Ultimate Loaded Red Potato Skins
Indulge in these Ultimate Loaded Red Potato Skins, a crowd-pleasing appetizer that features crisp potato shells stuffed with a savory mixture of flavors. Perfect for game day gatherings or as a delightful side for dinner, these potato skins are loaded with creamy cheddar cheese, savory bacon, and a hint of fresh scallions, making them irresistible to everyone at the table. Serve with a side of cool sour cream for the ultimate bite of flavor. This recipe yields 30 delicious appetizers or can be halved to serve as a hearty side dish for 4-6 guests. Enjoy the perfect balance of crispy, creamy, and cheesy goodness in every mouthful!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
6
Ingredients
Ingredients
red potatoes
1 1/2 lbs (about 15 small potatoes, washed and dried)
shredded cheddar cheese
1 cup (for stuffing)
mayonnaise
1/2 cup (for creaminess)
scallion
1/2 cup (chopped finely)
bacon
10 slices (cooked crispy and crumbled)
fresh basil leaves
2 tablespoons (chopped, optional for flavor)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2
Wash the red potatoes thoroughly and pat them dry. Arrange them on a large baking sheet.
3
Bake the potatoes for 35-40 minutes, or until they are tender when pierced with a fork. Remove from the oven and allow them to cool slightly until touchable.
4
Once cooled, carefully cut each potato in half lengthwise. To ensure they stand upright, cut a thin slice from the bottom of each half to create a stable base.
5
Using a small spoon or a melon baller, gently scoop out most of the potato flesh, leaving approximately a 1/4 inch shell for support. Place the scooped-out flesh in a medium mixing bowl and set the potato skins aside.
6
To the bowl with the reserved potato pulp, lightly mash it with a fork. Then stir in the shredded cheddar cheese, mayonnaise, chopped scallions, crumbled bacon, and chopped fresh basil if using. Mix until well combined.
7
Generously spoon the potato mixture back into the prepared potato skins, ensuring each shell is filled to the top.
8
Return the filled potato skins to the baking sheet and place them under the broiler for about 3-5 minutes, or until the tops are golden and bubbling. Keep a close eye on them to prevent burning.
9
Remove from the oven and let them cool slightly before serving. Pair with sour cream or your favorite dipping sauce.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Ultimate Loaded Red Potato Skins?
Ultimate Loaded Red Potato Skins are a crowd-pleasing appetizer featuring crisp potato shells filled with cheddar cheese, bacon, and scallions.
How many potato skins does this recipe yield?
This recipe yields approximately 30 delicious individual appetizers.
What type of potatoes should I use?
This recipe specifically uses about 1 1/2 lbs of small red potatoes (roughly 15 potatoes).
How do I prepare the potatoes for baking?
Wash the red potatoes thoroughly and pat them dry before arranging them on a large baking sheet.
What is the oven temperature for the initial bake?
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) to bake the potatoes.
How long do the potatoes need to bake?
Bake the potatoes for 35-40 minutes, or until they are tender when pierced with a fork.
How do I make the potato skins stand upright?
To ensure they stand upright, cut a thin slice from the bottom of each potato half to create a stable base.
How much potato flesh should be scooped out?
Gently scoop out the flesh leaving approximately a 1/4 inch shell for support.
What is the base of the filling mixture?
The filling uses the reserved potato pulp, mashed lightly and mixed with other ingredients.
What makes the potato filling creamy?
Mayonnaise is added to the potato pulp to create a creamy and savory filling.
What kind of cheese is recommended?
Shredded cheddar cheese is recommended for the stuffing.
How should the bacon be prepared?
The bacon should be cooked until crispy and then crumbled before being added to the filling.
Are there any optional ingredients for flavor?
Yes, you can add 2 tablespoons of chopped fresh basil leaves for extra flavor.
How do I fill the potato skins?
Generously spoon the potato and cheese mixture back into the shells, ensuring each is filled to the top.
What is the final cooking step?
Return the filled skins to the baking sheet and place them under the broiler until golden.
How long should I broil the potato skins?
Broil them for about 3-5 minutes, watching closely to prevent burning.
What should I serve with these potato skins?
Pair them with a side of cool sour cream or your favorite dipping sauce.
Can these be served as a side dish?
Yes, they can be served as a hearty side dish for 4-6 guests if the recipe is halved.
Is this recipe suitable for game day?
Absolutely, these loaded potato skins are a perfect appetizer for game day gatherings.
How many ingredients are required?
This recipe requires 6 main ingredients: red potatoes, cheddar cheese, mayonnaise, scallions, bacon, and optional basil.
What are the tags for this recipe?
Tags include potato skins, appetizer, loaded potatoes, bacon, cheesy, snack, party food, and easy recipes.
How do I avoid burning the skins under the broiler?
Keep a close eye on the potatoes during the 3-5 minutes they are under the broiler to prevent burning.
Should the potatoes be cooled before cutting?
Yes, allow them to cool slightly until they are touchable before cutting them in half.
What tool is best for scooping the potato?
A small spoon or a melon baller works best for gently scooping out the potato flesh.
Can I use larger potatoes?
While this recipe specifies small red potatoes, you could use larger ones, but baking times and yields will vary.
What is the texture of the finished skins?
The finished skins are crispy on the outside with a creamy, cheesy, and savory filling.
How do I prepare the scallions?
The scallions should be chopped finely before being stirred into the filling.
Can I make these ahead of time?
You can bake and scoop the potatoes ahead of time, then fill and broil them just before serving.
How should I store leftovers?
Leftovers should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator and reheated until crispy.
Are these potato skins difficult to make?
No, this is considered an easy recipe that results in a high-quality party snack.