Crispy Potato Skins with Bacon (Printable)

Crispy baked potato halves topped with melted cheddar, bacon, and green onions

# What You Need:

→ Potatoes

01 - 4 medium russet potatoes, scrubbed clean

→ Toppings

02 - 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (approximately 4 ounces)
03 - 4 slices bacon, cut into pieces
04 - 3 green onions, thinly sliced
05 - 2 tablespoons sour cream for serving (optional)

→ Seasoning

06 - 2 tablespoons olive oil
07 - 1/2 teaspoon salt
08 - 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

# Steps:

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

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • They transform humble ingredients into something people crowd around at parties
  • The double bake creates that irresistible contrast between crispy skin and soft, cheesy interior
02 -
  • Scooping too aggressively will tear the skins, so leave enough potato flesh attached for structure
  • Letting the potatoes cool before handling makes the scooping process much less frustrating
03 -
  • Rubbing the skins with oil instead of brushing gives you more even coverage and better crispness
  • Reserve the scooped potato flesh for mashed potatoes or potato soup the next day
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