Appetizer: United States – Crispy Baked Potato Skins

Food safety reminder: Follow safe food-handling practices and use a food thermometer to verify safe internal cooking temperatures.

Serving Size: 4

Approximate Time

Prep 10 min

Cook 1 hr 15 min

Total 1 hr 25 min

Ingredients

4 large russet potatoes
6 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (4 oz / 115 g)
1 / 4 cup chopped green onions (15 g)
2 tbsp (30 ml) olive oil
Salt and pepper, to taste
Sour cream, for serving

Instructions

1. **Prepare Potatoes**: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Scrub the potatoes clean under running water, then pat dry. Pierce the potatoes with a fork and rub them with olive oil. Place them directly on the oven rack and bake for about 45 minutes to 1 hour, until tender. Remove and let cool slightly.
2. **Prepare Potato Skins**: Once cool enough to handle, cut each potato in half lengthwise. Gently scoop out most of the flesh, leaving a small border to maintain the shape. Reserve the scooped-out potato for another use.
3. **Season and Bake**: Brush the insides of the potato skins with olive oil, and season with salt and pepper. Return to the oven, cut side down, and bake for 10 minutes. Flip the skins and bake for another 10 minutes until crisp.
4. **Add Toppings**: Remove the potato skins from the oven. Sprinkle each with cheddar cheese and crumbled bacon. Return to the oven for an additional 5-7 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
5. **Serve**: Garnish with chopped green onions and serve with sour cream on the side for dipping. Enjoy these crispy potato skins as a crowd-pleasing appetizer or snack!