Cheddar Cheese and Smoky Bacon Potato Skins

Cheddar Cheese and Smoky Bacon Potato Skins

Ingredients:

• 4 large baking potatoes (e.g., Russet)
• 4 rashers of smoky bacon, diced
• 1 ½ cups (150g) grated cheddar cheese
• 2 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
• 2 tbsp sour cream (for garnish, optional)
• 2 tbsp chopped chives (for garnish, optional)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 tsp smoked paprika (optional, for flavor)

Equipment Needed:

• Baking tray
• Parchment paper or aluminum foil
• Fork (for piercing the potatoes)
• Sharp knife
• Spoon (for scooping potato flesh)
• Frying pan
• Mixing bowl
• Oven mitts
• Grater (for cheese)
• Small brush (for butter)

Preparation and Cooking Times:

• Preparation time: 20 minutes
• Cooking time: 1 hour 15 minutes
• Total time: 1 hour 35 minutes

Preparation:

1. Bake the Potatoes
   Preheat the oven to 200°C (400°F). Wash and dry the potatoes thoroughly, then pierce each one several times with a fork.
   Place the potatoes on a baking tray lined with parchment paper and bake for 1 hour until the skins are crisp and the insides are tender.
2. Prepare the Bacon
   While the potatoes bake, heat a frying pan over medium heat. Cook the diced smoky bacon until golden and crispy. Remove and place on paper towels to drain excess fat.
3. Scoop the Potatoes
   Once the potatoes are cool enough to handle, cut each one in half lengthwise. Use a spoon to carefully scoop out most of the potato flesh, leaving a thin layer to maintain the structure. Reserve the potato flesh for another use (like mashed potatoes).
4. Brush and Season the Skins
   Brush the hollowed-out potato skins with melted butter and season with salt, pepper, and smoked paprika if desired. Place the skins back on the baking tray, cut side up.
5. Fill the Skins
   Sprinkle half the grated cheddar into the potato skins. Add the crispy bacon, then top with the remaining cheddar.
6. Bake Again
   Return the filled potato skins to the oven and bake at 200°C (400°F) for 10–15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
7. Garnish and Serve
   Remove the potato skins from the oven and transfer them to a serving plate. Garnish with sour cream and chopped chives, if desired. Serve warm.

Nutritional Information (Per Skin):

• Calories: 220 kcal
• Protein: 9g
• Carbohydrates: 15g
• Fat: 14g
• Saturated Fat: 7g
• Fiber: 2g
• Sodium: 320mg

This recipe makes for a delicious and satisfying party appetizer that’s easy to share!