This crispy Potato Skins Recipe is the quintessential game day appetizer; the perfect combination of carbs, melty cheese, and smoky bacon. My version is baked in the oven, but you’ll still get that super crisp shell that makes them irresistible!

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These lightened up potato skins are still fully loaded.

Game day, tailgate, barbecue—it’s time to call in some of my favorite snacks and appetizer recipes. We must have potato skins, Air Fryer Chicken Wings and multiple dip options. (Brie Bites, I do adore you, but when it comes to sports or grilling, you just aren’t the vibe.)
This potato skins recipe is lighter and less greasy than the restaurant version. I skip the deep fryer because the broiler does a fantastic job crisping up the skins! Then, the toppings are yours for the showering. Bacon, sour cream (or my fave, Greek yogurt), chives—or switch things up and make your own creations. Load ‘em to your heart’s content.
These crispy baked potato skins are easy to hold, completely delicious, and beloved by kids and adults alike. So why not serve them up on a weeknight too?! I love making this recipe as a side for Air Fryer Chicken Legs for a fun eat-with-your-hands kind of dinner.
Key Ingredients
You’ll find the full list of ingredients in the recipe card below, but here are some notes to keep in mind.
- Potatoes. Good ol’ russet potatoes (also called Idaho potatoes) are the best potatoes for making potato skins because their skin is the heartiest and can hold up to our loaded filling.
- Sharp Cheddar Cheese. The cheddar can be swapped for any smooth melting cheese you enjoy. Try pepper jack, gouda for a gourmet spin, or do a mix.
- Smoked Paprika + Garlic Powder + Cayenne. The spices add a subtle smokiness and kick that makes the potatoes more interesting (and addictive).
- Bacon. An ultimate loaded baked potato skin wouldn’t be the same without it! Crisp Oven Baked Bacon and Air Fryer Bacon are my favorite ways to cook bacon, no skillet needed. (Omit the bacon for vegetarian potato skins, or use a plant-based bacon.)
- Plain Greek Yogurt. My nutritious swap for a dollop of sour cream.
- Green Onions or Chives. For a flourish of color, bite, and loaded potato vibes.
5 Star Review
“These are delicious. A major hit for our game day party!”
— Larry —
How to Make Loaded Potato Skins




Bake the Potatoes. Scrub and dry the potatoes with paper towels. Bake the potatoes till tender.
Halve the Potatoes. Split them in half lengthwise and spoon out the insides of the potatoes.
Scoop the Skins. Leave a thin wall of flesh inside each potato skin; reserve the flesh for another use.
Top. Brush the insides with the butter mixture and spices. Pile on the cheese and bacon.
Bake. Broil potato skins for 3 to 4 minutes, until the cheese is golden and bubbly. Load them up with any remaining toppings. ENJOY!
Recipe Variations
- Taco Potato Skins. Add cooked, seasoned ground beef (a.k.a. taco meat), tomatoes, lettuce, and Guacamole!
- Chili Potato Skins. Use your leftover Turkey Chili, then add Greek yogurt and chives!
- Pizza Potato Skins. Top with marinara sauce, mozzarella cheese and pepperoni, or your pizza toppings of choice.
- Air Fryer Potato Skins. Arrange them in a single layer in your air fryer basket. Air fry at 400 degrees F and check them periodically. Note that you’ll need to cook them in batches. (For another air fryer potato recipe, don’t miss my Air Fryer Potato Wedges.)

Recipe Tips and Tricks
- Don’t Throw Out the Insides. Use them to make mashed potatoes, Potato Cheese Soup, or to top Shepherd’s Pie.
- Skip the Foil. It’s not necessary to wrap potatoes in foil to bake them in a standard oven. Simply prick them on the outsides with a fork to allow steam to escape.
- Get a Head Start. The night before, cook your Baked Potatoes, or make Air Fryer Baked Potatoes or Crock Pot Baked Potatoes. Scoop out the insides, then refrigerate the shells to make these cheesy stuffed potato skins the next day
More Irresistible Potato Recipes
Potato Skins Recipe
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Ingredients
- 4 small/medium russet (Idaho) potatoes
- 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
- ¾ teaspoon kosher salt divided
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
- Pinch cayenne pepper or black pepper
- 2 tablespoons melted unsalted butter
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese.
- 3 slices bacon cooked and crumbled*
- ⅔ cup plain Greek yogurt I used non-fat
- ⅓ cup chopped green onions or 3 tablespoons chopped fresh chives
Instructions
- Bake the potatoes: Preheat the oven to 425 degrees F. Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil or broiler-safe parchment paper. Scrub and dry the potatoes. Pierce all over with a fork, then rub with oil and ½ teaspoon salt. Bake for 25 minutes, flip, then continue baking for 15 to 25 minutes more (40 to 50 minutes total), until the potatoes pierce easily with a fork. Let rest until cool enough to handle, about 15 minutes. (You also can skip the oven and cook oven Baked Potatoes, Crock Pot Baked Potatoes, or Air Fryer Baked Potatoes).
- Halve the potatoes lengthwise, then scoop out the flesh, leaving a thin 1/4- to 1/2-inch thick shell. Reserve the flesh for another use, such as mashed potatoes or soup. Return the potatoes to the baking sheet, flesh-side up. Position a rack in the upper third of your oven and turn the oven to broil
- While the potatoes bake, in a small bowl, stir together the remaining 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt, smoked paprika, garlic powder, and cayenne.
- Brush the insides of the scooped potatoes with melted butter. Sprinkle with the seasoning mixture. Sprinkle evenly with the cheddar cheese, then bacon.
- Return the potatoes to the oven. Broil for 3 to 4 minutes, until the cheese is golden and bubbly. Transfer to a serving plate. Top each with a dollop of Greek yogurt and a sprinkle of green onions.
Video
Notes
- *To easily and neatly cook the bacon, try Oven Baked Bacon or Air Fryer Bacon.
- TO STORE. These are best enjoyed the day they are made but can be refrigerated (without the Greek yogurt and chives) for 1 to 2 days.
- TO REHEAT. Place the potato skins in a 425 degree F oven until heated through (5 or so minutes). Add remaining toppings.
- TO FREEZE. Unfortunately, you cannot freeze potato skins. They will be soggy and have an off texture once thawed.
Nutrition
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These are delicious. A major hit for our game day party!
Hi Larry! So glad you enjoyed the recipe! Thank you for this kind review!
We enjoyed these so much. Crispy, not soggy in the slightest. We added a few more slices of bacon and I used small potatoes – so I was able to have some left over for a few more meals.
Glad you enjoyed it, Betty!
Made these today for the first time and they were great. I have always loved potato skins but never could get them to taste the same or be as crispy as I would get at the restaurants, but these were the best I have ever eaten. Followed the recipe to the tee. Thanks so much for sharing this recipe with us.
Yay! Thank you Betty!
Made the Potatoe Skins for the first time last week for friends and they were a big hit. Used both Russet and Golden Potatoes. Both held up very well. Earlier I made this again at home and I didn’t remove much of the potato as per my daughter’s request. It was actually really good too.
Great to hear, thank you Kiera!