These Crispy Potato skins are topped with smoked bacon, green onions, and plenty of sharp cheddar and Monterey Jack Cheese. They are easy to prepare and so much better than the restaurants. This is one of our favorite go-to appetizers and is perfect for football season and entertaining. Be sure to read my tips and recipe notes for good crispy skins.
Fall will be here before we know it, and with it comes lots and lots of great appetizers and finger food. These skins are perfect for game day, family movie night, or kids’ sleepovers. My husband and I love to entertain, and these appetizers, Bacon Wrapped Pineapple, Sausage Rolls, and Jalapeno Popper Cheese Ball are some of our favorites.
How to make Potato Skins
First, scrub and dry your potatoes. Then using your hands, rub them with a little canola oil. Next, sprinkle them with salt, place them on a baking sheet, and bake until they are cooked through and tender. Let them sit and cool for a while.
Then, slice them in half and scoop out the potato flesh leaving about 1/4 to 1/2 inch of potato around the outside of the potato. Melt butter in the microwave or on the stovetop over medium heat. Stir in the garlic powder and onion powder. Brush both sides of the potatoes with the butter mixture. Place back on the same baking sheet and place in the oven until browned and crispy flipping halfway through.
Now evenly divide the cheese between the skins and top with the bacon. Pop them back in the oven for just a few minutes or until the cheese is melted. Now top with sliced scallions and serve with a side of sour cream.
Recipe notes and helpful tips
- Use Russet Potatoes for this recipe, as they will produce the crispiest potato skins.
- Don’t skip the canola oil and salt coating before baking. It really helps produce a nice crispy skin.
- Save the potatoes that you scoop out and use them in a side dish like Mashed Potato Cakes in the next couple of days.
- Brush both sides of the scooped-out potatoes with the butter mixture and place back in the hot oven for extra crispy skins.
- You can substitute chives for the green onions.
- For optimal taste, these potato skins are best served promptly. However, I have successfully reheated them in both the oven and the microwave.
- For a party-perfect presentation, pipe a little bit of sour cream in each skin.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge.
Recipe Variations and Flavors
- Jalapeno Popper Potato Skins – top with shredded cheddar cheese, crisp bacon, and thin jalapeno rings.
- Hawaiian Potato Skins – top with shredded mozzarella, cubed smoked ham, crisp bacon, and pineapple tidbits.
- Taco Potato Skins – top with shredded cheddar, taco seasoned ground beef, Pico de Gallo, and sour cream.
- Chili – substitute leftover chili in place of the bacon.
Other appetizer recipes you will love!
Baked Potato Skins
Ingredients
- 6 small to medium Russet Potatoes
- 1 ½ tablespoons canola oil or olive oil
- sea salt
- 3 tablespoons butter
- ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
- ¼ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ cup finely shredded cheddar
- ½ cup finely shredded Monterey Jack
- 4 slices bacon crispy cooked and chopped
- 1 green onion finely sliced
- sour cream optional
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375 degrees.
- Scrub, dry and poke the potatoes 8-10 times using the tines of a fork. Using your hands rub the potatoes with a little canola oil or olive oil and sprinkle generously with salt. Place them on a baking sheet. Bake potatoes for 50-60 minutes or until they are cooked through. Let them sit until cool enough to handle.
- Preheat oven to 450 degrees. Cut potatoes in half lengthwise. Using a spoon scoop out the flesh out leaving 1/4 to 1/2 inch around the inside of the skin.
- Melt butter in microwave. Whisk in garlic powder and onion powder. Brush over the tops and bottoms of the potato skins. Using the same baking sheet that you cooked the potatoes on place in oven for 10 minutes. Flip and bake for another 10 minutes.
- Top evenly with both cheeses and bacon. Return to oven for 5 minutes or until cheese is melted. Top with green onions and sour cream (optional). Serve promptly.
Notes
- Use Russet Potatoes for this recipe as they will produce the crispiest potato skins.
- Don't skip the canola oil and salt coating before baking. It really helps produce a nice crispy skin.
