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 bacon, crumbled; 1/4 cup sour cream; 2 green onions, chopped; Salt and pepper to taste; Olive oil for brushing; Optional toppings: jalapeños, avocado, or additional cheese

Highlighted under: Soul Food Bliss

When I think of game day snacks, nothing beats the satisfaction of a perfectly crispy potato skin filled with all my favorite toppings. We love making these Super Bowl Loaded Potato Skins as they are not only simple to prepare but also incredibly customizable. Watching the game with friends and family while enjoying these flavorful bites is a highlight of my year. They’re crunchy, cheesy, and absolutely loaded, just the way I like it. I know you'll find them to be a crowd-pleaser too!

Created by

Emily

Last updated on 2026-01-12T02:55:08.880Z

Making these loaded potato skins has become a cherished tradition in my household. The crispy exterior paired with the savory fillings brings everyone together around the TV during the big game. There’s something magical about the smell of baking potatoes wafting through the kitchen that hints at the deliciousness to come.

As I experiment with different toppings like spicy jalapeños or creamy guacamole, I’ve found that the key to perfect skins is ensuring they are well-seasoned and cooked until golden. It even helps to bake the potatoes in advance, ensuring a crisp finish every time!

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Crispy, golden potato skins that are irresistibly crunchy
Loaded with gooey cheese, crispy bacon, and fresh toppings
Easily customizable to suit any taste or preference

Choosing the Right Potatoes

When making loaded potato skins, the choice of potato is crucial. Russet potatoes are ideal due to their high starch content, making them fluffy inside while achieving that satisfying crispiness on the outside. Look for large, firm potatoes that feel heavy for their size. Avoid any that have mold spots or soft areas, as these can affect the final texture and flavor of your skins.

For an added twist, consider using sweet potatoes for a healthier alternative. Sweet potatoes provide a unique sweetness that pairs well with salty toppings. Simply adjust the cooking time; sweet potatoes might need an additional 10 minutes in the oven to achieve tenderness.

Perfecting the Crispy Texture

To achieve perfectly crispy potato skins, make sure to remove only a portion of the flesh — about 1/4 inch from the edges. This leaves enough potato to retain moisture while still allowing the skin to get crispy. After scooping, re-brush the insides with olive oil before adding your cheese and bacon; this extra layer of oil helps to create a beautifully golden finish.

Additionally, if you find your skins aren’t as crispy as you’d like after the final bake, switch your oven to broil for a couple minutes. Watch closely to prevent burning; you’re aiming for just a light browning that enhances both the flavor and texture.

Variations and Serving Suggestions

These loaded potato skins are highly customizable. For those who enjoy a spicy kick, try adding jalapeños or hot sauce to your toppings. If you're looking for a fresh twist, consider adding diced tomatoes or guacamole as a topping. Each variation offers a unique flavor profile, allowing your potato skins to stand out.

For serving, pair your loaded potato skins with a side of homemade salsa or ranch dressing for dipping. Plating them on a large platter garnished with fresh herbs can make for an eye-catching presentation at your Super Bowl gathering — it not only looks impressive but also invites everyone to dive in!

Ingredients

Gather these ingredients to make your delicious potato skins!

Ingredients

4 large russet potatoes
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1/2 cup cooked bacon, crumbled
1/4 cup sour cream
2 green onions, chopped
Salt and pepper to taste
Olive oil for brushing
Optional toppings: jalapeños, avocado, or additional cheese

These ingredients will create a delightful and hearty snack!

Instructions

Follow these simple steps to create amazing loaded potato skins.

Prepare the Potatoes

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Scrub the russet potatoes thoroughly, then poke several holes in each potato with a fork. Brush with olive oil and sprinkle with salt. Bake directly on the oven rack for about 45 minutes or until tender.

Scoop and Fill

Once the potatoes are cool enough to handle, cut them in half lengthwise. Use a spoon to scoop out a portion of the flesh, leaving a small border. Brush the insides with olive oil, season with salt and pepper, and sprinkle a generous amount of cheddar cheese and crumbled bacon in each skin.

Final Bake

Return the stuffed potato skins to the oven. Bake for an additional 15-20 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Top with sour cream, chopped green onions, and any additional toppings you like before serving.

Enjoy your delicious and loaded potato skins!

Pro Tips

For extra flavor, try adding spices like paprika or cayenne pepper to the potato flesh before baking. Additionally, you can experiment with various cheeses to find the perfect combination for your taste buds!

Make-Ahead Tips

If you're planning ahead for game day, you can prepare the potato skins in advance. After the initial bake, allow the potatoes to cool, then store them in the refrigerator without toppings for up to two days. When ready to serve, simply fill them with toppings and return to the oven for the final bake — this way, you save time and keep the skins crispy.

Alternatively, you can assemble the loaded skins ahead of time and cover them tightly with foil. When it's time to bake, remove the foil for the final 15-20 minutes to ensure the cheese melts beautifully and the skins crisp up.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

If you encounter soggy skins, it's often due to not allowing enough moisture to escape during the initial baking. Ensure you poke holes in the potatoes before baking to allow steam to escape, and avoid over-cooking them. Ideally, they should be tender, but still hold form when cut open.

Another common issue is cheese that doesn’t melt properly. Make sure to use a high-quality shredded cheese that contains some starch, which helps it melt uniformly. Additionally, shredding your cheese fresh rather than using pre-shredded varieties can result in a smoother, gooier finish.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I make these potato skins ahead of time?

Yes! You can bake the potatoes ahead of time and scoop them out. Just store them in the fridge and stuff them right before baking.

→ What toppings can I use?

Feel free to get creative! Options like jalapeños, avocado slices, or even chili are fantastic additions.

→ Is there a vegetarian option?

Absolutely! Skip the bacon and load them up with additional vegetables like bell peppers, mushrooms, or fresh herbs.

→ How do I store leftovers?

Store any leftover potato skins in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven for the best texture.