Loaded Potato Skins are one of the best game day appetizers out there! To make this recipe, just bake the potatoes, scoop out some of the insides, bake again, then fill with a cheesy, bacon mixture, and toss them back in the oven.
Rinse and scrub the potatoes to remove any visible dirt of debris. Dry them thoroughly with a dish towel. Poke 6-8 holes all over using the tines of a fork. Drizzle 1 teaspoon of oil on each potato and rub it into the skin. Sprinkle generously with coarse salt and black pepper.
Place potatoes on a foil-lined baking sheet. Bake for 50-60 minutes, or until a knife easily pierces through.
While the potatoes are baking, cook bacon in a skillet or make Air Fryer Bacon. Drain the bacon on a paper towel-lined plate. Once cooled, coarsely chop it.
Let the potatoes cool for at least 10 minutes, or until they are safe to handle. Cut the potatoes in half lengthwise. Using a spoon, scoop out the insides of each half leaving ¼-½ inch of potato flesh next to the skin.
Increase the oven temperature to 450 degrees.
In a medium-sized bowl whisk together the melted butter, garlic powder, and onion powder. Brush the butter mixture over the insides of the potato halves and then sprinkle with ½ teaspoon of salt.
Place the potato halves scoop-side up onto the baking sheet and return to the oven for another 20 minutes, flipping over halfway through.
Turn the potato skins back over so they are cut side-up and then sprinkle with even amounts of the cheese and the bacon pieces. Return them to the oven for 2 minutes, or until the cheese is melted.
Serve the potato skins with a dollop of sour cream and a sprinkle of green onions.
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Notes
Meal Prep and Storage
How to prep ahead of time: You can simply bake the potatoes and cook the bacon a day or two ahead of time. Or, completely prepare this dish and bake just before serving.
How to store: Keep leftover potato skins in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 to 5 days.
How to freeze: While you can freeze potato skins, they will do best if frozen without the cheese and bacon on top. Tightly wrap or store in a freezer-safe container in the freezer for up to 4 to 5 months.
How to reheat: Potato skins are best reheated in the oven to get the crispy texture back. You can use the microwave, but the texture will be different.