- Brush both sides of the scooped out potatoes with the butter mixture and place back in the hot oven for extra crispy skins.
- You can substitute chives for the green onions.
- These potato skins are best served promptly however I have reheated them with success in both the oven and the microwave.
- For a party perfect presentation pipe a little bit of sour cream in each skin.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge.
Nutrition
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Veena
A platter this Easter is a must. I love the flavors and combination to making this treat. Looks tempting an yummy too. Thanks for the reminder.
Sasha
These are the best potato skins that I have ever eaten!!!! Will definitely make this again!!!!
Beth Pierce
Thank you, Sasha!
Jayne M
Love these potato skins the flavors are amazing. My family loves them we will make them again.
Fay
Simple and delicious!
Matthew
Thanks for the great potato skins recipe. They cooked up flavorful and crispy. Everyone loved them at my Super Bowl party.
Beth Pierce
Thank you, Matthew!
Sawyer
These Crispy Potato Skins, adorned with smoked bacon, green onions, and a generous layer of sharp cheddar and Monterey Jack Cheese, are an absolute delight. Their preparation is a breeze, offering a homemade charm that surpasses restaurant versions. A go-to appetizer in our household, these skins elevate any occasion, particularly suited for football season and entertaining guests. Thanks so much for sharing this delight!
Beth Pierce
The pleasure is all mine, Sawyer!
Jon
Hi Beth,
Love the recipe. We made it a couple weeks ago and they were a hit. Planning to take them to a SB party this afternoon. Think I can make them in advance and do the last step at the host’s house?
Thanks,
Jon
Beth Pierce
Sorry I missed this! Is it possible to do the last two steps at the host’s house?
Karina
These were really delicious. I fixed them for the Superbowl and everyone went nuts. So crispy and flavorful!
Robert Pollack
I love potato skins, and these were delicious. I have not good ones since I had them at TGI Fridays years ago. Thanks for the trip down memory lane.
Beth Pierce
You are most welcome, Robert!
Angie Schubert
Potato skins have been one of my favs for a long time. My mother used to bake potatoes and fix their skins when I was a teen. These were just as delicious. Thanks for the great recipe and a trip back in time.
Beth Pierce
You are most welcome, Angie!
Claire
These are really delicious. We cooked them for a test run a few weeks ago and they are the best. They are on our Superbowl menu and I know that our guests will love them as much as hubby and I do! Thanks for the recipe!
Beth Pierce
My pleasure, Claire!
Lauren D
I made these at home for the first time and they were just as good as restaurant potato skins I used to order all the time (but can’t ever find now!) Loved this recipe!
Beth Pierce
Thank you, Lauren!
Ned Sykes
Perfect timing for the Big Game. I really love these potato skins. They are ready for prime time on Sunday and I cannot wait to have them again. Thank you!
Beth Pierce
The pleasure is all mine, Ned!
Edith S
Love this Crispy Potato skins recipe, so delicious!!! Thanks for sharing 🙂
Beth Pierce
You are most welcome, Edith!
Tiffany K
These potato skins always turn out perfectly! We’re making them again for the Super Bowl!
Beth Pierce
Thanks, Tiffany! Go Chiefs!
Josephine
Loved these! They were so crispy and delicious! Thanks for the great recipe!
Beth Pierce
You are most welcome, Josephine.
Franklin
Nothing better than crispy fresh out of the oven potato skins. The guys loved them and now they are on the menu for the big game! I can’t wait. Go Chiefs!
Beth Pierce
Agreed! Go Chiefs!
Kaitlyn
Perfectly crispy on the outside, delicious toppings on the inside, these potato skins are an amazing appetizer. Everyone loves them!
Lana P
These potato skins came out perfectly! I have only ever had them at restaurants and this was so much tastier.
Tia R
I made these potato skins for football Sunday last weekend and everyone loved them! Definitely making them for the Super Bowl again!
Beth Pierce
Thanks, Tia! Enjoy!
