Homemade Baked Potato Skins

These baked potato skins are a delicious and satisfying snack or appetizer, offering a creative way to serve potatoes at a party or gathering. They’re easily made by baking potatoes until they are tender, then scooping out most of the flesh and leaving a thin layer of potato attached to the skin.

Homemade Baked Potato Skins on a serving board

Fill your potato skins with toppings, such as cheese, bacon, sour cream, and chives, and bake them again until they are crispy and golden brown. Enjoy making and savoring these delicious homemade baked potato skins, perfect for any game day or as a tasty appetizer!

Can I use sweet potatoes instead of russet?

Yes, sweet potatoes can be used but will have a different texture and taste.

Can I prepare these in advance?

Yes, you can bake the potatoes and scoop out the flesh in advance. Store the scooped skins in the fridge and proceed with the final baking step before serving.

How should I store these leftovers?

To store leftover baked potato skins, let them cool to room temperature. Then, you can wrap them tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil or place them in a resealable plastic bag. You can then store them in the refrigerator for up to 3-5 days.

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What can i do with the scooped-out potato flesh?

– Mash the potato flesh with butter, milk, and salt, and use it to make mashed potatoes.
– Use the potato flesh to thicken soups or stews.
– Mix the potato flesh with flour, eggs, and grated cheese to make potato pancakes or latkes.
– Use the potato flesh as a base for a creamy potato-leek soup.
– Mix the potato flesh with cooked ground meat, vegetables, and tomato sauce to make a shepherd’s pie.

ingredients for Homemade Baked Potato Skins

See Recipe Card Below for FULL Recipe.

Russet Potatoes: Known for their starchy quality and perfect for baking, russet potatoes have thick skins that crisp up beautifully.
Olive Oil: A healthier oil option that adds a subtle flavor. It helps in crisping the potato skins.
Garlic Powder & Onion Powder: These spices add a depth of flavor.
Smoked Paprika: Gives a slight smoky taste, enhancing the overall flavor profile.
Sharp Cheddar Cheese: Melts well and provides a rich, tangy flavor that complements the potato skins.
Crispy Bacon: Adds a savory, meaty crunch, making the skins more indulgent.
Green Onions and Sour Cream: Provide a fresh, creamy contrast to the crispy, savory skins.
Salt & Black Pepper: Essential for seasoning, they enhance all the flavors in the dish.

Preheat the oven to 425 degrees F. Wash the potatoes under running water; pat dry with paper towels and place on a baking sheet. Using a fork, poke each potato several times all over. Lightly rub oil on the potatoes and sprinkle with some salt. Place on a baking sheet.
Bake for 55 minutes to 1 hour, or until they’re easily pierced with a fork. Remove from the oven; let cool.
When potatoes have cooled enough to handle, cut potatoes in half, lengthwise. Scoop out the insides with a large spoon, leaving about 1/2 inch flesh.
In a small bowl combine the following ingredients: oil, salt, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika; mix well. Brush oil mixture over both sides of the potato skin, evenly. Place skins on the same baking sheet, scooped side up; Bake for 8-10 minutes, until crispy. Turn over (brown skins up) halfway through the cooking process.
Remove from the oven and sprinkle the cheese and bacon pieces on top of the skins. Place back in the oven and bake until the cheese is melted, around 2-3 minutes.
Serve hot, topped with sour cream and green onions, if desired.