Super Bowl Loaded Potato Skins

Name: Super Bowl Loaded Potato Skins
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 50 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 4 medium russet potatoes; 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese; 1/2 cup cooked bacon, crumbled; 1/4 cup green onions, chopped; 1/2 cup sour cream; Salt and pepper to taste; Olive oil for brushing

Highlighted under: Comfort Food

I love making Super Bowl Loaded Potato Skins for game day! They're the perfect finger food that everyone enjoys, combining crispy potato skins with delicious toppings. I usually prepare these ahead of time, so when it's time to watch the game, I can just pop them in the oven. The combination of cheese, bacon, and green onions makes every bite flavorful and satisfying, ensuring my friends and family come back for seconds. Trust me, these loaded skins will be a hit at your Super Bowl party!

Created by

Ella Townsend

Last updated on 2026-01-12T00:04:12.149Z

When I first tried making loaded potato skins, I never expected them to become a game day staple in my home. The trick lies in baking the potatoes until they're extra crispy before loading them up with toppings. I found that using a blend of cheddar and Monterey Jack cheese elevates the flavor and makes for a wonderfully gooey texture.

I also like to serve these with a side of sour cream and chives, adding a little freshness to the richness of the melted cheese and crispy bacon. Be sure to leave some potato inside the skins; this not only adds to the creaminess but also helps hold everything together!

        Why You'll Love These Loaded Potato Skins
        Irresistibly crispy on the outside and soft on the inside
Packed with savory flavors from cheese, bacon, and green onions
Easily customizable to suit your favorite toppings

      

Perfecting the Potato Base

To achieve the best texture for your loaded potato skins, selecting the right potatoes is crucial. Medium russet potatoes are ideal due to their starchy nature, which helps create a fluffy interior once cooked. Be sure to wash them thoroughly and dry them completely to promote even baking. While baking, keep an eye on the potatoes; the skewer test is simple and reliable: when you can easily pierce the potato with a fork, it's ready to be taken out of the oven.

When cooling the baked potatoes before scooping, it's important to let them sit for about 10-15 minutes. This way, you avoid burns while handling them. If you want to save some of the scooped-out potato flesh, consider mashing it with sour cream for a tasty side dish to serve alongside your potato skins. This can add an extra layer of flavor to your game-day spread.

Layering Flavor in Every Bite

The magic of loaded potato skins lies not just in the combination of toppings, but also in how they are layered. After scooping out the flesh, brush the insides with olive oil; this not only enhances the flavor but also contributes to that desirable crispiness. When adding cheese, opt for a quality sharp cheddar to maximize flavor. The cheese should melt into the crevices of the potato, getting slightly bubbly and golden around the edges, providing both visual appeal and mouthwatering taste.

In terms of bacon, using thick-cut bacon can elevate your potato skins. Cook the bacon until it’s nice and crispy, then crumble it into small bits. If you’re looking for alternatives, consider using turkey bacon or even vegetarian bacon, making sure to get it crispy for that satisfying crunch. The combination of crispy textures with the creamy cheese and soft potatoes creates an irresistible bite that keeps guests coming back for more.

Serving and Storing Your Loaded Potato Skins

After pulling your loaded potato skins from the oven, presentation is key. Drizzle them with sour cream and sprinkle generous amounts of chopped green onions for that final touch. For an added twist, consider including some jalapeños or a drizzle of hot sauce on the side for those who appreciate some heat. These skins can be served directly on a platter, making them not only tasty but visually appealing for your Super Bowl gathering.

If you have leftovers, store the potato skins in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat, place them in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 10-15 minutes, ensuring they're heated through and maintain their crispiness. If you want to make these ahead of time, assemble the loaded skins but do not bake them; instead, refrigerate them and then bake directly from the fridge when ready to serve. This makes it easy to enjoy a fresh batch without the last-minute prep.

Ingredients

To prepare these delicious loaded potato skins, gather the following ingredients:

Ingredients for Loaded Potato Skins

4 medium russet potatoes
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1/2 cup cooked bacon, crumbled
1/4 cup green onions, chopped
1/2 cup sour cream
Salt and pepper to taste
Olive oil for brushing

Have all your ingredients ready to make the process smooth!

Instructions

Follow these steps to make your Super Bowl Loaded Potato Skins:

Bake the Potatoes

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Scrub the russet potatoes, pat them dry, and pierce them with a fork. Brush the skins with olive oil and sprinkle with salt.

Bake for about 45 minutes, or until soft.

Prepare the Skins

Once the potatoes are cool enough to handle, slice them in half lengthwise. Carefully scoop out some of the flesh, leaving about 1/4 inch of potato on the skin.

Add Toppings

Brush the insides of the potato skins with olive oil, sprinkle with salt and pepper, then fill each half with cheese and crumbled bacon. Return them to the oven and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly.

Garnish and Serve

Remove the loaded skins from the oven and top with chopped green onions and sour cream. Serve hot and enjoy!

Now you have the perfect finger food for your Super Bowl gathering!

Pro Tips

For an extra kick, add jalapeños or hot sauce to your toppings. You can also substitute turkey bacon for a lighter option without sacrificing flavor.

Making It Your Own

One of the best parts about loaded potato skins is their versatility. Feel free to swap out toppings based on personal preference or dietary restrictions. For instance, replace bacon with sautéed mushrooms for a vegetarian version, or try different cheeses like pepper jack for a spicy kick. You can also mix in other vegetables like bell peppers or spinach for added texture and flavor.

For those looking to lighten things up, consider using Greek yogurt instead of sour cream. It provides the same creamy texture with added protein, making your skins a bit healthier while still being enjoyable. You can also reduce the amount of cheese used, focusing instead on quality over quantity for a more gourmet feel.

Crispiness Tips

Achieving that perfect crispy exterior is all about technique. When you're baking the potato halves, be sure to keep an eye on them during the final cook after adding toppings. The second bake should be closely monitored to prevent burning; aim for a golden brown with bubbling cheese. If you find your skins aren't achieving the desired crispness, a quick broil for 1-2 minutes at the end can help give them that extra crunch.

Another tip for extra crunch is using a baking rack instead of placing the skins directly on a baking sheet. Elevating them promotes hot air circulation, resulting in a consistently crisp skin all around. If you're making a large batch, this method is especially helpful to ensure even cooking and texture across all the potato skins.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I make these potato skins ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare the potato skins in advance, store them in the fridge, and bake them just before serving.

→ What can I use instead of bacon?

You can use vegetarian bacon, or opt for additional vegetables like mushrooms or bell peppers if you prefer a meatless version.

→ How do I make them dairy-free?

Use dairy-free cheese and substitute the sour cream with a non-dairy yogurt.

→ Can I freeze the loaded potato skins?

Yes, you can freeze the assembled potato skins before baking. Just bake them from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.