Description

Crispy, golden potato skins pan-fried in bacon fat, topped with sharp cheddar cheese and crispy bacon crumbles. An easy, scalable, and indulgent game day snack that delivers maximum crunch and flavor.

Ingredients

Scale

4 large Russet potatoes (approx. 2 lbs / 900g)
8 oz (225g) thick-cut bacon
1.5 cups (170g) sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
2 tbsp (30g) butter
Salt and black pepper to taste
2 stalks green onions, sliced
Sour cream for serving (optional)

Instructions

Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Pierce potatoes with a fork and bake directly on the rack for 45-60 minutes until tender. Let cool completely.
Slice cooled potatoes in half lengthwise. Scoop out the flesh, leaving a 1/4-inch border attached to the skin. Save the flesh for other uses.
Cook bacon in a large skillet over medium heat until crispy. Remove bacon to a paper towel-lined plate. Reserve 2 tablespoons of bacon fat in the skillet.
Heat the reserved bacon fat (add butter if needed) in the skillet over medium-high heat. Place potato skins cut-side down in the hot fat. Fry for 2-3 minutes until golden and crisp.
Flip skins and fry the other side for 1 minute to set. Remove to a paper towel to drain. Season lightly with salt and pepper.
Arrange fried skins on a foil-lined baking sheet. Pile shredded cheddar cheese generously onto each skin.
Sprinkle crispy bacon crumbles over the cheese.
Bake for 3-5 minutes until cheese is bubbly and melted.
Remove from oven and immediately sprinkle with sliced green onions. Serve hot with sour cream on the side.

Notes

Cool potatoes completely before scooping to prevent skins from breaking. Do not skip the pan-frying step for maximum crunch. Shred your own cheese for better melting. These are best served fresh but can be reheated in an air fryer or toaster oven.

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Category: Appetizer
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 2 skins per serving
Calories: 320
Sugar: 2
Sodium: 450
Fat: 18
Saturated Fat: 9
Carbohydrates: 28
Fiber: 3
Protein: 12

Keywords: game day snacks, potato skins, bacon cheddar, party food, easy appetizer, super bowl snacks, crispy potato skins