Super Bowl Loaded Potato Skins

Highlighted under: Comfort Food

I love making Super Bowl Loaded Potato Skins for game day! They’re crispy, loaded with toppings, and always a crowd-pleaser. Every time I prepare these, I feel the excitement in the air. The combination of creamy cheese, savory bacon, and fresh green onions is just irreplaceable. Plus, they’re incredibly fun to make as everyone can customize their own skin. Whether you're hosting friends or enjoying a cozy night in, these potato skins will definitely elevate your snacking experience!

Created by

Felicity Grant

Last updated on 2026-01-12T02:46:15.404Z

When I first made these Loaded Potato Skins, I wanted something that was both delicious and satisfying for the Super Bowl. I discovered that double-baking the potatoes gives them that perfect crunch, which makes all the difference. Layering toppings like melted cheese and crispy bacon transforms them from basic potatoes to something incredible!

Since then, I've experimented with various toppings, like adding jalapeños for a little heat or drizzling them with sour cream for a creamy finish. The beauty of this recipe is that you can get creative based on your preferences and what you have on hand.

        Why You'll Love This Recipe
        Crispy texture with a tender inside
Customizable with your favorite toppings
Perfect finger food for parties and gatherings

      

Choosing the Right Potatoes

When it comes to making loaded potato skins, selecting the proper type of potato is key to achieving that perfect texture. I recommend using large russet potatoes, as their thick skin allows for better crisping and holds up well to the hearty toppings. Their starchy interior provides a fluffy base that contrasts beautifully with the crispy skin. Avoid waxy potatoes such as red or new potatoes; they tend to break apart and do not yield the ideal texture for stuffing.

Before baking, make sure to scrub the potatoes well to remove any dirt or impurities from the skin. Pricking them with a fork allows steam to escape while baking, preventing them from bursting and causing a messy cleanup. This step is especially important if you’re new to baking potatoes, as it helps you monitor their doneness more easily.

Topping Variations and Customizations

While the classic combination of cheddar cheese, bacon, and sour cream is hard to beat, feel free to get creative with your toppings! Consider incorporating jalapeños for a spicy kick, or switch it up by adding pulled pork or chili for a heartier twist. For a lighter version, opt for Greek yogurt in place of sour cream and sprinkle some fresh cilantro for an herbaceous note. Don't forget to consider dietary restrictions; you can use dairy-free cheese alternatives and turkey bacon for a healthier option.

Another fun idea is to create a themed loaded potato skin. How about a BBQ version with barbecue sauce, caramelized onions, and coleslaw? Or a breakfast rendition with scrambled eggs, cheese, and salsa? The only limit is your imagination—mix and match flavors to suit your snack preferences and make game day even more exciting!

Make-Ahead Tips and Storage

If you're planning to serve these loaded potato skins at a larger gathering, consider prepping ahead of time. You can bake the potato skins and leave them unstuffed until a few hours before the event. Simply store the baked skins in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. When you're ready to serve, just reheat them in the oven for about 10 minutes at 375°F (190°C) before loading them up with toppings and baking until crispy again.

If you have leftovers, they can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. To reheat, place them on a baking sheet in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) until heated through and crispy again. Microwave reheating can leave them soggy, so aim for the oven to maintain that delightful crunch that the skins offer. With a little preparation, you can enjoy these delicious snacks long after game day!

Ingredients

For the Potato Skins

4 large russet potatoes
3 tablespoons olive oil
Salt to taste
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1/2 cup cooked crumbled bacon
1/4 cup sour cream
2 green onions, sliced
Black pepper to taste

Instructions

Prep the Potatoes

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Scrub the russet potatoes clean and prick them all over with a fork. Rub them with olive oil and sprinkle with salt. Bake for about 45 minutes, or until they are fork-tender.

Scoop Out the Potato

Once the potatoes are cool enough to handle, cut them in half lengthwise. Carefully scoop out the flesh, leaving a thin layer of potato to keep the skins sturdy.

Bake Again

Brush the insides of the potato skins with olive oil, season with salt and pepper, and place them back in the oven, cut-side up, for another 10-15 minutes until they are crispy.

Add Toppings

Remove the potato skins from the oven and sprinkle them with cheddar cheese and crumbled bacon. Return to the oven for an additional 5-7 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Serve

Top the loaded potato skins with sour cream and sliced green onions before serving. Enjoy immediately for the best flavor!

Pro Tips

For extra flavor, try seasoning the potato skins with garlic powder or paprika before baking. You can also mix different cheeses for a more complex taste.

Serving Suggestions

When serving Super Bowl Loaded Potato Skins, pair them with a variety of dipping sauces for an extra layer of flavor. Options like tangy ranch dressing, zesty guacamole, or a spicy sriracha mayonnaise bring a new dimension to the experience. Arrange them on a large platter with small bowls of each dip surrounding the skins to create an enticing presentation that encourages guests to dig in.

Consider balancing the richness of the potato skins with a lighter side salad. A simple mixed greens salad dressed with a lemon vinaigrette can provide a refreshing contrast, making for a well-rounded snack or meal. This will also help keep the party atmosphere lively, allowing everyone to enjoy some lighter options alongside their indulgent treats.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

One common issue when making potato skins is ending up with soggy skins. To avoid this, be sure to bake them long enough during the second baking step to allow moisture to escape fully. If you find that they are still soft after baking, you can put them back in the oven for a few additional minutes until they crisp up. Also, make sure to brush them lightly with olive oil to enhance crispiness.

Another potential challenge is ensuring even cheese melting without burning. To solve this, keep an eye on the skins during the last minutes of baking. If the cheese starts to bubble and turn golden brown slower than expected, a quick turn of the oven's broiler can help achieve that perfect melty layer. Just watch carefully—things can go from golden to burnt in a matter of seconds!

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I prepare these potato skins ahead of time?

Yes, you can pre-bake the potatoes and scoop them out in advance. Just store them in the fridge until you're ready to finish cooking them!

→ What other toppings can I use?

Feel free to get creative! Try adding jalapeños, avocado, or different types of cheese to suit your taste.

→ How do I store leftovers?

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven to regain their crispiness.

→ Can I make these vegetarian?

Absolutely! Simply omit the bacon and add extra vegetables, like diced bell peppers or mushrooms, for delicious vegetarian skins.