Super Bowl Loaded Potato Skins

Name: Super Bowl Loaded Potato Skins
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 50 min
Yield: 6 servings
Ingredients: 4 large russet potatoes; 2 tablespoons olive oil; 1 teaspoon salt; 1/2 teaspoon pepper; 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese; 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese; 1/2 cup cooked bacon bits; 1/4 cup chopped green onions; Sour cream for serving

Highlighted under: Comfort Food

I absolutely love making Super Bowl Loaded Potato Skins for game day! They're the perfect way to showcase crispy potato skins packed with flavor and topped with all my favorite ingredients. It's a fun and interactive dish that everyone can customize to their liking. I like to use a mix of cheddar and mozzarella cheese along with crispy bacon bits and fresh green onions. The result is a mouthwatering appetizer that disappears in minutes, making it ideal for a crowd during the big game!

Created by

Jenna Rowland

Last updated on 2026-01-13T04:49:23.635Z

When I first tried making Loaded Potato Skins, I experimented with various toppings. After a few trials, I discovered that baking the potatoes until perfectly crispy creates a wonderful base for all the delicious fillings. I like to scoop out just enough of the flesh to create space for cheesy goodness without compromising the skin's integrity.

A crucial tip I learned is to finish the skins under the broiler for a couple of minutes. This gives the cheese a gooey texture while making the edges of the skins beautifully crisp. Trust me, you won't regret this extra step during your Super Bowl party!

        Why You Will Love This Recipe
        Crispy potato skins packed with melty cheese and savory toppings
Easily customizable for everyone's taste preferences
A crowd-pleaser perfect for parties and gatherings

      

The Importance of Properly Baking Potatoes

Baking the potatoes at 400°F (200°C) is crucial for achieving that perfect tender texture. The high heat allows the insides to cook through while keeping the skins firm enough to hold the delicious fillings. A good guide is to bake them until they're tender when pierced, which typically takes about 45 minutes. If your potatoes are larger, you may need a little extra time, so keep an eye on them after the 40-minute mark.

Pricking the potatoes before baking not only allows steam to escape, preventing them from bursting, but it also helps achieve a crispier skin. If you find your skins are soft after baking, try giving them an extra five minutes under the broiler after adding the toppings to enhance the crunch factor.

Customizing Your Fillings

While cheddar and mozzarella are a classic combination for these potato skins, feel free to experiment with other cheese varieties to suit your taste. For a bolder flavor, consider using pepper jack, gouda, or even blue cheese. Just make sure that whatever cheese you choose melts well for that gooey texture we all love.

To cater to different dietary preferences or restrictions, you can easily swap out the bacon for a vegetarian option like sautéed mushrooms or black beans. Adding jalapeños or spicy sausage can kick the flavor up a notch, making your loaded potato skins a unique thrill for the taste buds.

Serving and Storing Tips

Serving these loaded potato skins fresh out of the oven is ideal since the cheese is melty and the skins are crispy. A dollop of sour cream on top can add a creamy contrast to the savory toppings. Additionally, you could offer other condiments like guacamole or spicy salsa on the side for your guests to customize their bites.

If you're making a large batch, consider par-baking the potatoes ahead of time. After scooping out the flesh, you can freeze the prepared skins. When you’re ready to serve, just top and bake from frozen, adding an extra few minutes to ensure they're heated through and the cheese is melted. This makes it easy to whip up this crowd-pleaser on game day without too much fuss.

Ingredients

For the Potato Skins

4 large russet potatoes
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon pepper

For the Fillings

1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
1/2 cup cooked bacon bits
1/4 cup chopped green onions
Sour cream for serving

Feel free to mix and match the toppings based on your preference!

Instructions

Prepare the Potatoes

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Scrub the russet potatoes under cold water and dry them. Prick each potato several times with a fork to allow steam to escape during baking. Rub the potatoes with olive oil, salt, and pepper.

Bake the Potatoes

Place the potatoes directly on the oven rack and bake for about 45 minutes or until they are tender when pierced with a fork. Remove from the oven and let cool slightly.

Scoop and Season

Once the potatoes are cool enough to handle, slice them in half lengthwise. Scoop out most of the flesh, leaving about 1/4 inch of potato on the skin. Brush the insides with olive oil, season with salt and pepper, and place them back on the baking sheet.

Add Fillings

Sprinkle the cheddar and mozzarella cheese into the scooped-out potato skins, then top with the bacon bits and green onions.

Broil the Skins

Broil the potato skins in the oven for about 5 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Keep a close eye to prevent burning.

Serve Hot

Remove from the oven and serve hot with sour cream on the side. Enjoy your Super Bowl Loaded Potato Skins!

These skins are best enjoyed fresh out of the oven!

Pro Tips

Experiment with different toppings like jalapeños for heat or barbecue chicken for a twist. Keep the skins crispy by storing them in a warm oven until ready to serve.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

If your potato skins turn out too soggy, it might be due to not baking thoroughly. Always ensure that you bake them until they are tender but still firm before scooping out the flesh. If they are undercooked initially, they won't achieve the right texture when loaded with cheese and toppings.

Sometimes, cheese can overflow during broiling, creating a mess. To prevent this, be mindful of the quantity of cheese used; stick to a generous handful rather than piling it too high. Additionally, using a baking sheet lined with parchment paper will help catch any drips for easy cleanup.

Scaling the Recipe

This recipe is very versatile, making it easy to scale up for large gatherings. Simply multiply the quantities of potatoes and toppings according to your guest list. A good rule of thumb is to estimate one potato skin per person, but you might want extra, considering how quickly they tend to disappear.

If you're short on oven space, consider using an air fryer for a batch of potato skins while the others bake in the oven. Set the air fryer to 400°F (200°C) and cook for about 10-12 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and the skins are crisp. This method not only saves time but also delivers delicious results.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use a different type of potato?

Yes, you can use fingerling or red potatoes, but keep in mind the texture and flavor might differ.

→ How can I make this recipe vegetarian?

Simply omit the bacon and add extra cheese or vegetables like peppers or mushrooms.

→ Can I prepare the potato skins in advance?

You can prepare the potatoes ahead of time, but cook and add toppings just before serving for the best texture.

→ What other toppings can I add?

Feel free to experiment with toppings like guacamole, salsa, or even chili for a hearty version.