Crispy Potato Skins with Bacon

# What You'll Need:

→ Potatoes

01 - 4 medium russet potatoes, scrubbed clean

→ Toppings

02 - 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

03 - 4 slices bacon

04 - 3 green onions, thinly sliced

05 - 2 tablespoons sour cream, for serving

→ Seasoning

06 - 2 tablespoons olive oil

07 - 1/2 teaspoon salt

08 - 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

# How to Prepare:

01 - Preheat oven to 400°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

02 - Prick potatoes all over with a fork. Rub with 1 tablespoon olive oil and sprinkle with salt.

03 - Place potatoes on baking sheet and bake for 40-45 minutes until tender when pierced with a knife.

04 - While potatoes bake, cook bacon in a skillet over medium heat until crisp. Drain on paper towels and crumble.

05 - Remove potatoes from oven and let cool for 10 minutes. Lower oven temperature to 375°F.

06 - Cut each potato in half lengthwise. Scoop out most flesh, leaving about 1/4 inch attached to skin. Reserve scooped potato for another use.

07 - Brush insides and outsides of potato skins with remaining olive oil. Place skin-side down on baking sheet. Bake for 8-10 minutes until crisp.

08 - Sprinkle cheese evenly into each potato skin. Top with bacon. Return to oven and bake for 5-7 minutes until cheese is melted and bubbly.

09 - Remove from oven. Garnish with sliced green onions and a dollop of sour cream if desired. Serve hot.

# Expert Tips:

01 -

They are incredibly satisfying to make—transforming humble baked potatoes into something that feels like restaurant comfort food
The crispy cheese edges and smoky bacon create layers of flavor that everyone reaches for first

02 -

Don't skip that initial 40-minute bake—underbaked potatoes won't crisp up properly later no matter how long you try
Leaving just enough potato flesh attached to the skin is what gives them structure and keeps them from becoming too fragile

03 -