Learn how to make crispy potato skins at home that are quick and easy, yet better than any restaurants! The best, oven-baked potato skins recipe are twice-baked, loaded with your favorite fillings, and ready for a crowd-pleasing appetizer or side.
Preheat oven to 400ºF. *To decrease cooking time, start cooking potatoes in the microwave first. Use a fork to prick potatoes a few times. Microwave potatoes all at once for 5 minutes. Flip over and microwave for 5 more minutes. **Alternatively, follow these directions to cook baked potatoes in the Instant Pot.
Place potatoes on a baking sheet and drizzle vegetable over them. Use hands or pastry brush to rub oil over skins. Bake for 15-20 minutes, flip potatoes, and bake for 15-20 minutes more, or until potatoes are fork-tender. Cooking time will vary based on size of potatoes and if cooking started in microwave.
When cool enough to handle, slice potatoes in half lengthwise. Use a spoon to scoop out the middle, leaving some flesh around the skin.
Brush inside and outside of prepared skins with more vegetable oil. Season both sides generously with salt.
Place skins cut-side down on the baking sheet. Bake for 8 minutes, flip and bake for 8-10 minutes more.
Remove from oven and divide shredded cheese and bacon between potato skins. Return to oven for 5 more minutes, or until cheese is bubbling and melted. Serve warm with green onions and sour cream.
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Notes
Make Ahead Potato Skins
Prepare the recipe in its entirety until the very last step of adding cheese and bacon. Set double cooked potatoes aside to cool completely.Cover cooled, prepared skins with foil and place in the refrigerator until ready to bake. Preheat oven to 400°F. Place skins on baking sheet and add cheese and bacon. Bake for 7-10 minutes, or until hot and bubbly.
Alternative Fillings
Southwest - black beans, corn, peppers, taco seasoning, colby jack cheese, and salsa
Hawaiian - chopped ham, pineapple, red onion, cheddar, bbq sauce, and cilantro
Buffalo Chicken - shredded chicken tossed with hot sauce, celery, blue cheese, and ranch for dipping
Pizza - mozzarella cheese, pepperoni, green pepper, and marinara for dipping