Potato Skins (2024)

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Potato Skins (2)Erin Clarke

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Crispy Potato Skins are the quintessential game day appetizer; the perfect combination of carbs, melty cheese, and smoky bacon. My recipe is baked in the oven, but you’ll still get that super crisp shell that makes them irresistible!

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Why You’ll Love This Loaded Potato Skins Recipe

  • A Go-To for Parties. Game day, tailgate, barbecue—it’s time to call in some of my favorite snacks and appetizer recipes. We must have potato skins, Loaded Baked Potato Dip, and Air Fryer Chicken Wings. (Brie Bites, I do adore you, but when it comes to sports or grilling, you just aren’t the vibe.)
  • An Unexpected Hit for Weeknight Dinners. Crispy baked potato skins are easy to hold, completely delicious, and beloved by kids and adults alike. So why not serve them up on a weeknight too?! I love making this recipe as a side for Air Fryer Chicken Legs.
  • No Deep Frying Needed. I skip the deep fryer because the broiler does a fantastic job crisping up the skins.
  • Totally Customizable. The toppings are yours for the showering. Bacon, sour cream (or my fave, Greek yogurt), chives—or switch things up and make your own creations. Load ‘em to your heart’s content.
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5 Star Review

“These are delicious. A major hit for our game day party!”

— Larry —

How to Make Potato Skins

The Ingredients

  • Potatoes. Good ol’ russet potatoes (also called Idaho potatoes) are the best potatoes for making potato skins because their skin is the heartiest and can hold up to our loaded filling.
  • Sharp Cheddar Cheese. The cheddar can be swapped for any smooth melting cheese you enjoy. Try pepper jack, gouda for a gourmet spin, or do a mix.
  • Smoked Paprika + Garlic Powder + Cayenne. The spices add a subtle smokiness and kick that makes the potatoes more interesting (and addictive).
  • Melted Butter. A brush across the surface prior to baking gives these potato skins a touch of decadence.
  • Bacon. An ultimate loaded baked potato skin wouldn’t be the same without it! Crisp Oven Baked Bacon and Air Fryer Bacon are my favorite ways to cook bacon, no skillet needed. (Omit the bacon for vegetarian potato skins, or use a plant-based bacon.)
  • Plain Greek Yogurt. My nutritious swap for a dollop of sour cream.
  • Green Onions or Chives. For a flourish of color, bite, and loaded potato vibes.

The Directions

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  1. Bake the Potatoes. Scrub and dry the potatoes with paper towels. Bake the potatoes till tender.
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  1. Halve the Potatoes. Split them in half lengthwise and spoon out the insides of the potatoes.
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  1. Scoop the Skins. Leave a thin wall of flesh inside each potato skin; reserve the flesh for another use.
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  1. Top. Brush the insides with the butter mixture and spices. Pile on the cheese and bacon.
  2. Bake. Broil potato skins for 3 to 4 minutes, until the cheese is golden and bubbly. Load them up with any remaining toppings. ENJOY!
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Recipe Variations

  • Taco Potato Skins. Add cooked, seasoned ground beef (a.k.a. taco meat), tomatoes, lettuce, and Guacamole!
  • Chili Potato Skins. Use your leftover Turkey Chili, then add Greek yogurt and chives!
  • Pizza Potato Skins. Top with marinara sauce, mozzarella cheese and pepperoni, or your pizza toppings of choice.
  • Air Fryer Potato Skins. Arrange them in a single layer in your air fryer basket. Air fry at 400 degrees F and check them periodically. Note that you’ll need to cook them in batches. (For another air fryer potato recipe, don’t miss my Air Fryer Potato Wedges.)
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What to Serve with Cheesy Potato Skins

Recipe Tips and Tricks

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Potato Skins

5 from 10 votes

These easy baked crispy potato skins are loaded with ALL the good stuff. Melty cheese, smoky bacon, and green onions – yes please!