Sidney
My family absolutely devoured these! So delicious and so easy to make. Best potato skins I have had!!
Beth Pierce
Thanks, Sidney! I agree!
Sabrina
These went over so well at our playoffs party. Everyone was so impressed with my cooking, thanks to you! I served them with your crab stuffed mushrooms and spinach artichoke dip. Keep those great recipes coming. I really appreciate them.
Beth Pierce
That is awesome, Sabrina! Thanks for your support!
Payton
This is the best recipe for getting good crispy skins. I love to serve them with sour cream. My family and friends are always begging me to make these. So delicious!
Beth Pierce
Thanks, Payton! I am glad that they like them!
Ryan
These are a must make for football games! My neanderthal friends love them. Next time I am going to make the taco potato skins in your suggested variations. I think those would be great for the Superbowl.
Beth Pierce
I agree, Ryan! Those would be great then.
Rose M
Skins are only good if you make them yourself. We went through several frozen versions before I made that discovery. This recipe is excellent with crisp skins and just the right balance of toppings. I am making them again for the big game! Go Chiefs!
Beth Pierce
Thanks, Rose! Go Chiefs!
Robert
This is my favorite potato skins recipe. They are crispy, tasty, and perfect for gameday food! I made them numerous times for the playoffs! Can you say delicious?
Beth Pierce
Yes! I can! They are delicious!
Mia
These potato skins are my go-to recipe for gamedays. They are so delicious with those extra crispy skins. You should try them with your pickled jalapenos. I am making them again for the Super Bowl! The guys are going to love them!
Beth Pierce
Thanks, Mia! I hope they enjoy them!
Crystal
Delicious! Potato skins are one of my favorite appetizers and these were fire. We loved them and will make them again. Thanks for the great recipe!
Beth Pierce
The pleasure is all mine, Crystal!
Kimberley A
Your Potato Skins recipe was a mouthwatering delight! The combination of crispy potato skins, melted cheese, and savory toppings was the perfect appetier. Your detailed instructions and helpful tips make it easy for any home cook to recreate this classic dish. Thanks for sharing this delicious recipe.
Beth Pierce
The pleasure is all mine, Kimberley! So glad that you enjoyed them!
Jen P
As a vegetarian, I skipped the bacon, but otherwise, these were perfect. I love cheese and potato as a combo. Delish with extra crispy skins.
Beth Pierce
Thanks, Jen! So glad that you liked the potato skins!
Steph R
These potato skins are delicious and crispy! I love my potato skins like this! Thanks for the outstanding recipe. They made the cut for Superbowl Sunday!
Beth Pierce
Awesome! So glad to hear it!
Kushigalu
It’s a perfect recipe for a party. Looks delicious. Thanks for sharing.
Justine
These were delicious and the skins were so crispy! They’re going to be a great addition to our Super Bowl spread in a few weeks – I can’t wait!
Beth Pierce
Thanks, Justine! So happy that you liked the potato skins!
Lauren Vavala Harris
Potato skins are my go-to appetizer when they have them at restaurants. I just tried this recipe to make them at home and they turned out just as good – I love that I can make them whenever I want now!
Beth Pierce
Thanks, Lauren! So glad that you liked them!
Kathleen
I love how crispy these get on the outside but still tender and delicious on the inside. They are a perfect for game day. Thanks for the recipe, Beth!
Beth Pierce
My pleasure, Kathleen!
Saif
This recipe was delicious! The best potato skins I think I have ever had. My brother and I really enjoyed them and skins were so crispy, just the way we like them!
Beth Pierce
Thanks, Saif! I am so glad that you liked the potato skins!
Amber
What can/do you do with the scooped out flesh?
Beth Pierce
You an use them for mashed potatoes, thicken soup, or my mashed potato cakes.
nancy
these are so addiciting ! i followed your instructions and they came out perfectly yummy
Beth Pierce
Thank you, Nancy! So glad that you enjoyed them!
