Loaded Potato Skins Cheddar Beef (Printable)

Crispy potato skins topped with cheddar, beef bacon, and fresh garnishes for a savory bite.

# Ingredient List:

→ Base

01 - 4 large russet potatoes, scrubbed clean

→ Toppings

02 - 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
03 - 6 slices beef bacon, cooked crispy and chopped
04 - 1/3 cup sour cream
05 - 2 green onions, thinly sliced
06 - 2 tablespoons chopped fresh chives

→ Seasonings

07 - 2 tablespoons olive oil
08 - 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
09 - 1/2 teaspoon paprika
10 - Salt and black pepper to taste

# How to Make:

01 - Preheat oven to 400°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
02 - Pierce potatoes with fork several times. Bake directly on oven rack for 45 minutes until tender. Let cool slightly.
03 - Cook beef bacon in skillet over medium heat until crisp. Drain on paper towels and chop into small pieces.
04 - Halve cooled potatoes lengthwise. Scoop out flesh leaving 1/4-inch border. Reserve scooped flesh for another use.
05 - Brush potato skins with olive oil on both sides. Sprinkle with garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
06 - Place skins skin-side down on baking sheet. Bake 10 minutes until edges are crisp.
07 - Fill each skin with cheddar cheese and beef bacon. Return to oven for 5 to 7 minutes until cheese melts and bubbles.
08 - Remove from oven. Top with sour cream, green onions, and chives. Serve immediately.

# Expert Tips:

01 -
  • The combination of crispy potato skin, melted sharp cheddar, and smoky beef bacon creates that perfect bar food texture right at home
  • These are incredibly forgiving and you can load them with whatever toppings speak to you
02 -
  • Scooping out the potato flesh while they are still warm makes the job significantly easier and prevents the skins from tearing
  • Letting the skins crisp up in the oven after brushing with oil is what prevents them from becoming soggy under all those toppings
03 -
  • Save the scooped out potato flesh for breakfast hash or mashed potatoes the next day
  • For extra crispy skins, turn on the broiler for the last minute of cooking but watch them closely

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