Go Back
CookjngMama - Crispy Oven Baked Potato Skins
Kendyll Niquole

Crispy Oven Baked Potato Skins

These crispy oven-baked potato skins are golden and crunchy, topped with melty cheddar cheese, crispy chopped bacon, and fresh chives. Baked until tender, then crisped again for maximum texture, they’re an easy appetizer or side that delivers big flavor without frying.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 45 minutes
Total Time 1 hour
Servings: 8
Course: Appetizer
Cuisine: American
Ingredients Method Video

Ingredients
  

  • 8 small russet potatoes
  • 6 slices bacon I used Trader Joe’s Black Forest Bacon
  • 8 oz shredded cheddar blend cheese
  • chives chopped
  • olive oil
  • salt to season
  • black pepper to season

Method
 

  1. Preheat the oven to 400°F.
  2. Scrub the russet potatoes clean, then slice each one in half lengthwise.
  3. Pat them dry, rub lightly with olive oil, and season generously with salt and black pepper.
Bake the potatoes
  1. Place the potato halves cut-side down on a baking sheet.
  2. Bake for 50–60 minutes, until the potatoes are fork-tender and the skins are lightly crisp.
Cook the bacon
  1. While the potatoes bake, chop the bacon into small pieces.
  2. Add it to a skillet over medium heat and cook until crispy, stirring occasionally.
  3. Remove with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels.
Scoop the potatoes
  1. Once the potatoes are cool enough to handle, flip them over and carefully scoop out most of the flesh, leaving a thin layer so the skins keep their shape.
Add the toppings
  1. Sprinkle the shredded cheddar blend evenly into each potato skin, then top with the crispy chopped bacon.
Melt the cheese
  1. Return the potato skins to the oven and bake until the cheese is fully melted and bubbly.
  2. Broil briefly if desired for extra browning.
Finish & serve
  1. Remove from the oven, sprinkle with chopped chives, and serve immediately while hot and crispy.