Cozy Crispy Baked Potato Skins with Turkey Bacon and Green Onions
Picture this: a cool evening in early autumn, the scent of crispy, golden potato skins wafting gently through the air as you gather with family and friends. That’s when I first stumbled upon the magic of Crispy Baked Potato Skins, a beloved comfort food that instantly transports me back to the heart of my childhood. As a little girl, I loved gathering around the kitchen table, savoring them fresh out of the oven, topped with creamy goodness and a sprinkle of green onions.
This dish is perfect for any cozy gathering, an easy weeknight dinner, or even as a delightful party appetizer that will leave everyone asking for more. Trust me, this is one you’ll definitely want to pin for later!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Easy to Make: You don’t need any culinary background to whip up these delicious potato skins! Perfect for beginners and seasoned chefs alike.
Crispy and Flavorful: Baked to crispy perfection, these potato skins are loaded with the savory goodness of turkey bacon and the freshness of green onions.
Crowd-Pleasing: Whether it’s game day or a friendly get-together, these potato skins are guaranteed to be a hit!
Customizable Toppings: Get creative with your toppings! You can easily personalize each skin to suit your guests’ preferences.
Perfect Snack or Meal: Whether served as a snack or alongside a salad for a full meal, they’re versatile enough for any occasion.
What You’ll Need
Gather these simple ingredients to make your Crispy Baked Potato Skins with Turkey Bacon and Green Onions:
- 4 large russet potatoes
- 4 strips of turkey bacon
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (or your favorite cheese)
- 1/2 cup sour cream (or Greek yogurt)
- 1/4 cup sliced green onions
- Olive oil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
How to Make Crispy Baked Potato Skins with Turkey Bacon and Green Onions
Let’s make it together! Follow these easy steps for a cozy, delicious treat:
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C), allowing it to warm up while you prepare the potatoes.
Wash and poke the russet potatoes with a fork about 5-6 times each. This will prevent them from bursting in the oven!
Bake the potatoes directly on the oven rack for about 45-60 minutes or until they’re tender when you poke them with a fork.
Cook the turkey bacon in a skillet over medium heat until crispy. Allow it to cool, then chop into small pieces.
Remove the potatoes from the oven and let them cool for about 10 minutes. Once they’re manageable, cut them in half lengthwise and scoop out a bit of the flesh, leaving about 1/4 inch of potato to form the skin.
Brush the insides of the potato halves with olive oil and sprinkle with salt and pepper. Flip them over and brush a little oil on the outside for extra crispiness.
Place the potatoes cut side down on a baking sheet and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes until the edges are golden and crispy.
Remove from the oven and fill each potato half with the chopped turkey bacon and topped generously with shredded cheese. Return to the oven for another 5-7 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Serve warm, drizzled with sour cream and garnished with green onions. Enjoy the comforting flavors and enjoy the warm conversations that come along with it.
Delicious Variations to Try
Feel free to switch things up! Here are a few delicious variations to inspire your creativity:
Zesty BBQ Chicken: Add shredded cooked chicken tossed in BBQ sauce instead of turkey bacon for a tangy twist.
Mexican Fiesta: Top with avocado, diced tomatoes, jalapeños, and drizzle with sour cream mixed with lime juice for a refreshing change.
Mediterranean Delight: Try topping with feta cheese, black olives, and a sprinkle of oregano for something a little different.
Loaded Veggie Skins: Step away from meat and load up on sautéed bell peppers, mushrooms, and spinach—an indulgent, rich vegetarian option!
Chef Emma’s Helpful Tips
Here are some of my best kitchen secrets for making sure your potato skins turn out perfectly:
Make-Ahead Advice: You can bake the potatoes a day ahead. Just scoop the flesh and prepare them until step 7, then store in the fridge until ready to bake again.
Ingredient Swaps: Feel free to swap out cheese or toppings for what you have on hand—goat cheese, mozzarella, or even vegan options work well!
Storage Suggestions: To store leftovers, keep them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days; reheat in the oven for crispy results.
Slicing Trick: Using a serrated knife for cutting the potatoes can help make the process a bit easier and prevent smashing them!
What’s Inside – Nutrition Breakdown
Here’s a glance at the nutrition information per serving (2 potato halves):
- Calories: 280
- Carbs: 32g
- Sugar: 3g
- Fat: 12g
- Protein: 7g
- Sodium: 400mg
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this ahead?
Yes! You can bake the potatoes in advance and complete the assembly when you’re ready to serve.
Can I use different ingredients?
Absolutely! Feel free to customize with your favorite toppings and flavors.
How do I store leftovers?
Store leftover potato skins in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
How long does it last?
These potato skins are best enjoyed fresh, but they will keep for about 3 days in the fridge.
A Cozy Closing Note
These Crispy Baked Potato Skins with Turkey Bacon and Green Onions are not just a recipe; they’re a warm hug in culinary form. Each bite is a reminder of laughter-filled evenings and the cozy bonds we create around food. Save this recipe to your cozy wants board so you have it at the ready for your next gathering or weekend treat! Enjoy and happy cooking!
Print
Cozy Crispy Baked Potato Skins with Turkey Bacon and Green Onions
- Total Time: 75 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten-Free
Description
Delicious crispy baked potato skins topped with turkey bacon, cheese, and green onions, perfect for any cozy gathering.
Ingredients
- 4 large russet potatoes
- 4 strips of turkey bacon
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (or your favorite cheese)
- 1/2 cup sour cream (or Greek yogurt)
- 1/4 cup sliced green onions
- Olive oil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Wash and poke the russet potatoes with a fork 5-6 times each.
- Bake the potatoes directly on the oven rack for about 45-60 minutes until tender.
- Cook the turkey bacon in a skillet over medium heat until crispy, then chop into small pieces.
- Let the potatoes cool for about 10 minutes, then cut in half lengthwise and scoop out some flesh.
- Brush the insides of potato halves with olive oil, sprinkle with salt and pepper, and flip them to brush the outside with oil.
- Place cut side down on a baking sheet and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes until crispy.
- Remove from the oven and fill each potato half with chopped turkey bacon and top with cheese.
- Return to the oven for another 5-7 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Serve warm with drizzled sour cream and garnished with green onions.
Notes
Feel free to customize toppings to suit your preferences. Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 60 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 potato halves
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 400mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 7g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
Keywords: baked potato skins, turkey bacon, comfort food, easy recipes, party appetizers
