Loaded Potato Skins

Ingredients

• 4 large russet potatoes 4 large russet potatoes
• 2 tablespoons olive oil 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (120g) 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (120g)
• 6 slices cooked bacon, crumbled 6 slices cooked bacon, crumbled
• 2 green onions, finely chopped 2 green onions, finely chopped
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika 1/2 teaspoon paprika
• Salt and pepper to taste Salt and pepper to taste

Nutrition

• Calories: 320 kcal / 1340 KJ
• Fat: 18g (Saturated Fat: 8g)
• Carbohydrates: 26g (Sugars: 2g)
• Protein: 14g
• Fiber: 2g
• Salt: 0.9g

Preparation

1. 1.
   Preheat the oven to 200°C (400°F).
2. 2.
   Scrub the potatoes clean and pat them dry. Pierce each potato several times with a fork.
3. 3.
   Place the potatoes directly on the oven rack and bake for 45-60 minutes, or until tender.
4. 4.
   Remove the potatoes from the oven and let them cool slightly.
5. 5.
   Cut the potatoes in half lengthwise and scoop out the flesh, leaving about 1/4 inch of potato attached to the skin.
6. 6.
   Brush the potato skins with olive oil and sprinkle with salt and pepper.
7. 7.
   Place the potato skins on a baking sheet and bake for 10 minutes, or until they become crispy.
8. 8.
   In a bowl, combine the shredded cheddar cheese, crumbled bacon, green onions, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
9. 9.
   Remove the potato skins from the oven and evenly distribute the cheese and bacon mixture into each skin.
10. 10.
    Return the potato skins to the oven and bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
11. 11.
    Remove from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes before serving.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Potatoes — Choose large russet potatoes for their starchy texture, which crisps up nicely in the oven.
• Bacon — Use crispy bacon for added texture and flavor. Make sure to drain excess grease before crumbling.
• Green onions — Finely chop both the green and white parts of the onions for a mild onion flavor.

Tips & Tricks

• For extra crispy potato skins, brush the inside of the hollowed-out shells with melted butter before baking.
• Experiment with different types of cheese such as Monterey Jack or pepper jack for a spicy kick.
• Customize the toppings by adding diced tomatoes, jalapenos, or sour cream.
• To save time, you can bake the potatoes in advance and assemble the loaded potato skins just before serving.
• Leftover loaded potato skins can be reheated in the oven or air fryer for a few minutes to regain their crispiness.

Serving advice

Serve the loaded potato skins as an appetizer or snack. They pair well with a dollop of sour cream or a side of ranch dressing for dipping.

Presentation advice

Arrange the loaded potato skins on a platter, garnishing with additional chopped green onions and a sprinkle of paprika for an appealing presentation.