Crispy Loaded Baked Potato Game Day Skins
A quick and easy 5-ingredient appetizer made from leftover baked potatoes, topped with cheddar cheese, bacon, and green onions. Perfect for game day or last-minute snacking.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 60 minutes
- Total Time: 80 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Appetizer
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 large russet potatoes
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil or olive oil
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup cooked bacon bits or crumbled bacon
- 2 stalks green onions, thinly sliced
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp paprika
- Sour cream for serving (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Wash potatoes, poke holes with a fork, rub with oil and salt, and bake for 45-60 minutes until tender. Let cool completely.
- Cut cooled potatoes in half lengthwise. Scoop out the flesh, leaving a 1/4-inch layer attached to the skin.
- Brush the inside of the empty skins with oil and sprinkle with garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Place skins on a baking sheet or in an air fryer basket. Bake at 400°F (200°C) for 10-15 minutes or air fry at 380°F (190°C) for 8-10 minutes until crisp.
- Remove skins from heat and top with shredded cheddar cheese and bacon bits.
- Return to oven or air fryer for 2-3 minutes until cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Garnish with sliced green onions and serve immediately with sour cream on the side.
Notes
Ensure potatoes are completely cool before scooping to prevent them from falling apart. For best texture, serve immediately. Leftover shells can be frozen without toppings and reheated in the oven to restore crispness.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 potato skins per s
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 2
- Sodium: 450
- Fat: 22
- Saturated Fat: 10
- Carbohydrates: 28
- Fiber: 3
- Protein: 12
Keywords: potato skins, game day snacks, air fryer recipes, easy appetizer, comfort food, leftover potatoes, bacon and cheese