how to cook loaded potato skins

Potato skins are a fan favorite for good reason. The crispy shell and savory filling make for a perfect combination. Loaded potato skins are a classic recipe that everyone should know how to make. Whether you're hosting a party or looking for a snack, loaded potato skins are the perfect answer. In this article, we'll take you through the steps of how to make loaded potato skins from scratch.

Ingredients

To make loaded potato skins, you will need the following ingredients:- 4 large baking potatoes- 8 slices of bacon- 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese- 1/2 cup of sour cream- 2 green onions- Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F.2. Rinse the potatoes under cold water and pat dry with a towel. Pierce each potato with a fork a few times.3. Bake the potatoes in the oven for 50-60 minutes, or until they're tender when pierced with a fork.4. While the potatoes are cooking, fry the bacon until it's crispy. Drain the bacon on a paper towel and let it cool. Once it's cool, crumble the bacon into small pieces.5. Once the potatoes have cooked, cut them in half lengthwise. Carefully scoop out the flesh of each potato half, leaving about 1/4 inch of potato flesh attached to the skin.6. Brush each potato skin with melted butter or oil and sprinkle with salt and pepper.7. Place the potato skins back into the oven and cook for another 10 minutes, or until the skins are crispy.8. Remove the potato skins from the oven. Sprinkle each potato skin with shredded cheese and bacon bits.9. Place the potato skins back into the oven and cook for another 5-10 minutes, or until the cheese has melted.10. Remove the potato skins from the oven. Top each potato skin with a dollop of sour cream and sliced green onion.

Tips

- You can switch up the toppings depending on your preferences. Try adding diced tomatoes, jalapeños, or even black beans for an extra kick.- Make sure to scoop out the flesh of the potatoes carefully. You don't want to break the skin or leave too much flesh behind.- If you want to make the process quicker, you can microwave the potatoes for 10 minutes and then bake them for an additional 10-15 minutes in the oven.

Conclusion

Loaded potato skins are a classic and delicious dish that are perfect for any occasion. With a little bit of preparation, you can make these tasty appetizers from scratch. Follow these steps and you'll have a crowd-pleasing dish that will be the highlight of any party.