These Potato Skin Bites are crispy and loaded with cheese, bacon, and green onions. They make a delicious snack that’s perfect for sharing!
Honestly, who can resist these tasty little bites? Whenever I make them, they’re gone before you can say, “More, please!” They’re super easy to whip up too!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Russet Potatoes: These are the best choice because they have a fluffy texture when cooked. You can use Yukon Gold potatoes if you want a creamier texture but avoid waxy potatoes like red potatoes.
Bacon: I love thick-cut bacon for the extra crunch and flavor. If you’re looking for a healthier option, turkey bacon works too. You can even use a plant-based bacon for a vegetarian twist.
Cheddar Cheese: Sharp cheddar gives a great flavor punch; however, feel free to swap it with pepper jack for some spice or mozzarella for a milder taste.
Sour Cream: This adds creaminess, but Greek yogurt can be a great substitute for a healthier option. You can also use plant-based sour cream if required.
How Do I Get the Perfectly Crispy Potato Skins?
Getting crispy potato skins is all about the preparation and baking method. Here are some tips to ensure you get that crunch:
- Pre-cook the potatoes adequately, either in the microwave or by boiling, to reduce baking time.
- Make sure to scoop out enough flesh, being careful to leave some potato for structure; thin skins won’t crisp up well.
- Brush olive oil generously on the skins before baking; oil helps in achieving that coveted crispiness.
- Bake them skin side down first to get a nice browning, and after filling them, do a second bake on higher heat for those final golden bites.
Delicious Potato Skin Bites
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Potato Skins:
- 4 medium small russet potatoes
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
For the Filling:
- 4 strips of bacon
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 2 tablespoons butter, melted
- 1/4 cup sour cream (plus extra for garnish)
- 2 tablespoons fresh chives, chopped
Time Needed:
This recipe will take about 10 minutes to prep and 35-40 minutes total to cook, including baking. You’ll love how quickly these scrumptious bites come together!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). This will ensure your potato skins cook to crispy perfection!
2. Prepare the Potatoes:
Scrub your russet potatoes to clean them. After drying them well, pierce each with a fork a few times. For soft skins, microwave them on high for 6-8 minutes until they are slightly softened but not fully cooked. Alternatively, you can parboil the potatoes in boiling water for 5-7 minutes.
3. Scoop Out the Flesh:
Once the potatoes are cool enough to handle, cut each one in half lengthwise. Carefully scoop out most of the flesh, leaving a 1/4-inch thick shell. Save the scooped potato for another delicious use, like mashed potatoes!
4. Season the Potato Skins:
Brush the insides of your potato skins with olive oil and sprinkle them with salt and pepper. This will give them great flavor and help them get crispy!
5. Bake the Skins:
Place the potato skins, skin side down, on a baking sheet and bake for about 15 minutes until they start to crisp up.
6. Cook the Bacon:
While the skins are baking, cook the bacon strips in a skillet over medium heat until they’re nice and crispy. Once done, drain them on a paper towel and crumble them into small pieces.
7. Fill the Potato Skins:
Take the crispy potato skins out of the oven and fill them with a bit of melted butter, a sprinkle of cheddar cheese, and crumbled bacon.
8. Bake Again:
Put the filled potato skins back in the oven and bake for another 10 minutes, or until the cheese is nice and melted and bubbly.
9. Top with Sour Cream and Chives:
Remove the skins from the oven and top each one with a dollop of sour cream. Finish with a sprinkle of fresh chives for a delightful color and flavor kick!
10. Serve and Enjoy!
These crispy, cheesy potato skin bites are ready to be devoured! Serve them immediately as a fantastic appetizer or snack that’s sure to please everyone.
Enjoy your cooking adventure, and get ready for the compliments on these tasty bites!
Can I Use Different Types of Potatoes?
Yes! While russet potatoes work best for their fluffy texture, you can substitute Yukon Gold potatoes for a creamier filling. Just keep in mind that waxy potatoes, like red potatoes, may not crisp up as well.
Can I Make These Potato Skins Vegetarian?
Absolutely! Simply omit the bacon or substitute it with a plant-based bacon alternative. You can also add more vegetables like jalapeños or bell peppers for extra flavor!
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover potato skin bites in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes until heated through, ensuring they stay crispy!
Can I Prepare the Potato Skins in Advance?
Yes! You can prepare the potato skins up to the baking stage, then refrigerate them for a few hours. Just add the filling and bake them when you’re ready to serve!
