The crispy, golden edges of these Cheese and Bacon Potato Skins are proof that indulgence doesn’t need to be complicated. Brushed with rich bacon fat and generously filled with melted cheese and savory bits of bacon, they’re everything you love about comfort food in one crispy bite.
Perfect as a party snack, game-day appetizer, or late-night treat, this recipe takes the humble potato to glorious new heights. The secret? Bacon drippings replace butter for unmatched depth of flavor and crispness. Serve them up hot with a dollop of sour cream and a sprinkle of scallions—you’ll be everyone’s favorite host.
Full Recipe:
2 lb / 1 kg (about 8–10) medium potatoes, scrubbed clean
10 oz / 300 g streaky fatty bacon, diced
1 1/2 cups grated cheese (cheddar, Monterey Jack, gruyère or tasty cheese)
Salt and pepper, to taste
Sour cream, to serve
1 scallion/shallot stem, finely sliced (green part only)
Directions:
Prick each potato four times with a fork. Place them on the outer edge of the microwave turntable and microwave on high for 8 minutes. Turn the potatoes and microwave for another 8 minutes.
Cut each potato in half lengthwise. Use a spoon to scoop out the flesh, leaving a 1/6″ (0.5 cm) thick shell. Reserve scooped-out potato for another use.
Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C).
Spread diced bacon on a baking tray and bake for 8 minutes, or until the fat is rendered and the bacon is lightly golden.
Remove bacon with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towel. Reserve the bacon fat on the tray.
Place potato skins upside down on the tray. Brush them with the bacon fat and season with salt and pepper.
Bake for 15–20 minutes, or until skins are crisp.
Flip the skins over. Season the inside with salt and pepper. Fill each with two-thirds of the bacon and top with grated cheese. Sprinkle remaining bacon on top.
Bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until cheese is melted and bubbling.
Serve warm, topped with sour cream and a sprinkle of scallions.
Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cooking Time: 40 minutes | Total Time: 55 minutes
Kcal: 320 kcal (approx.) | Servings: 6
The Ultimate Indulgence: Cheese and Bacon Potato Skins
Cheese and bacon potato skins are the embodiment of indulgent comfort food. They strike the perfect balance between crispy textures and rich, savory flavors. A well-made potato skin is crispy on the outside, soft and fluffy inside, and absolutely loaded with melty cheese and smoky bacon. Whether you’re looking for a hearty appetizer, a satisfying side, or even a main course during a casual get-together, this dish checks every box.
The popularity of loaded potato skins has spanned decades, gaining cult-like status on pub menus and at home gatherings. What started as a humble bar snack has transformed into an all-out celebration of texture, technique, and taste. When done right, potato skins are more than just a vessel for toppings—they are an experience.
Why Potato Skins Are So Loved
Potato skins hit that nostalgic comfort food nerve that so many of us crave. They’re reminiscent of cozy nights in, Super Bowl parties, or that one restaurant appetizer you’d always split with friends. But what really elevates this dish is how customizable it is—yet it never strays too far from its beloved core: crispy potato, smoky bacon, gooey cheese.
It’s the layers of flavor and texture that make them irresistible. The skin, when baked properly, offers a sturdy and crispy bite, while the inside retains a creamy tenderness. Add to that the intense umami of fried bacon, the richness of melted cheese, and the cooling contrast of sour cream and scallions, and you’ve got a combination that’s simply unbeatable.
A Clever Twist with Bacon Fat
What truly sets this version apart from the traditional potato skin recipes is the technique of using rendered bacon fat instead of butter or oil to crisp up the skins. It’s a stroke of culinary genius—one that not only enhances flavor but also ensures nothing goes to waste.
By baking diced bacon ahead of time, the natural fats are released and collected directly on the baking tray. These flavorful drippings are then brushed onto the hollowed-out potato skins before baking. The result? A next-level crispiness and a smoky, savory note that seeps into every crevice of the potato shell. It’s these small yet thoughtful tweaks that elevate home-cooked comfort food to something extraordinary.