Kim
I love potato skins but rarely get them at restaurants because they’re so expensive. Making them at home is so much cheaper and they came out way crispier. Thank you!
Beth Pierce
The pleasure is all mine, Kim!
Chenee
I used colby jack for the cheese and these came out amazing. I’ll definitely be making them again.
Beth Pierce
Thanks, Chenee! I bet they were delicious!
Casey
I made these for game day and they were a huge hit. Next time I’ll have to make double!
Beth Pierce
Thanks, Casey! So glad that you liked the potato skins!
Saif
The Baked potato skins were so delicious. Next time I am going to spice it up a bit with a little pepper jack cheese. Maybe this weekend for the game.
Vinnny Broun
so cool!
Stacie
So good! I did not change a thing. They have become a football favorite.
Beth Pierce
Thanks, Stacie! So glad that you like the potato skins!
Monidipa Dutta
My mom in law makes this but I have never tried this
It looks good your recipe looks sizzling I may try.
Ivana Mearns
What a great recipe. I really like the idea of adding sour cream. It made them ever more delicious!
Alita
Baked potato skins are a well-loved appetizer that is easy to make. Thank you for your recipe.
Carol Scheuer
We recently moved and were missing the potato skins from our local restaurant. These are easy to make and taste fantastic! Hubby likes a little ranch dressing on his. Looking forward to trying your steak bites and pairing them with mashed potatoes tomorrow!
Beth Pierce
That is awesome, Carol! I hope you enjoy the steak bites.
Betty W.
My husband loves potato skins so I tried your recipe today. It was really good and actually taste better than some restaurants. I never knew they were so easy to make. I only had shredded cheddar and turkey bacon on hand but nobody would know the wiser. Will definitely keep this in the rotation! Thanks!!
Beth Pierce
Thanks, Betty! I am so glad that you both liked the potato skins. My daughter is a huge fan of turkey bacon!
Ashley
So incredibly tasty! It was easy (just obviously took a long time) and delicious! I used a premade churned butter garlic and herb to melt on the shells. We made traditional potato skins, white chile queso and bacon skins, and Philly cheesesteak skins with our leftover meat from the night before. With the rest of the shells and potatoes we scooped out, I’ll make a twice baked potato with protein and veggies tomorrow!
Beth Pierce
Oh my, now you are making me hungry. That all sounds so darn delicious!
Jenna
Oh my wordddddd. When I say best potato skins ever. Anytime I crave potato skins now this will be the recipe I use. I added store bought bacon bits, with chives and sour cream for ours after baking!
Beth Pierce
Thanks so much Jenna! I am so glad that you liked the potato skins!
Mike
Great recipe! My wife forgot about our imperfect foods order and we ended up with bags of 3 different potatoes. I used the Russet potatoes and I subbed out bacon for some Wagyu Brisket I smoked. If you don’t smoke your own brisket, no biggie leftovers from your nearest BBQ joint will be a great sub. This is now a staple in our home, next time we are going to try pulled pork.
Beth Pierce
Thanks for the tip, Mike. I bet those were delicious! You are making me hungry!
Ariana
Ever since I found this recipe on Thanksgiving I’ve made it four times since. And again today Christmas Eve. Sooo delish.
Beth Pierce
Thanks, Ariana! I am so glad that you like the potato skins!
Katie
The recipe doesn’t say what I do with the flesh. It said to scoop it out. Then to melt butter and add the seasonings and brush the potato. Do I add the butter with the flesh?? Do I season the flesh? Does the flesh go back in after I coat the skin with butter?? Please explain. Eager to make these….
Beth Pierce
The flesh does not go back in. Save the potatoes that you scoop out and use them in a side dish like Mashed Potato Cakes in the next couple of days.
Jack
🫣
Angelina
Hey Beth!! Thankyou so much, it was super yummy and crispy, everyone enjoyed it in my home. great recipe!
Beth Pierce
You are most welcome. I am so happy that everyone liked it!
Linda
I entertained last night and I pretty much tripled the recipe. And my friends loved it. Thank you so much.
