for football parties, game days, or movie nights.
How should I drain the oil after frying?
Transfer the fried shells to a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess oil.
Why do I need to pierce the potatoes with a fork?
Piercing the potatoes allows steam to escape, preventing them from bursting while in the microwave.
When should I add the green onions?
The green onions should be added as a fresh topping after the skins are removed from the oven.
How much sour cream is suggested for serving?
The recipe suggests 16 ounces of sour cream for serving.
What color should the potato skins be after frying?
They should be golden brown and have a crispy texture.
Are these served hot?
Yes, they should be served immediately while the cheese is still hot and melted.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are a total of 6 main ingredients used in this recipe.
Can I use real bacon instead of bacon bits?
Yes, while the recipe lists bacon bits, you can use cooked and crumbled real bacon as a delicious substitute.
Is this a good snack for groups?
Absolutely, these potato skins make an irresistible platter for any group gathering.
How do I cut the potatoes for the skins?
Once they have cooled slightly, cut each potato in half vertically before scooping out the center.