Crispy Potato Skins with Bacon (Printable)

Crispy baked potato halves loaded with melted cheddar, smoky bacon, and fresh green onions for sharing.

# 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

→ Seasoning

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

# Directions:

01 - Preheat the oven to 400°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
02 - Prick the potatoes all over with a fork. Rub with 1 tablespoon olive oil and sprinkle with salt.
03 - Place 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.
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. 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 insides and outsides of potato skins with remaining olive oil. Place 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 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 hot.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • Transforms humble potatoes into something that feels like party food without any real effort
  • The crispy skin to melted cheese ratio hits every craving in one bite
02 -
  • Letting the potatoes cool before scooping is crucial or the skins will tear and you will lose structural integrity
  • Brushing both sides with oil during the second bake is what creates that satisfying crunch instead of soggy skins
03 -
  • Bake the potato skins cut side down during the crisping phase so they curl slightly and hold toppings better
  • Use a small ice cream scoop to remove the potato flesh for consistent thickness every time
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