Cheddar Oven Baked Potato Skins

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When I think of the ultimate game day snack or a crowd-pleasing appetizer, Cheddar Oven Baked Potato Skins are always the first thing that comes to mind. Crispy, cheesy, salty, and satisfyingly savory, they hit every note you want in a comfort food bite. I love how they bring together the creamy goodness of potato with sharp cheddar, crispy bacon, and a touch of green onion for that perfect finish. Whether it’s for a casual hangout or a weekend movie night, these potato skins never disappoint.

What I enjoy most about making these is how versatile they are. You can prep them ahead of time, load them with different toppings, or even turn them into a meal with the right sides. The combination of the crunchy edges and melty center makes them completely irresistible. And the best part? They’re oven-baked, which gives you all that crispiness without the deep-fry mess.

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Why You’ll Love This Cheddar Oven Baked Potato Skins Recipe

This recipe hits that perfect balance between comfort and convenience. It’s simple to put together, doesn’t require fancy ingredients, and tastes like something you’d get at a great pub. The skins get golden and crisp in the oven, while the cheese melts into gooey perfection. Topped with bacon and scallions, each bite is full of rich, savory flavor with a hint of freshness.

Plus, it’s easy to scale. Making these for a crowd? No problem. Need a quick bite for two? Still perfect. The oven does all the heavy lifting, and with a little prep, you can have hot, cheesy potato skins on the table in no time.

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What Kind of Potatoes Should I Use?

Russet potatoes are the best choice here. Their thicker skins crisp up beautifully in the oven, and their starchy interior creates that fluffy texture that contrasts perfectly with the crunchy edges. Avoid waxy potatoes like red or Yukon golds—they don’t have the same structure for this kind of recipe.

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Options for Substitutions

• Cheese: Not a fan of cheddar? Swap it out for pepper jack, mozzarella, or even a smoky gouda for a different flavor spin.
• Bacon: You can use turkey bacon or even veggie bacon if you’re keeping things lighter or meat-free.
• Sour Cream: Plain Greek yogurt works just as well and adds a bit of protein too.
• Green Onions: Chives or finely diced red onion can also bring that fresh bite.
• Spices: Feel free to sprinkle some paprika, garlic powder, or even a little cayenne for added flavor depth.

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Ingredients for Cheddar Oven Baked Potato Skins

• Russet Potatoes: These are ideal for their sturdy skin and fluffy interior, making them perfect for crisping in the oven and scooping out easily.
• Cheddar Cheese: Sharp cheddar adds a bold, tangy flavor that pairs wonderfully with the salty bacon and creamy potato.
• Cooked Bacon: Adds crunch and a smoky, savory kick that elevates the entire dish.
• Green Onions: Sliced thin for a touch of freshness and color to balance out the richness.
• Olive Oil: Brushed onto the skins to help them crisp up in the oven.
• Salt and Pepper: Essential for seasoning both the potato flesh and skins.
• Sour Cream (optional for serving): Offers a cool, creamy contrast to the warm, cheesy potatoes.

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Step 1: Bake the Potatoes

Scrub the russet potatoes clean and dry them thoroughly. Prick each potato a few times with a fork. Bake at 400°F (200°C) directly on the oven rack for about 45-50 minutes until tender when pierced with a knife. This step gives you the base structure for the potato skins.

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Step 2: Cool and Slice

Once baked, allow the potatoes to cool for about 10-15 minutes so they’re easier to handle. Then slice each potato in half lengthwise. Use a spoon to scoop out most of the potato flesh, leaving about 1/4 inch border to support the skin.

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Step 3: Oil and Season the Skins

Brush both sides of the potato halves with olive oil and season them with salt and pepper. Place them skin-side up on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or foil. Return to the oven and bake at 425°F (220°C) for 10 minutes, then flip and bake for another 8-10 minutes until the edges are golden and crisp.