Beth Pierce
Awesone! I am so glad that they worked out!
Stephanie
Super easy and a crowd pleaser! They were gone before everything else! Making them again now!
Beth Pierce
Thanks, Stephanie! So glad that everyone liked them!
Susan
I’m planning on making them today for the game. But I’m going to try it with tiny potatoes, so they will be bite size. wish me luck.
Beth Pierce
Good luck! Let us know how they turn out!
Sandy
I made the a few weeks ago and they were a huge hit. Going back tonight and these were resisted again. So potatoes are in oven now. This is the best skins recipe I have found. Thanks so much for sharing.
Beth Pierce
Thanks Sandy! So glad that you liked it! Such a fun easy recipe.
Lauren
We’ve been craving potato skins since we saw them on a happy hour menu a few weeks ago, so with today being our anniversary, I thought I’d surprise my husband for lunch! WHAT.A.HIT! They were perfectly crispy and had so much flavor. My hubby said, “Add this one to this list,” referring to our go-to’s that never fail. Thanks for such an easy to follow recipe.
Beth Pierce
Thanks Lauren! So glad that you and your husband enjoyed them! Happy anniversary!
Marg
Look so yummy!!
Can you bake ahead and finish off next day?
Thanks!
Beth Pierce
Yes you can.
imsen
These potato skins looks so yummy!!
Cavatinne
So delicious very flavorful and crispy will make again thank you!
Beth Pierce
The pleasure is all mine! Glad that you like them!
Pam
These are so good, but cheese, bacon and potatoes. How could you go wrong?
Amanda Wren-Grimwood
Just gorgeous! My family love these and so crispy!
Jess
My mouth starts watering even just thinking about these Potato Skins. So crispy and delicious!
Stephanie
These are delicious! Potatoes are one of my favorite foods. My husband asked me to make these again when he has his fantasy football draft 🙂
Dannii
Add a big dollop of sour cream on top and I am happy. These look amazing.
April
OMG so good! I love making these for game days!
Trang
These are my game day go-to appetizers! So delicious! Who doesn’t like bacon?! Everyone loved them.
Ashley F.
These are one of our favorite side dishes to make! Love how you can put just about anything on them!
April
These are perfect! Thank you for a delicious recipe.
Beth Pierce
The pleasure is all mine April!
Jessica
I needed a recipe for these to make for my husband’s birthday (because he loves ordering them when out) and he loved them! Thank you!
April
One of my favorite appetizers/snacks. So crispy!
Anna
We always make potato skins for game days! They are so fun to make and eat!
Jill
I made these for my son, his brother in law, my grandson and his friend while girls had a night out. Doubled recipe, made as written and there was 2 left. They were crispy, full of favor and better than any restaurant ones I’ve EVER had! Thanks for sharing this.
Beth Pierce
Thanks Jill! So glad that everyone liked them!
Kristina Tipps
Potatoes are just one of the best foods ever made, and nothing is better than a crispy potato slathered in cheese and bacon to me. This recipe is one of my favorites!
Tara
These potato skins look amazing and so minimal prep too! Love all that cheese and bacon.
Sharon
There is nothing better than digging into crispy potato skins loaded with lots of toppings. These are so good!
Shadi Hasanzadenemati
I have everything I need for this dish, can’t wait to make it this weekend!
Liz
I need these to make a comeback at restaurants! They used to be a trendy food but now it’s rare to find these on the appetizer list at restaurants. One of my all time favorite apps; I love this recipe. I make this way too many times. So easy and delicious!
Beth Pierce
Thanks Liz! Yes I agree! They need to make a comeback!
Lily
I served with pork chops and they are the best side, I love that everyone can fill them with their favorite toppings!! Easy and so delicious.
Kristyn
You are right..I love them better than the restaurants!! I could eat these with every meal!! Cheesy, crisp, & delicious!
Angela Rohde
One of our local restaurants used to make these and top them with Chili. Absolutely delicious!!
