These loaded potato skins are the perfect addition to a Father's Day menu that's a little bit more special than your typical weekend dinner. Cheddar is grated into the potatoes, followed by crispy bacon and a hint of smoked paprika for a bit of spice. They do not really belong to breakfast or dessert, but consider them the savoury snack for lunch and dinner or simply enjoy them as a standalone with a cold beverage. The crunchy potato shell, the melted cheese that's gooey, and the cool swirl of Greek yoghurt at the end balances the richness.
Roast the whole potatoes until they are tender, then scoop out the inside and fill with butter, seasoning, cheese and bacon. With a quick run under the broiler, everything will melt together and crisp up the edges. There's no fancy equipment required to prepare this loaded potato skins recipe. You just need a sheet pan and an oven.
If you're inviting people to dinner this Father's Day, this potato skins recipe is perfect because it should be easy to make a double batch. Once potatoes are in the oven, it requires little hands-on attention. This is even easy to accomplish for beginners. When you have leftovers, simply store them in the refrigerator for 1-2 days. Do not add the yoghurt and the green onions or chives until you are ready to reheat and serve. They will be just as delicious the second time.
Preheat the oven to 218°C and line a baking sheet with aluminum foil or parchment paper that is broiler safe. Wash potatoes well in running water and pat them dry. Poke each potato with a fork numerous times to let the steam escape when baking. Rub each potato with the olive oil and generously season with ½ teaspoon of the kosher salt. Arrange them on the prepared baking sheet.
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Step 2: Bake the potatoes
Bake for 25 minutes, then flip each potato and bake for 15–25 more minutes. If a fork slides in easily with no resistance then it's cooked. After baking, take the potatoes out of the oven and allow them to cool down until safe to touch.
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Step 3: Hollow out the potato shells
When slightly cooled, slice each potato in half lengthwise. Gently use a spoon to scoop out the fluffy interior flesh leaving a thin skin about ¼–½ inch thick. Set the scooped-out flesh aside so you can use it for another dish. Transfer hollow shells to the baking sheet, flesh-side up. Place an oven rack in the upper third of the oven and set the oven to broil.
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Step 4: Mix the seasoning blend
Add smoked paprika, garlic powder and cayenne (or black pepper) to a small bowl and mix with the remaining ¼ teaspoon kosher salt. Stir well to combine.
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Step 5: Butter, season & load the skins
Spoon or brush with melted butter into each potato shell. Sprinkle evenly with the spice mixture. Then spread the shredded cheddar cheese evenly across each of the shells, followed by the crumbled bacon.
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Step 6: Broil until golden & bubbly
Place the baking sheet in the upper third of the oven under the broiler. Broil for 3-4 minutes, checking often. You want the cheese to be melted, be bubbly and lightly golden around the edges with a few brown spots. Once that happens, take it out of the oven.
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Step 7: Garnish & serve
Place the loaded potato skins on a serving platter. Place a dollop of Greek yoghurt on each skin and top with fresh green onions.
Yes, but for the best taste and texture, they're best enjoyed the day they're made. They can be refrigerated for up to 1-2 days but without adding the chives and Greek yoghurt.
This loaded potato skins recipe is gluten free because it includes no flour or gluten containing ingredients, just potatoes, cheese, bacon, Greek yoghurt and spices.
Bake in a 218°C oven until heated through, usually takes about five minutes. When warmed, add the toppings just before serving.
No, potato skins don't freeze well. When thawed, they get soggy and lose their texture, so it is preferable to prepare them fresh or refrigerate them for a day or two.