Loaded Cheesy Baked Potato Skins

03.10.2025

Are you craving a snack that’s cheesy, crispy, and oh-so-satisfying? Look no further! These Loaded Cheesy Baked Potato Skins are the perfect indulgence, combining crispy potato skins with melty cheese, savory bacon, and a creamy sour cream topping. Whether you’re hosting a game night, looking for a party appetizer, or just want a delicious snack, these potato skins will surely hit the spot.

Let’s walk through how you can make these ultimate cheesy potato skins at home!

Step 1: Bake the Potatoes

To start, you’ll need to bake the potatoes until they’re soft and fully cooked. I recommend using russet potatoes because they have the perfect texture for potato skins. Here’s how to do it:

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
Scrub the potatoes clean, dry them, and then rub them with a little olive oil (about 1 tablespoon) and a pinch of salt.
Place the potatoes directly on the oven rack and bake for about 45 minutes to 1 hour, or until they’re soft when pierced with a fork. The internal temperature of the potatoes should reach about 205°F (96°C).

While the potatoes are baking, you can prep the other ingredients.

Step 2: Prepare the Toppings

While your potatoes are baking, gather the toppings you’ll need for your loaded skins:

Shredded Cheddar Cheese: You’ll need about 1 ½ cups (170g) of shredded sharp cheddar cheese. You can also use a cheese blend if preferred.
Crispy Bacon: Cook 4-6 slices of bacon, depending on how much bacon you like, until crispy, then crumble it into small pieces.
Green Onions: Slice 2-3 green onions thinly to add a fresh, tangy contrast to the rich cheese and bacon.
Sour Cream: About ½ cup (120g) of sour cream for topping.
Chives or Parsley: For garnish, around 1 tablespoon (5g) of chives or parsley.

This combination of toppings will transform your potato skins into the ultimate cheesy, savory treat!

Step 3: Hollow Out the Potatoes

Once the potatoes are done baking and cool enough to handle, carefully cut them in half lengthwise. Use a spoon to scoop out the insides, leaving about ¼ inch (0.6 cm) of potato around the edge to create a sturdy skin.

Don’t toss the scooped-out potato! You can save it for mashed potatoes, a soup, or just enjoy it on its own. The skins are what we’re after for this recipe!

Step 4: Fill and Bake Again

Now comes the fun part! Once you’ve hollowed out the potato halves, it’s time to load them up with all the tasty toppings. Here’s how to do it:

Place the hollowed-out potato skins on a baking sheet, skin side down.
Add the cheese: Fill each skin with about 2 tablespoons (30g) of shredded cheddar cheese.
Top with bacon: Sprinkle about 1-2 tablespoons of crispy bacon bits over the cheese.
Bake again: Place the loaded potato skins back in the oven at 400°F (200°C) for about 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

As they bake, the cheese will get melty, and the skins will crisp up, creating that perfect contrast of textures.

Step 5: Top with Sour Cream and Green Onions

Once your cheesy potato skins are out of the oven and all melted and crispy, it’s time to finish them off. Add a dollop of sour cream to each potato skin and sprinkle with green onions for a burst of freshness.

For an extra touch, you can garnish with chives or parsley, adding not just flavor but also a pop of color to your dish.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy!

Your Loaded Cheesy Baked Potato Skins are ready to serve! These little bites are the perfect combination of crispy, creamy, cheesy, and savory. They’re a hit at parties or perfect for a cozy snack while watching a movie. Trust me, these potato skins are going to disappear quickly!

Why You’ll Love Loaded Cheesy Baked Potato Skins

Comforting and Satisfying: Potato skins have that perfect balance of crispy outside and tender inside, making them so comforting.
Customizable: You can easily adjust the toppings based on what you like or have on hand. Try adding jalapeños for a spicy kick, or top them with guacamole for an extra creamy texture!
Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s game night, a family dinner, or just a casual snack, these loaded potato skins are always a crowd-pleaser.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the potato skins up until the second bake step. Just store the filled potato skins in the fridge, and when you’re ready to serve, pop them in the oven until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Can I use other types of cheese?
Absolutely! While cheddar is a classic choice, you can experiment with other cheeses like Monterey Jack, Gouda, or even a blend of cheeses for more flavor.

What else can I add to the potato skins?
The possibilities are endless! You can top your skins with sour cream and guacamole for extra creaminess, or try adding chili, pulled pork, or even sautéed mushrooms for an extra indulgent snack.

Conclusion: A Cheesy, Crispy Treat That’s Irresistible

There you have it! Loaded Cheesy Baked Potato Skins are a perfect snack or appetizer that brings comfort, flavor, and a little bit of fun to your kitchen. With crispy potato skins, melty cheese, savory bacon, and a fresh topping of sour cream and green onions, these are sure to be a crowd favorite. Whether you’re entertaining guests or just looking for a snack, these potato skins are the way to go.

Ready to indulge in the cheesy goodness? Grab some potatoes and make your own Loaded Cheesy Baked Potato Skins today—you won’t regret it!