Crispy Bacon Cheddar Potato Skins (Printable)

Golden baked potato halves loaded with melted cheddar, crispy bacon, and green onions.

# What You'll Need:

→ Potatoes

01 - 4 medium russet potatoes, scrubbed clean

→ Toppings

02 - 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
03 - 4 slices bacon
04 - 3 green onions, thinly sliced
05 - 2 tablespoons sour cream (optional, for serving)

→ Seasoning

06 - 2 tablespoons olive oil
07 - 1/2 teaspoon salt
08 - 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

# How-To Steps:

01 - Preheat the oven to 400°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
02 - Prick the potatoes all over with a fork. Rub each potato with 1 tablespoon olive oil and sprinkle evenly with salt.
03 - Place the prepared potatoes on the baking sheet. Bake for 40–45 minutes until tender when pierced with a knife.
04 - While potatoes bake, cook bacon in a skillet over medium heat until crisp. Drain on paper towels, then crumble or chop into pieces.
05 - Remove baked potatoes from the oven. Let cool for 10 minutes. Lower oven temperature to 375°F.
06 - Cut each potato in half lengthwise. Carefully scoop out most of the flesh, leaving about 1/4 inch of potato attached to the skin. Reserve scooped potato for another use.
07 - Brush the insides and outsides of potato skins with remaining olive oil. Arrange skin-side down on the baking sheet. Bake for 8–10 minutes until crisp.
08 - Sprinkle cheese evenly into each potato skin. Top with crumbled bacon. Return to oven and bake for 5–7 minutes until cheese is melted and bubbly.
09 - Remove from oven. Garnish with sliced green onions and a dollop of sour cream if desired. Serve immediately while hot.

# Expert Tips:

01 -
  • The contrast between shatteringly crisp skins and creamy melted cheese is absolutely addictive
  • They come together faster than youd think, especially if you bake the potatoes ahead
02 -
  • Dont skip pricking the potatoes—steam needs to escape or they might burst in the oven
  • Scoop carefully when the potatoes are still warm but not hot enough to burn your fingers
  • Let the skins get really crisp before adding cheese or theyll turn soggy under the toppings
03 -
  • Use a pastry brush to get oil into every nook and cranny of the skins
  • Grate your own cheese instead of buying pre-shredded for better melting
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