• Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Pinterest
  • RSS
  • Twitter
  • About
  • Contact Me
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • RSS
    • Twitter

Dinner at the Zoo

  • All Recipes
  • Dinner
  • Appetizers
  • Dessert
  • One Pot Meals
  • Slow Cooker
  • Asian Food

Home » Appetizers » Potato Skins Recipe

Published: January 3, 2023 Last Modified: January 3, 2023 By Sara 23 Comments

Potato Skins Recipe

  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Email
Jump to Recipe Print Recipe
This recipe for potato skins is Russet potato halves topped with cheese and bacon, then baked to crispy perfection.
This recipe for potato skins is Russet potato halves topped with cheese and bacon, then baked to crispy perfection.
This recipe for potato skins is Russet potato halves topped with cheese and bacon, then baked to crispy perfection.

This recipe for potato skins is Russet potato halves topped with cheese and bacon, then baked to crispy perfection and finished with sour cream and green onions. A classic appetizer that’s easy to make and always a crowd pleaser!

I love to serve a variety of hot appetizers when I’m entertaining, including baked buffalo wings, jalapeno poppers and these loaded potato skins.

A serving plate of potato skins topped with bacon and sour cream.

Baked potato skins are popular for good reason – who can resist the combination of bacon, cheese and sour cream? Not me! These homemade potato snacks are SO much better than anything you’d buy in the freezer section, and they’re easy to make too!

Potato Skins Ingredients

Bowls of ingredients including potatoes, cheese, seasonings and bacon.

For this recipe you will need potatoes, and olive oil, salt and pepper to season the potatoes. Next up are the toppings which include shredded cheese, bacon, sour cream and green onions. Put everything together and you’ll have the ultimate appetizer.

How do you make potato skins?

First, bake some small Russet potatoes for about an hour, or until softened. Cut the potatoes in half and scoop out the insides making the “skins.” Leave 1/4 to 1/2 inch of potato on the inside of the skins.

Brush the skins with olive oil and sprinkle with salt and pepper to taste. Bake the potato skins until crispy, then add shredded cheese and bacon on top. The potatoes get one more trip through the oven, then add sour cream and green onions. Serve and enjoy!

Step by step photos of potatoes being baked and filled with toppings.

Recipe FAQS

How do you bake a potato?

To bake a potato, simply wash and dry the potato, prick it with a fork and place it in the oven at 400 degrees F. The potato needs to stay in the oven for about an hour or until softened. The bake time will vary depending on the size of the potatoes.

How long will potato skins last in the fridge?

Leftovers will stay fresh in the refrigerator for 2 days. You can place the skins back in the oven to warm them through and crisp them up. I recommend removing the sour cream and green onions before they go back into the oven, then put fresh toppings on after they’re heated through.

How long do potato skins take to cook?

The total bake time for this recipe is 1 hour and 20 minutes, which takes into account the time to bake the whole potatoes, as well as crisp up the skins.

Are potato skins healthy?

The skin of the potato contains plenty of vitamins and nutrients. Baked potato skins with bacon and cheese are not a particularly healthy dish because of those added ingredients. If you’re looking to make this a healthier recipe you can use center cut bacon or turkey bacon, reduced fat cheese and reduced fat sour cream.

Potato halves topped with bacon and cheese.

Tips for the perfect dish

  • When choosing your potatoes, pick the smallest Russet potatoes you can find. You want smaller potatoes because they will be easy to serve as a handheld snack and will maintain their shape better than larger potatoes.
  • For an elegant look, use a piping bag or resealable bag with the tip cut off to pipe sour cream on the potato skins.
  • Don’t use pre-shredded cheddar cheese as it is coated in anti caking agents and doesn’t melt well.
  • If you accidentally remove too much potato while hollowing out the skins, just take some of the removed potato and press it back into place.
  • No green onions on hand? Feel free to use chives instead.

Potato skin variations

Classic potato skins are delicious baked potatoes in the palm of your hand, but there are other flavors you can incorporate.

  • Mexican: You can substitute Mexican chorizo sausage instead of bacon and add black beans.
  • Chili: You can use a spoonful of chili instead of bacon on the skins.
  • Cheesesteak: You can add diced cooked steak and bell peppers to the skins. For this version, do not add bacon.
  • Veggie: Skip the bacon and add some finely diced chopped veggies such as broccoli, shredded carrots and red bell peppers.
  • Meat Lovers: Add other types of meat to the filling such as cooked crumbled sausage, diced ham, or mini pepperonis.
A sheet pan filled with potato skins that are topped with sour cream and green onions.

These potatoes are amazing and are so much better than restaurant or frozen versions. They are great for a party or just for an every day snack.

