Savor the comfort and joy of homemade Crispy Baked Potato Skins, a delightful appetizer or side dish that brings a touch of casual elegance to any gathering.
These golden, crispy treats are perfect for those who appreciate the cozy warmth of a classic potato dish with a gourmet twist. Ideal for parties, family dinners, or as a savory snack, they are sure to be a hit!
Crispy Baked Potato Skins are a delightful, easy-to-make dish that brings the comfort of home-cooked meals to your table. With their perfect balance of crispiness and savory flavors, they’re a versatile dish that’s sure to become a regular in your recipe repertoire.
Skill Level: Beginner
This recipe is perfect for beginners. It involves basic cooking skills like baking, scooping, and simple seasoning. No advanced techniques or equipment are required, making it a fun and straightforward cooking experience.
Healthy Aspects
Potato skins are rich in fiber, vitamins, and minerals, especially when the skin is retained. Baking instead of deep-frying makes this a healthier option, reducing the fat content significantly.
Time & Servings
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 35 minutes
- Servings: 8
Crispy Baked Potato Skins Recipe
Ingredients
- 4 large baking potatoes (about 900g total)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (30ml)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt (2.5g)
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper (1g)
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder (1g)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (115g)
- 4 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled (about 112g)
- 3 green onions, sliced (30g)
Instructions
- Preheat & Prepare Potatoes: Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Wash potatoes and pierce them with a fork. Bake directly on the oven rack for about 1 hour or until tender.
- Cool & Slice: Allow potatoes to cool slightly. Cut in half lengthwise and scoop out the flesh, leaving a thin layer of potato. (Save the scooped-out potato for another use.)
- Season: Brush the inside and outside of the potato skins with olive oil. Sprinkle with salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
- Bake Again: Place the skins skin-side up on a baking sheet. Bake for 10 minutes.
- Flip them over and bake for another 5 minutes.
This method ensures that both the skin and the inside of the potato skins get evenly crispy and well-cooked. - Add Toppings: Remove from the oven. Sprinkle with cheese and bacon. Return to the oven and bake until the cheese melts, about 5 minutes.
- Garnish & Serve: Garnish with green onions and serve warm.
Best Tips for Perfection
- Scoop carefully: Leave a thin layer of potato for structural integrity and a bit of fluffy texture.
- Oil well: Ensure skins are well-oiled for crispiness.
- Even baking: Place skins in a single layer on the baking sheet.
Optional Ingredients
- Sour cream
- Chopped chives
- Diced tomatoes
- Sautéed mushrooms
- Jalapeños
Serving Suggestions
Serve with sour cream and chives. Great alongside grilled meats, salads, or as a stand-alone snack, with or without dipping sauce. Speaking of which…
Crispy Baked Potato Skins – Dips
Serving dips with Crispy Baked Potato Skins can elevate the dish, adding a delightful layer of flavor and texture. Here are some dip options that pair wonderfully with potato skins:
- Sour Cream and Chive Dip: A classic pairing, the coolness of the sour cream complements the crispy, warm potato skins, while the chives add a fresh, oniony flavor.
- Cheese Sauce: A creamy, cheese-based dip, possibly with a hint of spice, can be an indulgent addition.
- Ranch Dressing: Its creamy and herb-filled flavor profile is a favorite for many and goes well with the savory taste of potato skins.
- Guacamole: For a fresher, more zesty dip option, guacamole adds a creamy texture and rich flavor with a hint of lime and cilantro.
- Salsa: Choose between a chunky tomato salsa for a tangy, fresh taste, or a smoother, spicier salsa for a kick.
- Barbecue Sauce: For those who enjoy a sweet and tangy flavor, barbecue sauce can be a great complement.
- Greek Yogurt Dip: Mix Greek yogurt with herbs and spices for a healthier dip option that doesn’t sacrifice flavor.
- Blue Cheese Dip: A robust and tangy dip that goes well with the bacon in the potato skins.
Each dip offers a unique flavor profile, so you can choose one based on your taste preferences or offer several for a diverse taste experience.
Nutritional Information (per serving)
- Calories: 200
- Fat: 10g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Protein: 8g
Saving Leftovers
Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warm.
Origin and History
Potato skins became popular in the United States during the 1970s as a way to utilize leftover potato skins in restaurants. They quickly became a staple in American casual dining.