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Step 4: Add Cheese and Bacon

Remove the baking sheet from the oven. Flip the skins flesh-side up. Sprinkle each with shredded cheddar and crumbled cooked bacon. Return to the oven for 5-7 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

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Step 5: Garnish and Serve

Take the potato skins out of the oven and immediately sprinkle with sliced green onions. Serve them warm with a side of sour cream or Greek yogurt for dipping.

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How Long to Prepare Cheddar Oven Baked Potato Skins

Prep Time

The initial prep—including scrubbing, pricking, and baking the potatoes—takes about 10 minutes. Once the potatoes are baked and slightly cooled, scooping and assembling the skins takes another 10-15 minutes. So, overall prep time is approximately 20-25 minutes.

Cook Time

The first bake takes about 45-50 minutes. After scooping, the skins need another 20-25 minutes in the oven to get crispy and melt the cheese. Total cook time is around 70-75 minutes from start to finish.

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Tips for Perfect Cheddar Oven Baked Potato Skins

• Use potatoes of similar size to ensure even baking.
• Don’t scoop out too much—leaving a 1/4-inch layer helps keep the structure intact.
• Make sure the skins are well-oiled for ultimate crispiness.
• Pre-cook your bacon until crispy so it doesn’t become chewy during the final bake.
• Grate your own cheddar for better melt and flavor.

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Watch Out for These Mistakes While Cooking

• Undercooked potatoes: If the potatoes aren’t fully baked in the first round, the skins won’t crisp properly.
• Over-scooping: Going too thin will make the skins fall apart.
• Skipping the flip: Baking both sides helps achieve that perfect texture.
• Overloading cheese too early: Cheese added before the final crisping stage may burn or bubble over.
• Not seasoning the skins: A little salt and pepper goes a long way in enhancing flavor.

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What to Serve With Cheddar Oven Baked Potato Skins?

1. Classic Sour Cream and Chive Dip

A cool and tangy dip that balances the richness of the skins.

2. Spicy Buffalo Wings

Pair the creamy, cheesy potatoes with some heat for the ultimate game day combo.

3. Crisp Garden Salad

Lighten up your plate with fresh greens, cucumbers, and vinaigrette.

4. Tomato Salsa or Pico de Gallo

Adds freshness and a zing that cuts through the cheese and bacon.

5. Chili or Sloppy Joe Mix

For a hearty meal, serve your potato skins topped with spoonfuls of chili or meat sauce.

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Storage Instructions

Refrigerating Leftovers

Allow the potato skins to cool completely before placing them in an airtight container. Store them in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, bake at 375°F for 10-12 minutes or until warmed through and crispy again.

Freezing

Wrap the baked and filled (but not garnished) potato skins in foil or plastic wrap, then freeze in a zip-top bag for up to 2 months. To reheat, place them directly in a 375°F oven from frozen for 20-25 minutes.

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Estimated Nutrition (Per 1 Potato Skin)

• Calories: ~210 kcal
• Protein: 7g
• Fat: 13g
• Saturated Fat: 6g
• Carbohydrates: 15g
• Fiber: 2g
• Sugar: 1g
• Sodium: 290mg
• Cholesterol: 25mg

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Frequently Asked Questions

How far in advance can I make these?

You can bake and scoop the potatoes up to 2 days ahead. Store them in the fridge and crisp them up with toppings when ready to serve.

Can I make these vegetarian?

Absolutely! Just skip the bacon or use a plant-based alternative.

How do I keep them crispy?

Use high heat and don’t overcrowd the baking tray. Also, make sure the skins are well-dried before baking.

Can I microwave instead of bake?

You can microwave the whole potatoes to speed up the process, but baking gives the best texture for the skins.

What can I do with the scooped-out potato?

Mash it up for another dish—think mashed potatoes, potato pancakes, or even stir it into soups.

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Conclusion

Cheddar Oven Baked Potato Skins are the kind of snack that disappears fast—crispy, melty, and full of bold flavors. Whether you’re serving them up at a party, using up leftover potatoes, or just treating yourself to something savory, this recipe checks all the boxes. With customizable toppings and easy prep, you’ll find yourself making them again and again.

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