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Crispy Loaded Potato Skin Bites with Bacon

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Crispy loaded potato skin bites with bacon and sour cream are a quick, easy, and addictive snack perfect for game day or casual gatherings. These bites feature perfectly crisp potato skins loaded with sharp cheddar, smoky bacon, and topped with creamy sour cream.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 large russet potatoes
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • Salt to taste
  • Freshly ground black pepper to taste
  • 1 ½ cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
  • 6 slices thick-cut applewood smoked bacon, cooked and crumbled
  • 2 green onions, thinly sliced
  • ½ cup sour cream
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder
  • ¼ teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone mat for easy cleanup.
  2. Wash and dry the russet potatoes thoroughly. Using a fork, poke a few holes in each potato to let steam escape during baking.
  3. Bake the potatoes directly on the oven rack for about 45-50 minutes until tender and skins are firm but not burnt. Test by piercing with a fork.
  4. Remove the potatoes from the oven and let them cool for about 15 minutes.
  5. Cut each potato in half lengthwise. Carefully scoop out most of the flesh, leaving about ¼ inch of potato attached to the skin.
  6. Brush the potato skins lightly with olive oil on both sides and sprinkle with salt and pepper.
  7. Place the skins cut-side down on the baking sheet and bake for 10-12 minutes. Flip them over and bake another 10 minutes until skins are golden and crisp.
  8. While skins are crisping, mix shredded cheddar, crumbled bacon, garlic powder, smoked paprika, and green onions in a bowl.
  9. Remove skins from the oven and carefully fill each with the cheese and bacon mixture.
  10. Return to the oven and bake for another 8-10 minutes or until cheese is melted and bubbly.
  11. Serve warm topped with a generous dollop of sour cream and extra green onions if desired.

Notes

Double baking the potato skins is key to achieving unbeatable crispiness. Use room temperature cheese for even melting. Avoid microwaving leftovers to keep skins crispy; reheat in oven at 375°F for 10 minutes instead. For vegetarian version, omit bacon and add sautéed mushrooms or caramelized onions.

Nutrition

Keywords: potato skins, loaded potato skins, bacon potato skins, game day snacks, crispy potato skins, appetizer, easy snack

Find it online: https://zorbmeal.com/crispy-loaded-potato-skin-bites-with-bacon-easy-recipe-for-game-day-snacks/