Super Bowl Loaded Potato Skins

Name: Super Bowl Loaded Potato Skins
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 1 h
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 4 large russet potatoes; 8 oz shredded cheddar cheese; 4 strips of cooked bacon, crumbled; 1/4 cup sour cream; 2 green onions, sliced; Salt and pepper to taste; Olive oil for brushing

Highlighted under: Comfort Food

I absolutely love making Super Bowl Loaded Potato Skins for game day! These crispy, cheesy bites are a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. With the perfect combination of fluffy potato, gooey cheese, and crispy bacon, they always disappear fast at any gathering. What’s even better is that they’re surprisingly easy to prepare. I prefer to bake the potatoes instead of frying them, which keeps them light yet satisfying. They’re the ultimate comfort food, and I enjoy customizing them with different toppings to match everyone’s tastes.

Created by

Olivia Barrett

Last updated on 2026-01-12T02:28:12.870Z

When I was experimenting with game day snacks, I stumbled upon the idea of making loaded potato skins. The first time I made them, I was amazed at how quickly they encapsulated everything I love about comfort food. The combination of crispiness from the skin, paired with savory toppings, made them irresistible!

I found that baking them instead of frying not only makes them healthier but also enhances the flavor. By using fresh ingredients like green onions and sour cream as toppings, I can elevate the whole dish. It's all about balancing the textures and flavors, and these potato skins deliver just that!

        Why You'll Love This Recipe
        Crispy potato skins filled with melted cheese and savory toppings
Customizable with your favorite ingredients for a personal touch
Perfect for sharing during game day or any casual gathering

      

Maximizing Flavor with Potato Choices

Choosing the right type of potatoes is crucial for achieving the perfect texture in your Loaded Potato Skins. Russet potatoes are ideal because of their high starch content, resulting in a fluffy interior that contrasts beautifully with the crispy skin. If you prefer a different flavor, Yukon Gold potatoes work well too, offering a creamy texture and buttery taste. When baking, make sure they are approximately the same size for even cooking.

To enhance the flavor further, don’t skip the step of rubbing the potatoes with olive oil and sprinkling salt before baking. This simple technique not only adds seasoning but also promotes a deliciously crispy skin. Keep an eye on them while they bake; the skins should be slightly crisp and the flesh deliciously tender, which you can check with a fork.

Customizing Your Toppers

The beauty of Loaded Potato Skins lies in their versatility. While I love the classic combination of cheese and bacon, feel free to switch up your toppings based on personal preferences or seasonal ingredients. Consider adding jalapeños for a spicy kick, or diced tomatoes for freshness. For a vegetarian twist, you can skip the bacon altogether and add black beans or corn, which pairs wonderfully with cheese. Just remember to adjust the cooking time to ensure all toppings are warmed through and flavors meld nicely.

Cheese is an essential element, and the choice matters! Sharp cheddar provides a robust flavor that complements the potatoes perfectly. However, you can mix in some Monterey Jack or even a sprinkle of Parmesan for an extra depth of flavor. Broiling helps achieve that bubbly, golden cheese layer—watch closely to avoid burning, as just a couple of minutes can make a big difference.

Serving Suggestions and Storage Tips

When at your Super Bowl gathering, consider serving these Loaded Potato Skins with a variety of dips. Besides the classic sour cream, guacamole or a spicy salsa can enhance the flavor profile. I recommend setting up a topping bar so guests can personalize their potato skins with extras like diced avocado, hot sauce, or extra cheese. This interactive element not only adds fun but also caters to different taste preferences.

If you happen to have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes until they are warmed through and crispy again. If you wish to make them ahead of time, prepare the potato skins through the topping stage and freeze them before broiling. When ready to serve, just broil from frozen for crispy, delicious results.

Ingredients for Super Bowl Loaded Potato Skins

Loaded Potato Skins

4 large russet potatoes
8 oz shredded cheddar cheese
4 strips of cooked bacon, crumbled
1/4 cup sour cream
2 green onions, sliced
Salt and pepper to taste
Olive oil for brushing

Enjoy your delicious loaded potato skins!

Instructions

Bake the Potatoes

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Clean the russet potatoes and pierce them with a fork. Rub olive oil on the skins and sprinkle with salt. Bake for about 45-50 minutes, or until they are tender.

Prepare the Potato Skins

Let the baked potatoes cool slightly, then cut them in half lengthwise. Scoop out some of the flesh, leaving a thin layer inside for support. Brush the insides with olive oil and season with salt and pepper.

Add Toppings and Broil

Fill each potato skin with shredded cheddar cheese and crumbled bacon. Place them back in the oven and broil for about 5-7 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Garnish and Serve

Remove the potato skins from the oven and top with sour cream and sliced green onions. Serve warm and enjoy!

These potato skins are the perfect snack for any occasion!

Pro Tips

Feel free to add other toppings like jalapeños, avocado, or even chili for extra flavor.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

If your potato skins are turning out soggy, the issue could lie in the moisture content from undercooked potatoes or insufficiently crispy skins. Ensure you bake them long enough and consider using a higher oven temperature for an initial crisp. It’s also helpful to leave them in the oven for a few additional minutes after adding the cheese to allow the entire skin to crisp up adequately.

Another common issue is uneven cooking, where some potato skins may feel underdone. To prevent this, choose potatoes of similar size, and position them evenly on the baking tray. If you find that they aren’t cooking through, try covering them loosely with foil for the first half of the baking time to promote even cooking without over-browning the skin.

Making Ahead of Time

For those busy game days, you can prepare the potato skins ahead of time. Bake and hollow out the potatoes, then freeze them before adding toppings. When it’s time for the event, simply layer on your fillings straight from the freezer and broil. This way, they can be served warm without the stress of cooking them all at once.

It’s also very feasible to prep the toppings beforehand. Cook and crumble the bacon, shredding the cheese and slicing green onions the day before. Keep everything in separate containers in the refrigerator until you’re ready to assemble for baking. This strategy can save time and ensures that you're ready to enjoy the festivities alongside your guests.

Scaling for a Crowd

One of the great things about Loaded Potato Skins is how easy they are to scale up for larger gatherings. Simply multiply the number of potatoes you use, and ensure you have enough cheese and toppings to match. If cooking in a large batch, consider using multiple trays to avoid overcrowding, which can lead to uneven cooking. This way, everyone can have a hearty share of these delicious bites.

If you’re anticipating a big crowd, you might also want to prepare a few variations on the basic recipe. Think about introducing different types of cheeses or alternative toppings like barbecue chicken or Mediterranean-inspired toppings with feta and olives. These can cater to diverse tastes and keep things exciting on the game day snack table.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I make these ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the potato skins and toppings a few hours in advance. Just broil them right before serving.

→ What other ingredients can I use?

You can customize with ingredients like pulled pork, diced tomatoes, or different types of cheese.

→ How can I store leftovers?

Store any leftover potato skins in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven before serving.

→ Are potato skins healthy?

While they are a delicious treat, moderation is key. Using lighter toppings can help make them healthier.