More fabulous appetizer recipes

  • Hot Spinach Dip
  • Fried Zucchini
  • Bacon Deviled Eggs
  • Lemon Pepper Wings
  • White Queso Dip
A serving plate of potato skins topped with bacon and sour cream.
Print Pin
4.95 from 17 votes

Potato Skins

This recipe for potato skins is Russet potato halves topped with cheese and bacon, then baked to crispy perfection and finished with sour cream and green onions. A classic appetizer that's easy to make and always a crowd pleaser!
Course Appetizer
Cuisine American
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour 30 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 45 minutes
Servings 12
Calories 171kcal
Author Sara Welch

Ingredients

  • 6 small Russet potatoes
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • salt and pepper to taste
  • 1 1/4 cups shredded cheddar cheese
  • 3/4 cup bacon cooked and crumbled
  • 3/4 cup sour cream
  • 1/3 cup green onions sliced
  • cooking spray

Instructions

  • Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F. Coat a sheet pan with cooking spray.
  • Prick the potatoes with a fork and bake for one hour or until softened.
  • Cut the potatoes in half. Carefully scoop out the insides of each potato half, leaving a 1/4 – 1/2 inch rim.
  • Turn the oven heat to 450 degrees F. Brush the potato skins with olive oil and season with salt and pepper to taste.
  • Bake the potato skins for 10 minutes, then flip them over and bake for 10 minutes on the other side.
  • Fill each potato skin with cheese and bacon. Return to the oven and bake for 2-3 minutes or until cheese has melted.
  • Place the sour cream in a piping bag or resealable freezer bag with one corner snipped off. Pipe a dollop of sour cream onto each potato.
  • Sprinkle with green onions, then serve immediately.

Notes

  1. Pick the smallest Russet potatoes you can find. You want smaller potatoes because they will be easy to serve as a handheld snack and will maintain their shape better than larger potatoes.
  2. For an elegant look, use a piping bag or resealable bag with the tip cut off to pipe the sour cream onto the potato skins.

Nutrition

Calories: 171kcal | Carbohydrates: 16g | Protein: 5g | Fat: 10g | Saturated Fat: 5g | Cholesterol: 21mg | Sodium: 101mg | Potassium: 397mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 1g | Vitamin A: 235IU | Vitamin C: 5.5mg | Calcium: 114mg | Iron: 0.9mg
Tried this Recipe? Tag me Today!Mention @DinnerAtTheZoo or tag #dinneratthezoo!
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Email

Filed Under: Appetizers

FREE TOOLKIT: 5 Secrets to Meal Planning

Learn my 5 Meal Planning Secrets & get my Meal Planning Toolkit...FREE!

    ​
    ​

    Still hungry? Follow Dinner at the Zoo on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and Pinterest for more great recipe ideas!

    « Fried Shrimp Recipe
    Vegetable Lo Mein »

    Comments

    1. Dannii says

      March 25, 2022 at 1:47 am

      5 stars
      You can’t beat classic potato skins. Total comfort food and so adaptable too. These were delicious.

      Reply
    2. Sharon says

      March 24, 2022 at 6:31 pm

      5 stars
      These potato skins come out just like the ones that I love at my local restaurant. Excited that I can make them at home whenever I want them.

      Reply
    3. Casey says

      March 24, 2022 at 4:33 pm

      5 stars
      SO good!!! I used a combo of Fontina and sharp cheddar….soooooo yummy!!!!!

      Reply
    4. Anjali says

      March 24, 2022 at 3:44 pm

      5 stars
      This is one of our favorite appetizers to make when our friends come over! It’s always a crowd pleaser!

      Reply
    5. Gina says

      March 24, 2022 at 12:53 pm

      5 stars
      What a great recipe to one of my favorite appetizers. These came out great. They were crispy, cheesy, and overall delicious! I can’t wait to make again!

      Reply
    6. Pat says

      October 8, 2021 at 7:58 am

      4 stars
      I substitute the green onions/scallions for chives. The green onions kind of over power the dish in my opinion. Also, i use a variety of cheeses like the 3 cheese mix or Mexican mix.

      Reply
    7. Rose M White says

      February 6, 2021 at 11:10 am

      5 stars
      Made these twice,,perfection. Your recipe and presentation spot on! My husband loves thicker potato and it still comes out great.
      Today I’m making skins ahead of time for tomorrow. All I do is add toppings pop in air fryer and I know they will be just as delicious.
      Thank you kindly. I appreciate you ❣👩‍🍳🥔

      Reply
    8. Kim says

      February 21, 2020 at 6:18 am

      5 stars
      Can I make these a day ahead? If so would you change anything?

      Reply
      • Sara says

        February 22, 2020 at 9:28 pm

        I’d add the sour cream and green onions right before serving!

        Reply
    9. Beatrice says

      January 29, 2020 at 5:19 pm

      5 stars
      Makes my mouth water to just see these! I’ve made them now multiple times and everyone loves them!

