These Potato Skin Bites are a fun and tasty snack! Crispy on the outside and soft on the inside, they’re loaded with cheese, bacon, and a bit of green onion.
You can’t go wrong with potato skins—they’re the life of the party! I love serving them warm with a little sour cream on the side. Who can resist that? 🍽️
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Russet Potatoes: These are ideal for skin bites due to their starchy texture. If you need a quicker option, use small baby potatoes for bite-sized versions, but adjust the baking time.
Bacon: I love using regular bacon for that classic flavor. If you want a healthier twist, turkey bacon or even vegan bacon can work well.
Cheddar Cheese: Sharp cheddar adds a great taste, but feel free to mix it up! Monterey Jack or pepper jack cheeses can provide a different kick. You can even use dairy-free cheese if you like.
Sour Cream: For a lighter version, Greek yogurt is a fantastic substitute. You can add a sprinkle of lime for extra flavor!
How Do I Get My Potato Skins Extra Crispy?
Getting perfectly crispy potato skins is all about two key steps. First, after scooping out the flesh, coat those skins with olive oil and season them well. The oil helps them crisp up beautifully in the oven.
- Bake them once for about 10 minutes skin-side down to start the browning process.
- Keep an eye on them while they’re baking after adding the cheese and bacon; you want them bubbly and brown but not burnt!
Delicious Potato Skin Bites Recipe
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Potato Skins:
- 3 large russet potatoes
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt, to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
For the Filling:
- 6 slices bacon
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup sour cream, plus extra for topping
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh chives
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes of prep time and about 1 hour and 10 minutes of cooking time. You’ll spend about 45-60 minutes baking the potatoes, followed by some quick assembly and final baking to get everything nice and crispy. In total, you’ll be enjoying these tasty treats in about 1 hour and 25 minutes!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Bake the Potatoes:
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). Wash the potatoes under cold water and use a fork to prick them several times. This allows steam to escape while baking. Rub the potatoes lightly with olive oil and sprinkle them with salt, then place them on a baking sheet. Bake for 45-60 minutes, until they are tender when pierced with a fork.
2. Cook the Bacon:
While the potatoes are baking, heat a skillet over medium heat and cook the bacon slices until they are crispy. Once they’re done, transfer them to a plate lined with paper towels to drain any excess grease. Once cooled, crumble or chop the bacon into small pieces.
3. Prepare the Potato Skins:
Once the baked potatoes are cool enough to handle, cut each one in half lengthwise. Use a spoon to scoop out the flesh, leaving about 1/4 inch of potato on the skin to hold its shape. Be careful not to tear the skins!
4. Season and Crisp the Skins:
Brush the inside and outside of each potato skin with a little olive oil and season with a pinch of salt and pepper. Place the skins back on the baking sheet, skin-side down, and bake for an additional 10 minutes to crisp them up.
5. Fill and Final Bake:
Remove the baking sheet from the oven and carefully flip the potato skins over. Fill each skin with shredded cheddar cheese and sprinkle the crumbled bacon on top. Return the baking sheet to the oven and bake for another 10-12 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
6. Add Toppings and Serve:
Once they’re out of the oven, add a small dollop of sour cream on top of each potato skin. Finally, garnish with fresh chives to add a pop of color and flavor!
7. Enjoy!
Serve your warm and crispy Potato Skin Bites immediately. They are perfect for sharing at parties or as a cozy snack when you’re in the mood for something delicious. Enjoy!
Can I Use Other Types of Potatoes?
Absolutely! While russet potatoes are ideal for their starchy texture, you can also use Yukon Gold or red potatoes. Just keep in mind that they may have a slightly different texture, but they will still be tasty!
Can I Make These Potato Skin Bites Vegetarian?
Yes! Simply omit the bacon and replace it with your favorite vegetarian toppings. You can use ingredients like sautéed mushrooms, diced bell peppers, or even some black beans for added flavor and nutrition.
Can Potato Skin Bites Be Made In Advance?
Yes, you can prepare the potato skins ahead of time! Bake and scoop the potatoes, then store them in the fridge for up to a day. When you’re ready to serve, just fill them and bake as directed. For even better results, consider freezing the filled skins and baking them directly from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them in the oven for a few minutes at 350°F (175°C) until heated through, or use the microwave for a quicker option.
