Super Bowl Food Loaded Potato Skins
Highlighted under: Comfort Food
When it’s Super Bowl Sunday, I find myself craving something fun and indulgent, and these Loaded Potato Skins hit the spot perfectly. I love how crispy the potato skins are on the outside while remaining fluffy inside. Topped with gooey cheese, crispy bacon, and a dollop of sour cream, they are always a crowd-pleaser. The best part is, they are easy to make, which means I can enjoy every moment of the game without being stuck in the kitchen for hours.
Last year, during the Super Bowl, I decided to give these Loaded Potato Skins a try, and they quickly became the highlight of my spread. I used Russet potatoes for their perfect balance between crispness and fluffiness. After baking them twice, they reached the ideal texture—crispy edges with a warm center. I also experimented with toppings, mixing sour cream with chives for an added burst of freshness that elevated the dish even further.
What I love about these potato skins is how versatile they can be. Depending on what ingredients I have on hand, sometimes I toss in some shredded chicken or diced jalapeños for an extra kick. It's also great fun to involve friends and family, letting everyone customize their own skins with their favorite toppings. Whether you're a die-hard fan or just in it for the commercials, these loaded skins will be a hit!
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Crispy, golden potato skins filled with indulgent toppings
- Perfect for sharing during game day gatherings
- Customizable with your favorite ingredients for endless variations
Choosing the Right Potatoes
Selecting the right type of potato is crucial for achieving that perfect balance of crispy skin and fluffy interior. I recommend using large Russet potatoes due to their starchy texture, which yields a nice contrast between the crispy skins and the soft flesh. When you bake them, the starch will expand, creating a light and airy texture inside that pairs beautifully with the rich toppings you'll add later.
Always scrub your potatoes thoroughly before baking to remove any dirt. Poking holes with a fork is key, as it allows steam to escape during cooking, preventing them from bursting in the oven. If you're short on time, you can microwave the potatoes for 10-12 minutes before transferring them to the oven for the final bake, which will help speed up the process.
Perfection in the Toppings
The toppings you choose can elevate your Loaded Potato Skins to new heights. While cheddar cheese and bacon are classic choices, consider mixing in other cheeses like Monterey Jack for additional flavor or even pepper jack for a kick of heat. Instead of traditional bacon, feel free to substitute with turkey bacon or a plant-based alternative to accommodate dietary preferences without sacrificing taste.
Don’t skimp on the sour cream! I recommend opting for a full-fat variety for the richest flavor, but Greek yogurt can be a healthy substitute if you want something lighter. For an added zing, a splash of hot sauce mixed into the sour cream can enhance the flavor profile of your potato skins and provide a nice contrast to the creaminess.
Ingredients
Gather the following ingredients to make these delicious Loaded Potato Skins:
Ingredients
- 4 large Russet potatoes
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup cooked and crumbled bacon
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/4 cup chopped green onions
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Olive oil for brushing
With all your ingredients ready, you’re set to start making the best loaded potato skins!
Instructions
Follow these simple steps to prepare your Loaded Potato Skins:
Prepare the Potatoes
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Scrub the potatoes clean, then poke holes all over with a fork. Rub them with olive oil, sprinkle with salt, and bake directly on the oven rack for 45-50 minutes until tender.
Scoop and Season
Once cool enough to handle, cut the potatoes in half lengthwise. Scoop out a portion of the flesh, leaving a thin layer of potato to maintain structure. Brush the insides with olive oil, season with salt and pepper, and return to the oven, skin side down, for 10-15 minutes until crispy.
Load Them Up
Remove the skins from the oven and sprinkle the shredded cheese and crumbled bacon generously inside each potato skin. Bake for an additional 5-7 minutes until the cheese is melted.
Finish and Serve
Top each potato skin with sour cream and sprinkle with chopped green onions, then serve hot and enjoy!
Your delicious Loaded Potato Skins are now ready to be devoured!
Pro Tips
- For extra flavor, try adding spices like smoked paprika or garlic powder to the potatoes before baking. Customize your toppings to include your favorites, such as pulled pork, ranch dressing, or jalapeños for a spicy kick.
Make-Ahead and Storage
These loaded potato skins can make for an excellent make-ahead appetizer. You can prepare the potato skins in advance by baking, scooping, and even filling them with cheese and bacon the day before a big game. Just cover the prepared skins with plastic wrap and refrigerate. When you’re ready to serve, bake them at 400°F (200°C) for about 10-15 minutes until heated through and the cheese is bubbly.
If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through to maintain the crispiness. Avoid using the microwave, as that can make the skins soggy.
Scaling Up for a Crowd
Planning to serve a larger group? This recipe is easily scalable! For every additional 2 people, add 1 more large potato, along with more cheese and bacon to taste. Just ensure you have enough baking space; consider using separate trays if necessary to avoid overcrowding, which could lead to uneven cooking.
You can also transform this dish by turning your toppings into a buffet-style setup. Prepare a variety of toppings, such as diced tomatoes, jalapeños, or guacamole, allowing your guests to customize their own potato skins. This interactive approach not only adds fun to your game day but also caters to various taste preferences.
Questions About Recipes
→ Can I prepare the potatoes in advance?
Yes, you can bake the potatoes a day ahead. Just assemble and bake them again before serving.
→ How can I make these vegetarian?
Simply omit the bacon and use plant-based cheese or nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor.
→ What other toppings can I use?
You can try chili, different cheeses, diced tomatoes, or even avocado for a twist!
→ Can leftovers be stored?
Yes, store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Super Bowl Food Loaded Potato Skins
When it’s Super Bowl Sunday, I find myself craving something fun and indulgent, and these Loaded Potato Skins hit the spot perfectly. I love how crispy the potato skins are on the outside while remaining fluffy inside. Topped with gooey cheese, crispy bacon, and a dollop of sour cream, they are always a crowd-pleaser. The best part is, they are easy to make, which means I can enjoy every moment of the game without being stuck in the kitchen for hours.
Created by: Lucy Price
Recipe Type: Comfort Food
Skill Level: Intermediate
Final Quantity: 4 servings
What You'll Need
Ingredients
- 4 large Russet potatoes
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup cooked and crumbled bacon
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/4 cup chopped green onions
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Olive oil for brushing
How-To Steps
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Scrub the potatoes clean, then poke holes all over with a fork. Rub them with olive oil, sprinkle with salt, and bake directly on the oven rack for 45-50 minutes until tender.
Once cool enough to handle, cut the potatoes in half lengthwise. Scoop out a portion of the flesh, leaving a thin layer of potato to maintain structure. Brush the insides with olive oil, season with salt and pepper, and return to the oven, skin side down, for 10-15 minutes until crispy.
Remove the skins from the oven and sprinkle the shredded cheese and crumbled bacon generously inside each potato skin. Bake for an additional 5-7 minutes until the cheese is melted.
Top each potato skin with sour cream and sprinkle with chopped green onions, then serve hot and enjoy!
Extra Tips
- For extra flavor, try adding spices like smoked paprika or garlic powder to the potatoes before baking. Customize your toppings to include your favorites, such as pulled pork, ranch dressing, or jalapeños for a spicy kick.
Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)
- Calories: 450 kcal
- Total Fat: 30g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Cholesterol: 55mg
- Sodium: 550mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 40g
- Dietary Fiber: 4g
- Sugars: 3g
- Protein: 12g