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Crispy Loaded Potato Skins Recipe Easy Game Day Snack with Sour Cream

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These crispy loaded potato skins are the ultimate game day snack, featuring crunchy potato shells filled with melty cheddar, crisp bacon, and fresh green onions, all topped with cool sour cream. Perfect for parties, potlucks, or cozy family nights, this easy recipe delivers restaurant-quality results at home.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 large russet potatoes (about 2 pounds, scrubbed clean)
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese (about 4 oz)
  • 6 slices thick-cut bacon, cooked and crumbled (about 4 oz)
  • 3 green onions, sliced
  • 1 cup sour cream (about 8 oz, full-fat recommended)
  • Extra chopped chives or parsley (optional, for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or foil.
  2. Scrub potatoes and poke each with a fork a few times. Place on oven rack or baking sheet and bake for 45–50 minutes, until skins are crisp and flesh is tender.
  3. While potatoes bake, cook bacon until crispy. Drain on paper towels and crumble. Shred cheddar cheese and slice green onions.
  4. Let potatoes cool for 10 minutes. Cut each potato lengthwise in half.
  5. Using a spoon or melon baller, scoop out most of the potato flesh, leaving about 1/4 inch attached to the skin.
  6. In a small bowl, mix melted butter, olive oil, salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Brush both sides of each potato skin with the mixture.
  7. Place potato skins cut-side down on baking sheet (or wire rack). Bake for 10 minutes. Flip and bake another 5 minutes, until edges are golden and crisp.
  8. Sprinkle skins with cheddar cheese, crumbled bacon, and sliced green onions. Return to oven and bake for 5–7 minutes, until cheese is melted and bubbly.
  9. Remove from oven and let cool slightly. Top with dollops of sour cream and extra chives or parsley, if desired.

Notes

For extra crispy skins, finish under the broiler for 1–2 minutes. Prep toppings while potatoes bake for efficiency. You can bake potatoes ahead and finish the skins the next day. Vegetarian variation: skip bacon and add sautéed mushrooms or black beans. Dairy-free: use vegan cheese and sour cream. Store leftovers in an airtight container up to 3 days; reheat in oven for best texture.

Nutrition

Keywords: potato skins, game day snack, appetizer, loaded potatoes, sour cream, bacon, cheddar cheese, party food, comfort food, gluten-free

Find it online: https://avabake.com/crispy-loaded-potato-skins-recipe-easy-game-day-snack-with-sour-cream/