Cheddar Oven Baked Potato Skins

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Crispy, cheesy, and loaded with savory flavor, Cheddar Oven Baked Potato Skins are the ultimate appetizer or game day snack. With golden-baked potato shells, melted sharp cheddar, and a touch of smoky bacon or green onion, these are everything you love about comfort food in one satisfying bite.

They come together with just a handful of pantry staples and are so versatile. Serve them for parties, potlucks, or an easy weeknight treat. Every bite offers a crisp outer shell, gooey cheese center, and that addictive potato goodness that makes everyone reach for seconds.

Why You’ll Love This Cheddar Oven Baked Potato Skins Recipe

This recipe takes simple ingredients and transforms them into a crave-worthy dish. It’s the perfect combination of crispy, creamy, salty, and cheesy. Baking instead of frying also makes them easier and a bit lighter without sacrificing texture or taste.

Whether you’re hosting friends or prepping ahead for a weekend snack, these are easy to make and even easier to customize. Add jalapeños for spice or drizzle sour cream and chives for a loaded experience.

What Kind of Potatoes Work Best for Potato Skins?

The best choice is russet potatoes. Their firm skin crisps up beautifully in the oven and the inside gets fluffy and tender. Yukon golds can work in a pinch, but they don’t get quite as crisp. Try to pick medium-sized russets for more uniform baking and scooping.

Ingredients for the Cheddar Oven Baked Potato Skins

You don’t need a lot to make these, and most of the ingredients are probably already in your kitchen. Each one brings an essential layer of flavor and texture to these cheesy bites.

• Russet Potatoes
• Olive Oil
• Salt and Black Pepper
• Cheddar Cheese
• Green Onions or Chives
• Sour Cream (optional)
• Cooked Bacon (optional)

How To Make the Cheddar Oven Baked Potato Skins

Step 1: Bake the Potatoes

Preheat your oven to 400°F. Scrub the potatoes clean, prick with a fork, and bake for 45-50 minutes until tender inside. Let them cool enough to handle.

Step 2: Scoop and Prep

Slice the baked potatoes in half lengthwise. Use a spoon to gently scoop out the insides, leaving about a 1/4 inch shell. Reserve the scooped potato for another recipe like mashed potatoes.

Step 3: Season and Bake Again

Brush the skins with olive oil on both sides and sprinkle with salt and pepper. Place skin-side up on a baking sheet and bake for 10 minutes. Flip, then bake another 10 minutes until crispy.

Step 4: Add Cheese and Toppings

Remove from oven, flip again so the hollow side is up. Fill each skin with shredded cheddar cheese. If using bacon, sprinkle it over the cheese. Bake for 5-7 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Step 5: Garnish and Serve

Top with chopped green onions or chives and a dollop of sour cream if desired. Serve hot and watch them disappear.

How to Serve and Store These Potato Skins

Cheddar Oven Baked Potato Skins are best served hot, right out of the oven when the cheese is still gooey and the edges are crisp. This recipe yields enough for about 4 to 6 people as a snack or side.

To store leftovers, place them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, bake in the oven at 375°F until warmed through. Avoid the microwave if you want to keep that crisp edge.

What to Serve With Cheddar Oven Baked Potato Skins?

BBQ Chicken Pizza

Bold, smoky flavors pair deliciously with cheesy potatoes. Try it with our BBQ Chicken Pizza for a satisfying combo.

Creamy Mushroom Sauce for Steak

Drizzle this sauce over grilled steak and serve with the potato skins on the side for a steakhouse-style meal at home.

Easy Chicken Fried Rice

A flavorful and hearty side that balances the richness of the cheese with savory umami goodness.

Garlic Sausage Alfredo Rigatoni

Pair your potato skins with this rich pasta dish for the ultimate comfort food dinner.

Apple Salad

Bring in a fresh and fruity crunch to cut through the richness with this light and tangy Apple Salad.

Crispy Chinese Egg Rolls

Crunchy, flavorful egg rolls offer a fun contrast in texture and flavor.

Creamy Kielbasa Gnocchi Soup

A warm, comforting soup that complements the crispy-cheesy bites perfectly.

Skirt Steak Rice Bowls with Chimichurri

Savory and herbaceous, these bowls round out the meal with bold Latin-inspired flavor.

Want More Appetizer Ideas?

If you love these Cheddar Oven Baked Potato Skins, you’ll probably enjoy these other snack-worthy bites:

• Loaded Cheese Fries Recipe for an ultra cheesy indulgence.
• Garlic Parmesan Cheeseburger Bombs if you’re craving juicy, savory handhelds.
• Air Fryer Pizza Toast for a quick, kid-friendly fix.
• Pepperoni Pizza Grilled Cheese for a fusion of two favorites.
• Canned Biscuit Sugar Donuts if you want something sweet afterward.

Save This Recipe For Later

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest snack board so you can come back to it any time.

And let me know in the comments how yours turned out. Did you go for the bacon or keep it veggie-friendly? Add any spicy twists?

I love hearing how others make these recipes their own. Questions are welcome too—let’s help each other snack smarter.

Explore beautifully curated health-boosting snacks on Luna Meals on Pinterest and discover your new go-to for feel-good flavor! Luna Meals on Pinterest

Conclusion

Cheddar Oven Baked Potato Skins are a timeless snack that never fails to satisfy. Crispy, cheesy, and endlessly customizable, they bring comfort and fun to any table. Whether you’re making them for game night or a simple dinner side, this recipe delivers every time. Don’t forget to check out the rest of our appetizers and comfort classics to keep the goodness going.

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