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CRISPY BAKED Potato Skins – Golden, Cheesy & Crowd-Pleasing

Few appetizers deliver instant excitement like Crispy Baked Potato Skins. Crunchy on the outside, tender inside, and loaded with cheesy goodness, these oven-baked favorites are perfect for parties, game nights, or a fun family snack. Best of all, they’re baked—not fried—so you get that irresistible crunch without the mess. This recipe keeps things pork-free and alcohol-free while maximizing flavor with simple seasonings, olive oil, and melty cheese. Easy to prep, easy to customize, and impossible to resist—these potato skins disappear fast, so consider making a double batch!
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour 10 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 25 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • Simple ingredients for maximum crisp and flavor.
Potatoes
  • 6 medium russet potatoes scrubbed clean
Seasoning & Fat
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
Cheese
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • ½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese
Optional Toppings (Pork-Free)
  • Finely chopped green onions
  • Sour cream for serving
  • Shredded cooked chicken or ground beef

Equipment

  • Baking sheet
  • Parchment paper (or foil)
  • Sharp knife
  • Spoon for scooping
  • Mixing bowl
  • Oven

Method
 

  1. Follow these steps for perfectly crispy baked potato skins.
Step 1: Bake the Potatoes
  1. Preheat oven to 200°C (400°F).
  2. Pierce potatoes with a fork.
  3. Bake directly on the oven rack for 45–50 minutes, until tender.
  4. Let cool slightly.
Step 2: Scoop the Potatoes
  1. Cut potatoes in half lengthwise.
  2. Carefully scoop out the flesh, leaving about ¼ inch inside the skins.
  3. Reserve potato flesh for another use.
Step 3: Season the Skins
  1. Place potato skins skin-side up on a baking sheet.
  2. Brush with olive oil.
  3. Sprinkle with salt, black pepper, and smoked paprika.
Step 4: First Bake (Crisp Time)
  1. Flip skins cut-side down.
  2. Bake for 10 minutes.
  3. Flip again and bake another 10 minutes, until golden and crispy.
Step 5: Add Cheese
  1. Sprinkle cheddar and mozzarella evenly into each skin.
  2. Add cooked chicken or beef if using.
Step 6: Final Bake
  1. Return to oven and bake 5–7 minutes, until cheese is melted and bubbly.
Step 7: Serve
  1. Garnish with green onions.
  2. Serve hot with sour cream on the side.

Notes

🧊 Storage & Reheating
Storage
Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Reheating
Reheat in the oven at 190°C (375°F) until crisp again.
Freezing
Freeze unbaked, filled skins for up to 1 month.
🥄 Variations
Customize your baked potato skins:
Extra Crispy
Brush with oil again before the second bake.
Spicy Kick
Add chili flakes or paprika.
Cheese Lovers
Add extra cheddar on top.
Protein Boost
Top with seasoned ground beef or shredded chicken.
Veggie Style
Add sautéed mushrooms or bell peppers.
❓ 10 FAQs
Why use russet potatoes?
They crisp best and hold their shape.
Can I air-fry them?
Yes, reduce time slightly.
Do I need foil?
No, but parchment helps with cleanup.
Can I make them ahead?
Yes, bake and reheat before serving.
Are they kid-friendly?
Very—crispy and cheesy.
Can I skip cheese?
Yes, but cheese adds richness.
Why leave potato inside?
It keeps skins sturdy and tender.
Do they stay crispy?
Best served fresh from the oven.
Can I double the recipe?
Yes, use two baking sheets.
Are these filling?
Yes, especially with protein toppings.
🏁 Conclusion
These Crispy Baked Potato Skins are everything you want in a classic appetizer—golden, crunchy, cheesy, and endlessly customizable. Easy to make and always a hit, they’re perfect for entertaining or a fun snack night at home.
Once you try them, they’ll become a go-to favorite for every occasion.