Super Bowl Loaded Potato Skins

Name: Super Bowl Loaded Potato Skins
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 4 large russet potatoes; 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese; 1/2 cup cooked and crumbled bacon; 1/4 cup sour cream; 2 green onions, sliced; Salt and pepper to taste; Olive oil for brushing

Highlighted under: Comfort Food

I love to kick off our Super Bowl parties with these Loaded Potato Skins. They’re irresistibly crispy and packed with flavor, making them the perfect game day snack. Each bite is a delightful mix of savory toppings and creamy potato filling. Plus, they’re surprisingly simple to make, which allows me to spend more time enjoying the game with friends and family. With ingredients like cheese, bacon, and green onions, they’re a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that never lasts long on the table!

Created by

Jenna Rowland

Last updated on 2026-01-12T01:58:09.292Z

Preparing these Loaded Potato Skins has become a cherished tradition in our household during the Super Bowl. I’ve experimented with a few variations, but what makes these stand out is the combination of crispy potatoes with the perfect amount of cheese and bacon. One of my favorite tips is to parboil the potatoes prior to baking; it ensures that the insides are fluffy while the skins get beautifully crispy. This contrast in textures is what keeps everyone coming back for more.

Over time, I’ve discovered that adding a sprinkle of smoked paprika and finishing with fresh chives elevates the flavors significantly. The subtle smokiness complements the richness of the bacon, creating an unmatched depth of flavor. Whether you’re munching on them during the big game or serving them at a gathering, these Loaded Potato Skins will surely be the star of the show!

        Why You'll Love This Recipe
        Crispy, golden skins filled with creamy potato goodness
A perfect blend of savory toppings that everyone loves
Quick to prepare, making them an ideal snack for gatherings

      

Key Cooking Techniques

Achieving the perfect baked potato skins relies heavily on the initial baking process. When you bake the potatoes at 400°F (200°C) for 40-45 minutes, the goal is to ensure they are fork-tender throughout. Use a sharp fork to prick the skin, which allows steam to escape and helps prevent any bursting while baking. You want a crispy skin that holds up well after the toppings are added, so avoid overlapping the potatoes on the baking sheet to allow even heat circulation.

After baking, let the potatoes cool slightly before handling them. This cooling step is crucial as it makes scooping out the insides much easier and minimizes the risk of burning your hands. Keep a small layer of potato in the skins for structural integrity; this helps prevent breakage when you load them with toppings and creates a heartier texture.

Ingredient Insights

When it comes to toppings, choosing quality ingredients can elevate the flavor of your Loaded Potato Skins. Using sharp cheddar cheese instead of regular can provide a deeper flavor punch, which pairs beautifully with the salty bacon. If you're looking for a lighter option, consider substituting with reduced-fat cheese, though be mindful that it may not melt as well. Freshness really counts, so opt for freshly sliced green onions instead of pre-chopped for a vibrant crunch.

For the bacon, thick-cut varieties will give you that satisfying, chewy bite, enhancing the overall texture. If you're vegetarian, you can replace bacon with seasoned mushrooms or smoked tempeh for a similar umami flavor. These substitutions maintain the savory aspect of the dish while catering to diverse dietary preferences.

Storage and Serving Suggestions

If you're preparing these Loaded Potato Skins ahead of time, you can bake the potato skins and store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. When you're ready to enjoy them, reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes, which will help restore their crispiness. This way, you can easily serve them fresh and hot whenever hunger strikes during the game.

For serving, these potato skins are versatile and can be garnished with a variety of toppings. I love adding a dollop of guacamole or fresh salsa on the side for guests to personalize their bites. Pairing the skins with a spicy dipping sauce can also create a delightful contrast to their creamy potato filling, making each bite even more exciting.

Ingredients

Loaded Potato Skins Ingredients

4 large russet potatoes
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1/2 cup cooked and crumbled bacon
1/4 cup sour cream
2 green onions, sliced
Salt and pepper to taste
Olive oil for brushing

Instructions

Prepare the Potatoes

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Wash and scrub the potatoes, then prick them with a fork. Brush with olive oil and sprinkle with salt. Bake for 40-45 minutes until fork-tender.

Scoop and Prepare Skins

Remove the potatoes from the oven and let them cool slightly. Once cool enough to handle, cut them in half lengthwise and scoop out some of the insides, leaving a small layer of potato on the skin.

Add Toppings

Brush the insides of the potato skins with olive oil, sprinkle with salt and pepper, and place them back in the oven for about 10 minutes. Remove from the oven, fill each skin with cheese and bacon, and return to oven for another 15 minutes until the cheese is bubbly.

Serve

Once done, top with sour cream and green onions. Serve hot and enjoy!

Pro Tips

For extra flavor, try adding a sprinkle of smoked paprika or your favorite hot sauce to the sour cream before serving.

Scaling the Recipe

Scaling this recipe is straightforward and ideal for larger gatherings. For every additional four large russet potatoes, consider adding an extra cup of cheese and half a cup of bacon to maintain the flavor balance. When adapting the cook times, keep in mind that larger quantities may require slightly longer baking in the initial steps, so check for doneness regularly.

You can also make mini potato skins using smaller potatoes, like baby Yukon Golds or new potatoes. Adjust the baking time to around 30 minutes, keeping an eye on them to ensure they reach the perfect tender texture without overcooking.

Troubleshooting Tips

If you find that your potato skins aren't as crispy as you'd like them to be, it could be due to excess moisture. Make sure to thoroughly dry the potato skins after scooping, and brush them generously with olive oil before the second bake. If they still lack crunch, consider broiling them for an additional 2-3 minutes at the end of cooking to get that golden finish.

In case the cheese isn’t melting properly, ensure you're using shredded cheese rather than block forms. Shredded cheese has anti-caking agents that can disrupt melting. If your cheese still doesn't melt well, try covering the skins with aluminum foil during the second baking phase, then removing it for the last few minutes to allow the cheese to bubble up nicely.

Flavor Variations

Feel free to get creative with seasoning and flavor combinations! Adding a sprinkle of smoked paprika or cayenne pepper before baking can give the potato skins a delightful kick. For a gourmet twist, consider drizzling with a balsamic reduction or serving with a side of truffle aioli instead of traditional sour cream.

For a southwestern flair, incorporate ingredients like black beans, corn, or diced jalapeños into the filling. Topping with a zesty lime crema instead of sour cream can also enhance the flavor profile beautifully while giving a fresh twist to your Super Bowl snack spread.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I prepare these potato skins ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the scooped potato skins in advance. Just add the toppings before baking.

→ What other toppings can I use?

Feel free to customize with toppings like jalapeños, olives, or different types of cheese.

→ Can I make these vegetarian?

Absolutely! Simply omit the bacon and add extra veggies like bell peppers or mushrooms.

→ How should I store leftovers?

Store leftover potato skins in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.