      Reply
    10. Su says

      January 27, 2020 at 11:27 am

      What can I use the scooped out potatoes for?

      Reply
      • Sara says

        January 27, 2020 at 2:48 pm

        Mashed potatoes would be great!

        Reply
        • Ashley says

          February 7, 2021 at 8:52 am

          Potato Pancakes are another option. You can make a loaded version too with all the ingredients from this recipe.

          Reply
    11. Jacque Hooper says

      July 30, 2019 at 10:04 am

      5 stars
      Always love ordering these when we eat out! Love that I can now make them at home; so delicious!

      Reply
    12. Patricia @ Grab a Plate says

      July 25, 2019 at 6:46 am

      5 stars
      What a great recipe! These are so fun (and always a favorite of mine) and now I can serve them up at home! Mmm!

      Reply
    13. Beth Pierce says

      July 23, 2019 at 12:48 pm

      5 stars
      Love, love, love this recipe! This will be perfect for football season; so delicious!

      Reply
    14. Katerina @ diethood .com says

      July 23, 2019 at 10:43 am

      5 stars
      Such an easy and delicious appetizer!!

      Reply
    15. Catalina says

      July 23, 2019 at 5:32 am

      I am drooling over these potatoes. Looks so yummy!

      Reply
    16. Soph says

      July 23, 2019 at 2:29 am

      Oh my goodness these look incredible! My partner loves to BBQ and I’ve been looking for some recipes I can make alongside whatever he’s doing and these are absolutely perfect!
      Soph – https://sophhearts.com x

      Reply
    17. Vik says

      July 22, 2019 at 11:07 pm

      5 stars
      So easy and delicious! Definitely crispy perfection

      Reply
    18. Dorothy Reinhold says

      July 22, 2019 at 6:13 pm

      Those pictures remind me how much I love potato skins! I have all of the ingredients and I can’t wait!

      Reply
    19. Demeter says

      July 22, 2019 at 3:22 pm

      5 stars
      Ooh, I’m having a party next weekend and these look amazing! Adding these to our menu. Thanks!

      Reply
    20. Chrissie Baker says

      July 22, 2019 at 1:37 pm

      5 stars
      I am obsessed with potato skins! These potato skins look delicious…definitely craving some of their cheesy goodness right now. I have to recreate the recipe!

      Reply

    Leave a Reply Cancel reply

    Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

    Recipe Rating





    With 3 young kids, dinner can feel like feeding time at the zoo! I'm a mom on a mission to create easy, healthy and family friendly recipes ...Read More

    Winter Soups

    This recipe for mexican meatball soup is loaded with seasoned beef meatballs, black beans and plenty of vegetables in a flavorful and spicy broth. Add your favorite toppings and you've got a complete meal in a bowl!

    Mexican Meatball Soup

    A group of slow cooker soup recipes like beef stew, white chicken chili and ham and bean soup.

    20 Slow Cooker Soup Recipes

    A bowl of zuppa toscana soup with sausage, potatoes, bacon and kale.

    Zuppa Toscana Recipe

    A pot full of beef barley soup made with beef stew meat, barley and vegetables all simmered together.

    Beef Barley Soup

    A bowl of vegetarian chili topped with shredded cheese and sour cream.

    Vegetarian Chili

    A bowl of lasagna soup topped with ricotta, parmesan and mozzarella cheeses.

    Lasagna Soup

    More Posts from this Category

    Featured Recipes

    This recipe for lemon pepper chicken with butter sauce is a simple recipe that's ready in just 20 minutes! The perfect dinner for a busy weeknight.

    Lemon Pepper Chicken

    This recipe for chicken and broccoli stir fry is a classic dish of chicken sauteed with fresh broccoli florets and coated in a savory sauce. You can have a healthy and easy dinner on the table in 30 minutes! ad

    Chicken and Broccoli Stir Fry

    Veggie pinwheels on a board filled with bell peppers, carrots, cabbage and spinach.

    Rainbow Veggie Pinwheels

    A hand scooping out a serving of caramel apple dip.

    Caramel Apple Dip

    FREE TOOLKIT: 5 Secrets to Meal Planning

    Learn my 5 Meal Planning Secrets & get my Meal Planning Toolkit...FREE!

      ​
      ​

      Categories

      Sites I am featured In
      PRIVACY POLICY ACCESSIBILITY STATEMENT © Sara Welch and Dinner at the Zoo® LLC, 2015-2022.
      • Facebook
      • Instagram
      • Pinterest
      • RSS
      • Twitter
      • About Me
      • Contact Me
      • All Recipes
      • Dinner
      • Appetizers
      • Dessert
      • One Pot Meals
      • Slow Cooker
      • Asian Food