Prep: 10 minutes mins

Cook: 1 hour hr

Total: 1 hour hr 30 minutes mins

Servings: 8 stuffed potato skins

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Ingredients

  • 4 small/medium russet (Idaho) potatoes
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 3/4 teaspoon kosher salt divided
  • 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
  • Pinch cayenne pepper or black pepper
  • 2 tablespoons melted unsalted butter
  • 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese.
  • 3 slices bacon cooked and crumbled*
  • 2/3 cup plain Greek yogurt I used non-fat
  • 1/3 cup chopped green onions or 3 tablespoons chopped fresh chives

Instructions

  • Bake the potatoes: Preheat the oven to 425 degrees F. Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil or broiler-safe parchment paper. Scrub and dry the potatoes. Pierce all over with a fork, then rub with oil and ½ teaspoon salt. Bake for 25 minutes, flip, then continue baking for 15 to 25 minutes more (40 to 50 minutes total), until the potatoes pierce easily with a fork. Let rest until cool enough to handle, about 15 minutes. (You also can skip the oven and cook oven Baked Potatoes, Crock Pot Baked Potatoes, or Air Fryer Baked Potatoes).

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  • Halve the potatoes lengthwise, then scoop out the flesh, leaving a thin 1/4- to 1/2-inch thick shell. Reserve the flesh for another use, such as mashed potatoes or soup. Return the potatoes to the baking sheet, flesh-side up. Position a rack in the upper third of your oven and turn the oven to broil

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  • While the potatoes bake, in a small bowl, stir together the remaining 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt, smoked paprika, garlic powder, and cayenne.

  • Brush the insides of the scooped potatoes with melted butter. Sprinkle with the seasoning mixture. Sprinkle evenly with the cheddar cheese, then bacon.

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  • Return the potatoes to the oven. Broil for 3 to 4 minutes, until the cheese is golden and bubbly. Transfer to a serving plate. Top each with a dollop of Greek yogurt and a sprinkle of green onions.

Video

Notes

  • *To easily and neatly cook the bacon, try Oven Baked Bacon or Air Fryer Bacon.
  • TO STORE. These are best enjoyed the day they are made but can be refrigerated (without the Greek yogurt and chives) for 1 to 2 days.
  • TO REHEAT. Place the potato skins in a 425 degree F oven until heated through (5 or so minutes). Add remaining toppings.
  • TO FREEZE. Unfortunately, you cannot freeze potato skins. They will be soggy and have an off texture once thawed.

Nutrition

Serving: 1stuffed potato skinCalories: 145kcalCarbohydrates: 6gProtein: 8gFat: 10gSaturated Fat: 5gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 4gTrans Fat: 1gCholesterol: 31mgPotassium: 183mgFiber: 1gSugar: 1gVitamin A: 291IUVitamin C: 4mgCalcium: 126mgIron: 1mg

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Erin Clarke

Hi, I'm Erin Clarke, and I'm fearlessly dedicated to making healthy food that's affordable, easy-to-make, and best of all DELISH. I'm the author and recipe developer here at wellplated.com and of The Well Plated Cookbook. I adore both sweets and veggies, and I am on a mission to save you time and dishes. WELCOME!

Learn more about Erin

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8 Comments

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  1. These are delicious. A major hit for our game day party!Potato Skins (23)

    Reply

    1. Hi Larry! So glad you enjoyed the recipe! Thank you for this kind review!

      Reply

  2. We enjoyed these so much. Crispy, not soggy in the slightest. We added a few more slices of bacon and I used small potatoes – so I was able to have some left over for a few more meals.Potato Skins (24)

    Reply

    1. Glad you enjoyed it, Betty!

      Reply

  3. Made these today for the first time and they were great. I have always loved potato skins but never could get them to taste the same or be as crispy as I would get at the restaurants, but these were the best I have ever eaten. Followed the recipe to the tee. Thanks so much for sharing this recipe with us.Potato Skins (25)

    Reply

    1. Yay! Thank you Betty!

      Reply

  4. Made the Potatoe Skins for the first time last week for friends and they were a big hit. Used both Russet and Golden Potatoes. Both held up very well. Earlier I made this again at home and I didn’t remove much of the potato as per my daughter’s request. It was actually really good too.Potato Skins (26)

    Reply

    1. Great to hear, thank you Kiera!

      Reply

Potato Skins (2024)

FAQs

Is eating potato skins healthy? ›

To get the most antioxidants, leave the skins on and choose colorful varieties like red and purple potatoes. The more color, the more antioxidants. Plus, the skin of some potatoes can have up to 12 times more antioxidants than the flesh. Baked potato skin is a great source of potassium and magnesium.

Why don't restaurants serve potato skins anymore? ›

They're sturdy and dependable, but too often overlooked, taking a backseat to high-profile options like wings and burgers. At least, that may have been the case at one time. Perhaps due to their inherent lack of sex appeal, potato skins have all but disappeared from menus.

