Savory Cheesy Baked Potato Skins
Transform your leftover baked potatoes into a delicious snack or light lunch with these Savory Cheesy Baked Potato Skins! Perfectly crispy and loaded with a creamy cheese and bacon filling, these potato skins are easy to make and bursting with flavor. Ideal for using up leftover taters, these delightful bites are perfect for parties, game days, or a tasty midweek treat. With just five simple ingredients and minimal prep time, you can whip up a batch of these irresistible potato skins that will satisfy any craving.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
5
Ingredients
Ingredients
Baked potatoes
4 (Cooled, cut into quarters and 1/2 inch of flesh scooped out)
Cream cheese
4 ounces (Softened)
Bacon bits
1/4 cup (None)
Cheddar cheese
3/4 cup (Shredded)
Red pepper flakes
1 teaspoon (None)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2
Carefully cut the cooled baked potatoes into quarters lengthwise. Use a spoon to scoop out the insides, leaving about 1/2 inch of flesh attached to the skin. Reserve the scooped-out potato for another recipe, such as mashed potatoes or potato soup.
3
In a mixing bowl, combine the cream cheese, shredded cheddar cheese, bacon bits, and red pepper flakes. Mix thoroughly until the ingredients are well blended into a thick filling.
4
Using a spoon or spatula, generously press the cheese and bacon mixture onto each potato skin, ensuring an even layer.
5
Place the stuffed potato skins on a baking sheet and bake in the preheated oven for 15 minutes. Then, switch to the broil setting and toast the tops for an additional 3-5 minutes, or until they are golden brown and bubbly, keeping a close eye to prevent burning.
6
Note that cooking time may vary depending on whether the potatoes have been stored in the refrigerator prior to baking.
7
For make-ahead convenience, you can wrap the prepared skins tightly in plastic wrap or vacuum seal them and store in the freezer. To reheat, place them in a toaster oven for 5-7 minutes—perfect for feeding hungry teenagers or entertaining at a Super Bowl party!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Savory Cheesy Baked Potato Skins?
They are a delicious snack or light lunch made by filling leftover baked potato skins with a creamy mixture of cheese, bacon, and spices, then baking them until crispy.
What ingredients do I need for this recipe?
You will need 4 baked potatoes, 4 ounces of softened cream cheese, 1/4 cup of bacon bits, 3/4 cup of shredded cheddar cheese, and 1 teaspoon of red pepper flakes.
What temperature should the oven be set to?
The oven should be preheated to 400 degrees Fahrenheit or 200 degrees Celsius.
How should I cut the baked potatoes?
Once the baked potatoes have cooled, carefully cut them into quarters lengthwise.
How much potato should I scoop out?
Use a spoon to scoop out the insides, leaving approximately 1/2 inch of potato flesh attached to the skin.
What can I do with the leftover scooped-out potato?
The reserved potato flesh can be used for other recipes such as mashed potatoes or potato soup.
How do I make the cheesy filling?
In a mixing bowl, thoroughly blend the softened cream cheese, shredded cheddar cheese, bacon bits, and red pepper flakes into a thick filling.
How do I apply the filling to the skins?
Using a spoon or spatula, generously press the cheese and bacon mixture onto each potato skin in an even layer.
How long do the potato skins need to bake?
Bake the stuffed skins on a baking sheet for 15 minutes.
Is there a final step after baking?
Yes, switch the oven to the broil setting and toast the tops for an additional 3 to 5 minutes until they are golden brown and bubbly.
Why might my cooking time vary?
Cooking time may vary depending on if the potatoes were stored in the refrigerator prior to being baked.
Can I make these potato skins ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the skins, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap or vacuum seal them, and store them in the freezer.
What is the best way to reheat frozen potato skins?
Place them in a toaster oven for 5 to 7 minutes until heated through.
How many total potato skins does this recipe make?
Using 4 baked potatoes cut into quarters will yield 16 individual potato skins.
Are these potato skins spicy?
The recipe includes 1 teaspoon of red pepper flakes, which adds a mild savory heat.
What kind of cheese is best for this recipe?
This recipe specifically calls for shredded cheddar cheese for the best flavor and melt.
Do I need to soften the cream cheese?
Yes, softening the cream cheese allows it to mix thoroughly with the other ingredients into a smooth, thick filling.
Can I use real bacon instead of bacon bits?
Yes, you can substitute 1/4 cup of cooked, crumbled bacon for the bacon bits.
What occasions are these good for?
They are perfect for parties, game days, Super Bowl celebrations, or as a midweek treat.
Is this a good way to use leftover potatoes?
Absolutely, this recipe is specifically designed to transform leftover baked potatoes into something new and delicious.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
This is a simple five-ingredient recipe.
Can these be a light lunch?
Yes, they are filling enough to serve as a snack or a light lunch.
How do I ensure the tops are bubbly?
The broiling step at the end is crucial for getting the cheese topping golden brown and bubbly.
Should I keep an eye on them while broiling?
Yes, keep a close eye on the potato skins while broiling to prevent the cheese from burning.
Are these suitable for teenagers?
Yes, they are described as a perfect snack for feeding hungry teenagers.
What tools do I need for the filling?
You will need a mixing bowl and a spoon or spatula to combine and apply the mixture.
Can I vacuum seal these?
Yes, vacuum sealing the prepared skins is a great way to store them in the freezer for later use.
What type of baking dish should I use?
A standard baking sheet is all you need to cook these in the oven.
Is this recipe quick to prepare?
Yes, it requires minimal prep time and only about 20 minutes of total cooking time.
How should I handle the potatoes when cutting?
Make sure the potatoes are cooled before cutting so they hold their shape and are safe to handle.