Loaded Potato Skins Recipe: A Delicious and Easy Appetizer for Any Occasion

Preparing the Potatoes

Potatoes being washed, scrubbed, and then sliced in half lengthwise.</p><p>Scooping out the flesh to create hollowed-out potato skins

Loaded potato skins make a tasty snack or appetizer.

They’re crispy on the outside and soft on the inside, perfect for topping with cheese, bacon, and other delicious ingredients.

Ingredients:

  • Russet potatoes
  • Olive oil
  • Kosher salt
  • Black pepper
  • Baking sheet
  • Parchment paper

Selecting the Right Potatoes

Choosing the right potatoes is key for this dish. Russet potatoes are the best option because they have a thick skin and fluffy interior.

This helps them hold their shape when baked and makes them ideal for scooping.

Aim for medium to large potatoes as they provide more surface area for toppings.

Look for potatoes that are firm with no blemishes or soft spots.

This ensures you get the best flavor and texture.

Cleaning and Cutting

Once you’ve selected your potatoes, it’s time to clean them.

Wash the potatoes under running water.

Use a vegetable brush to scrub off any dirt.

Pat them dry with a towel to prevent excess moisture.

Next, cut the potatoes in half lengthwise.

You can choose to slice them into wedges for smaller skins or keep them in halves for larger ones.

Be sure to use a sharp knife to make clean cuts.

This will help the skins crisp up nicely during baking.

Oiling and Seasoning

After cutting, it’s important to season the skins.

Drizzle olive oil on both the cut sides and rub it evenly.

This helps achieve a crispy texture.

Sprinkle kosher salt and black pepper over the skins to add flavor.

Feel free to use other spices if you like, such as garlic powder or paprika.

Make sure to cover the edges as well.

This will enhance the taste of your potato skins.

Baking to Perfection

Now it’s time to bake the potato skins.

After seasoning, place the halves or wedges cut side down on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.

This prevents sticking and makes cleanup easier.

Preheat your oven to 425°F to get that perfect crisp.

Bake the potatoes for about 30 to 40 minutes.

They should be golden brown and the skins crispy.

Check them frequently to avoid burning.

After baking, let them cool for about 10 minutes.

Then, scoop out some of the insides if desired, leaving a bit of potato for texture.

Now, they’re ready for your favorite toppings!