Are potato skins healthier than fries? ›

Baked potatoes offer more nutritional value than fries because they still have skin. Potato skins are the most nutrient-dense part of a baked potato. Another benefit of heart-healthy baked potatoes is that they are not deep-fried in oil and grease like french fries.

What nationality is potato skins? ›

Potato skins
Potato skins accompanied by dipping sauces, presented as an appetizer
CourseAppetizer
Place of originUnited States
Serving temperatureHot
Main ingredientsPotato, cheddar cheese, bacon
2 more rows

Can the body digest potato skins? ›

Expert Opinions on the Digestibility of Potato Skins

Experts in the field of nutrition suggest that consuming potato skins in moderation can be beneficial for digestion. The high fiber content can help to regulate bowel movements and prevent constipation.

Are potatoes healthier than rice? ›

Potatoes also have vitamin C, unlike rice. Plus, potatoes contain three times more minerals than rice, such as phosphorus, potassium and magnesium when you leave the skin on. Sweet potatoes on the other hand are even healthier than the standard potato, containing as much as twice the high amounts of vitamin!

Are potato skins healthy in mashed potatoes? ›

Eating the potato skin will provide more fibre, vitamins, minerals and phytochemicals than eating just the flesh. So next time you want to cook up some taters, don't diminish that goodness by removing the skins!

Is it OK to keep potato skin? ›

"From a health point of view, and I think from a taste and texture point of view, it's much better to leave the skin on," Simon says. "The skin of the potato is very high in fibre, potassium, vitamin C, vitamin B — all of those good, healthy things are in high concentration in the skin."

Why is potato skin removed? ›

Depends on the potato. If there is any sign of green colour on the skin, it must be removed. It has chemicals in it that are very bitter and will mildly burn the mouth. These are toxic and can give you an upset stomach if you eat much of the green stuff.

Is potato skin good for your face? ›

Potato also contains bleaching components like catecholase which aids in removing sunspots or any other scar from the skin. Potato is enriched with protein that is extremely beneficial for the skin's health. The potato peel provides protein for the skin cells and leads to clear, smooth, and even skin tone.

Is it okay to eat dirt on potatoes? ›

Do You Really Need to Clean Potatoes? Yes! It's very important to wash potatoes before cooking with them because they're root vegetables. Since they grow underground, potatoes likely carry residual soil, bacteria, and pesticides when you buy them.

Are potato skins bad for cholesterol? ›

The skins of potatoes ‌do not‌ contain cholesterol or a significant amount of fat. If you eat only the skin of your baked potato, you benefit from more protein and fiber than eating the whole potato. It will cost you a few more calories per 100 grams, but the overall nutritional profit may be worth the difference.

Is it okay to eat potato skins? ›

Yes. Eat the skin to capture all the russet potatoes nutrition. The potato skin has more nutrients than the interior of the potato. It has lots of fiber, about half of a medium potato's fiber is from the skin.

Who made potato skins popular? ›

Pioneers in the development of the skins as an appetizer include the Prime Rib Restaurant in Washington DC, R.J. Grunts in Chicago and the TGI Friday's chain out of Dallas Texas.

What happened to 99 potato skins? ›

The cause of the disappearance was later discovered. In May 2022, the Ninety Nine lost their potato supplier after an industrial fire left the potato plant up in flames. Instead of finding a new potato place in Maine, the New England restaurant decided to take it off the menu and replace it with loaded tater tots.

Is it OK to eat a potato everyday? ›

There can be benefits of eating a potato everyday. According to health experts, it could lower your blood pressure, as long as you aren't deep frying it or topping or pairing it with foods high in saturated fat.

Are potato skins inflammatory? ›

Our results demonstrate that consumption of potato skins containing glycoalkaloids can significantly aggravate intestinal inflammation in predisposed individuals. Allergy to cooked white potatoes in infants and young children: A cause of severe, chronic allergic disease.

Do potato skins have bacteria? ›

Notably, some sources suggest a theoretical risk of potato peels; that is, their irregular, dimpled surfaces harbor the bulk of potato bacteria (including Clostridium botulinum spores), allegedly making unpeeled potatoes more difficult to fully sterilize; an untested theory.

Do potato skins have less carbs? ›

The good news is that nutrients thought to be concentrated only in the skins of potatoes are in truth almost equally distributed throughout the entire potato. On the flip side, if a person is on a strict, no-carb diet prescribed by their health professional, potato skins are not devoid of carbohydrates.

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