Ultimate Loaded Potato Skins Appetizer

Crispy, golden, and piled high with melty cheese and all the fixings loaded baked potato skins are the kind of comfort food that never goes out of style. Whether you’re prepping an easy appetizer for a get-together or adding a flavorful side to dinner, this recipe delivers all the savory satisfaction without the fuss.

Bonus: You can save the scooped-out potato centers for creamy mashed potatoes later in the week, making this recipe both delicious and resourceful.

Why You’ll Love These Potato Skins

This take on the classic bar snack brings big flavor with simple ingredients. It’s also naturally gluten-free and can be customized to your dietary preferences. Here’s what makes these baked potato skins so crave-worthy:

• Crisp texture without deep frying

• Cheesy topping with melty Cheddar goodness

• Endlessly customizable with toppings like sour cream, chives, and crumbled bacon

• Zero waste Save the potato flesh for another dish

Ingredients

• 4 large russet potatoes (about 3 pounds), scrubbed clean

• 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil

• ½ teaspoon salt

• ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper

• ½ cup shredded Cheddar cheese

• Optional toppings: sour cream, chopped chives, crumbled cooked bacon

Directions

1. Prep the Potatoes
   Prick each potato several times with a fork and place on a microwave-safe plate. Microwave on high for 5 minutes. Turn the potatoes and microwave for another 8 to 10 minutes until they’re soft.

2. Preheat the Broiler
   Set your broiler to high and line a large rimmed baking sheet with foil for easy cleanup.

3. Scoop and Season
   Carefully cut the hot potatoes in half lengthwise. Using a spoon, scoop out the flesh leaving a ¼-inch thick border. (Save the potato centers for mashed potatoes or soup.)

4. Crisp the Skins
   Brush both sides of each potato skin with olive oil and sprinkle with salt and pepper. Place on the prepared baking sheet. Broil, turning occasionally, for 8 to 10 minutes or until the skins are crisp and golden.

5. Add the Cheese
   Flip the skins so the hollow side faces up. Top each with about 1 tablespoon of shredded Cheddar. Return to the broiler for 1 to 2 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

6. Garnish and Serve
   Serve immediately, topped with sour cream, chives, and bacon if desired.

Tips for Perfect Potato Skins

• Use russet potatoes: Their thicker skins crisp up beautifully.

• Don’t skip the broil: It’s the key to getting that restaurant-style crunch.

• Get creative: Try swapping Cheddar for Monterey Jack or topping with avocado slices, salsa, or jalapeños for a spicier twist.

Nutrition Note

While loaded potato skins are often seen as indulgent, this homemade version gives you control over the ingredients. Using olive oil instead of butter and moderate cheese keeps things lighter, and the potassium and fiber from the potato skin make each bite a little more nutritious.

The Bottom Line

Loaded baked potato skins are the ultimate versatile dish simple enough for weeknight snacking, satisfying enough for game day, and endlessly adaptable. Serve them fresh out of the oven with your favorite toppings for a warm, crispy bite that everyone will love.

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