Crispy Potato Skins with Bacon (Print Version)

Golden potato shells filled with melted cheddar, crispy bacon, and green onions

# What You'll Need:

→ Potatoes

01 - 4 medium russet potatoes, scrubbed clean

→ Toppings

02 - 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
03 - 4 slices thick-cut bacon
04 - 3 green onions, thinly sliced
05 - 2 tablespoons sour cream, for serving

→ Seasoning

06 - 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
07 - 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
08 - 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

# How to Make It:

01 - Preheat the oven to 400°F. Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.
02 - Prick the potatoes all over with a fork. Rub them with 1 tablespoon olive oil and sprinkle evenly with salt.
03 - Arrange the potatoes on the prepared baking sheet. Bake for 40–45 minutes, until tender when pierced with a knife.
04 - While potatoes bake, cook bacon in a skillet over medium heat until crisp. Drain on paper towels, then crumble into small pieces.
05 - Remove baked potatoes from the oven and let cool for 10 minutes. Reduce oven temperature to 375°F.
06 - Cut each potato in half lengthwise. Using a spoon, carefully scoop out most of the flesh, leaving about 1/4 inch of potato attached to the skin. Reserve scooped potato for another use.
07 - Brush the insides and outsides of the potato skins with remaining olive oil. Place skin-side down on the baking sheet. Bake for 8–10 minutes until crisp and golden.
08 - Sprinkle cheese evenly into each potato skin. Top with crumbled bacon. Return to oven and bake for 5–7 minutes, until cheese is melted and bubbly.
09 - Remove from oven. Garnish with sliced green onions and a dollop of sour cream. Serve immediately while hot.

# Additional Tips::

01 -
  • That moment when the cheese bubbles over the crispy edges and everyone reaches for the same piece
  • The way the smoky bacon hits your nose before you even take a bite
  • They disappear faster than you can say 'pass the sour cream'
02 -
  • Don't skip cooling the potatoes before scooping—burned fingers are not worth it
  • Leaving too much potato inside makes the skins soggy, but too little makes them collapse
  • The second bake at lower temperature is what transforms them from floppy to restaurant-quality crispy
03 -
  • Rub the baked potatoes with a little butter along with the olive oil for extra richness
  • Mix a pinch of paprika or garlic powder into the cheese before sprinkling
Go Back