The Cheese Factor
Cheese is a critical player in this ensemble. The beauty of this dish is that you can choose your own cheese adventure. Whether you prefer a sharp cheddar, the nuttiness of Gruyère, the creaminess of Monterey Jack, or a melty “tasty cheese” (as referred to in Australia), each brings its own character to the dish.
For those who love a bit of complexity, blending two cheeses can offer a balance of sharpness and smooth melt. The cheese not only adds richness but also acts as a binding layer, holding the bacon in place and creating those dreamy cheese pulls we all secretly live for.
Versatility and Customization
One of the reasons potato skins have endured as a favorite is their flexibility. While bacon and cheese are the classic combo, you can easily adapt the toppings to suit different dietary preferences or flavor profiles.
Want to go vegetarian? Swap out the bacon for sautéed mushrooms, sun-dried tomatoes, or caramelized onions. Want to make it spicy? Add sliced jalapeños or a sprinkle of chili flakes before baking. Love Tex-Mex flavors? Throw in some black beans, corn, and a drizzle of chipotle mayo.
You can even turn them into a full meal by pairing them with a fresh side salad or a bowl of soup. The base—the potato skin—is simply a blank canvas for flavor innovation.
Tips for Success
Success with potato skins starts with the potato itself. Opt for starchy potatoes like russets, which hold their shape well when baked and hollowed. Make sure to scrub them clean and microwave or bake them until they’re fork-tender before cutting and scooping.
When scooping the flesh, aim to leave a thin wall of potato to keep the skins structurally sound. Don’t worry—those scooped-out bits won’t go to waste. You can repurpose them into mashed potatoes, fritters, or a cheesy casserole.
Brushing with bacon fat (or butter, if needed) and baking the skins upside down at first ensures even browning and maximum crisp. Then, flipping them upright and adding your fillings gives you the perfect balance of crunchy and gooey in every bite.
Also, don’t skip the final touches—fresh scallions and sour cream are more than just garnish. They bring freshness, acidity, and a cool contrast to the hot, rich filling, enhancing every mouthful.
Perfect for Any Occasion
Cheese and bacon potato skins are a guaranteed hit at parties, but they’re also a great option for more casual occasions. Watching a movie at home? Hosting a game day gathering? Want a crowd-pleasing finger food for a potluck? This dish can play all those roles and more.
They’re also ideal for batch cooking. You can prep them in advance by baking the potatoes and scooping them out, then storing the empty shells in the fridge or freezer. Just load and bake when you’re ready to serve. This makes them a go-to appetizer for stress-free entertaining.
Nutrition and Serving Suggestions
While these are definitely indulgent, they’re also portionable. You can serve one or two halves per person as an appetizer, or a few more as a main. Pair them with a fresh salad to lighten things up, or enjoy them as-is for full-on comfort food satisfaction.
For a more balanced plate, consider serving them with grilled vegetables, roasted chicken wings, or a zesty slaw to cut through the richness. You could even offer a selection of dips on the side—think ranch, sriracha mayo, or blue cheese dressing—to take the experience up a notch.
Reinventing Leftovers
If you have leftovers (which is rare!), you can reheat them in the oven or air fryer to bring back the crispiness. Avoid microwaving, as it can make them soggy.
Alternatively, chop up leftover skins and toss them into a breakfast scramble, or slice and layer them into a cheesy bake. You can also cut them into wedges and serve them like nachos with guacamole, salsa, and sour cream.
Conclusion
Cheese and bacon potato skins are the epitome of comfort food done right. They’re crispy, cheesy, smoky, and endlessly customizable. This recipe takes a classic and makes it even better by brushing the skins with bacon fat for extra flavor and crunch—proving that a few small tweaks can make a big difference.
Perfect for parties, potlucks, or cozy nights at home, these loaded potato skins never fail to please. Whether you stick with the classic bacon-and-cheese combo or get creative with your own toppings, you’re guaranteed a snack that’s hearty, flavorful, and utterly satisfying. So next time you want to impress guests—or just treat yourself—dig into a tray of these golden beauties. They’re easy, they’re indulgent, and they might just become your new favorite.