Loaded Red Potato Skins
🕒 Prep Time: 10 minutes
🕒 Cook Time: 1 hour
🕒 Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
🥔 Yield: 30 appetizers
🍽 Serving Size: 2 potato skins per serving
Description: These loaded red potato skins are an irresistible appetizer or side dish, perfect for entertaining or a cozy night in. Crispy potato shells filled with a savory mixture of cheddar cheese, mayonnaise, scallions, bacon, and fresh basil leaves, these skins are bursting with flavor. Serve them with a dollop of sour cream on the side for the ultimate indulgence.
Ingredients:
- 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- 1/2 cup chopped scallions
- 1/2 cup cooked and crumbled bacon
- 10 fresh basil leaves, finely chopped
- 15 medium-sized red potatoes
Instructions:
| Step | Description |
|---|---|
| 1 | Preheat your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit (200 degrees Celsius). |
| 2 | Place the red potatoes on a large baking sheet and bake for 35-40 minutes, or until they are tender when pierced with a fork. Once done, allow them to cool until they are safe to handle. |
| 3 | Once the potatoes have cooled, cut each one in half lengthwise. Then, carefully slice a thin piece from the bottom of each potato half to create a stable base. |
| 4 | Using a small spoon or a melon ball scooper, gently scoop out the potato pulp from each half, leaving about a 1/4 inch shell intact. Place the hollowed-out potato skins on a separate plate or tray, and set aside the reserved pulp in a bowl. |
| 5 | In the bowl with the reserved potato pulp, lightly mash the pulp with a fork or potato masher. Add the shredded cheddar cheese, mayonnaise, chopped scallions, crumbled bacon, and finely chopped fresh basil leaves. Mix everything together until well combined. |
| 6 | Spoon the filling mixture evenly into each of the hollowed-out potato skins, filling them to the top. |
| 7 | Place the filled potato skins back onto the baking sheet, and set your oven to broil. Broil the potato skins for about 3 minutes, or until the tops are golden brown and the filling is heated through. Keep a close eye on them to prevent burning. |
| 8 | Once done, remove the loaded potato skins from the oven and allow them to cool for a few minutes before serving. Optionally, garnish with additional chopped scallions or fresh basil leaves for an extra pop of color and flavor. |
| 9 | Serve the loaded red potato skins warm, with sour cream on the side for dipping, and watch them disappear in no time! Enjoy the delicious combination of crispy potato skins and gooey, cheesy filling with every bite. |
Nutritional Information (per serving):
- Calories: 614.9
- Fat: 45g
- Saturated Fat: 15.9g
- Cholesterol: 75.8mg
- Sodium: 868.6mg
- Carbohydrates: 35.8g
- Fiber: 3.3g
- Sugar: 4g
- Protein: 17.4g
Recipe Notes:
- To save time, you can prepare the potato skins and filling mixture ahead of time and assemble them just before baking.
- Feel free to customize the filling with your favorite ingredients, such as diced cooked chicken, bell peppers, or jalapeños, for a unique twist on this classic appetizer.
- Leftover potato skins can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Simply reheat them in the oven or microwave until heated through before serving.