Beth Pierce
Delicious! That is a great idea!
Biana
I love how crispy and cheesy they look! Will be making them very soon, thank you for the recipe.
Sara Welch
Made this with dinner last night and they have easily become my new favorite way to enjoy potatoes! So easy, flavorful and perfect as an appetizer or main course!
Sunena
I am SOLD! I am a sucker for appetizers, and potato skins are right at the top of my list. Thanks for this fantastic recipe!
Nancy
Sometimes we make these for the kids for dinner and they love them! So easy for me and so tasty for them!
Adriana
These potato skins are the best appetizer my guests loved them! Super easy to make and yummy.
Courtney
Potato skins are a family favourite around here – pure comfort food!
Trina
This recipe was excellent taste better than the whole lot of them that I’ve tried even at restaurants thank you so much I am already sent it out to all of my friends and I appreciate you are step by step instructions came out perfect
Beth Pierce
Thanks so much Trina! So glad that you liked it! They are tasty little goodies!!
Trang
So good! I’m a sucker for anything potato related. Super Bowl is coming up too so I definitely need to whip this appetizers out again.
Betsy
These are one of my all time favorite appetizers! Great directions, they turn out beautifully!
Jennifer
Love the jalapeno popper option. These were so good but looking forward to trying that for next time to give it a bit of zing.
Angela
Potato skins are one of my all time favorite appetizers. Thanks for sharing your recipe!
Carrie Robinson
These would be so perfect to make for game day! Looks delicious. 🙂
Emily Flint
Potato skins are one of my all-time favorite appetizers to order at restaurants. Now that we are home more, I’m so glad I found you recipe!
Wanda
Potato skins are one of our favourite snacks to have on the weekends! Will definitely give this recipe a try!
Jen
Yum! We love potatoes here and I can’t wait to make this! My kids are going to love this recipe! So excited!
Sharon
I love getting potato skins from one of our area restaurants, I love this recipe so that I can now make them right at home!
Jessica Formicola
Bacon, cheese and potatoes? This sounds like my kind of appetizer! I can’t wait to make these soon!
Suzy
These came out so good! Super easy to make and the flavor is perfect!
Bintu | Recipes From A Pantry
These sound so tasty and so easy to prepare! I love potato skins, one of my favourites!
Jen
I have leftover russet potatoes and I’ve never made them from homemade before. Such a delicious and easy way to use up those leftover potatoes!
Angela
The perfect appetizer! My kids gobbled these up. Thank you for the delicious recipe!!
Toni
This is such an amazing appetizer! Everyone at my house loved it!
Erika
Potato skins are so delicious and these make a great appetizer too!
Mary
These potato skins are so good, we always make them with chives instead of green onions! They’re a hit with everyone in the family!
Charla
Potato skins are so delicious, plus you can be very creative with them, We like to load ours with cheese and beans.
Alison
Ohhh! Crispy potato skins are such a great appetizer! Putting these on my new year’s eve menu!
Shanna O.
I Love how they turned out crispy. They were so good and my family loved them
Bintu | Recipes From A Pantry
Crispy potato skins are one of my favourite appetizers, they are just so versatile! These look and sound so delicious!
Nicolette
My family absolutely loved these! Loved the easy prep.
Kay
Could these be frozen before you add the cheese?
Beth Pierce
I do not know because I have not tried. I am not sure they would keep their crispiness. Please let us know if you try and what the results are!
Beth Pierce
I am not sure Kay. I do not know if they would keep that crispiness. If you try please let us know the results as I have now been asked this question more than once.
Kathy
Can you make the potatoes ahead and freeze. Doing the last step in the over just before serving.
Beth Pierce
I have not tried so I do not know if they keep that great crisp texture. Please let us know if you do a test run. I am sure the readers would be interested.
wilhelmina
Perfect for snacking! We loved these easy potato skins, great recipe!
Toni Dash
My kids really loved this!! They’d love to make it again!
Lauren Kelly
We loved these so much. I was surprised how crispy they ere!