Looking to recreate the delicious nostalgia of your favorite appetizer from restaurants at home? Look no further than these irresistible Restaurant Style Potato Skins! Perfect for a cozy night in or as a shareable snack when entertaining, these crispy and savory potato skins are sure to be a hit with family and friends. With just a few simple ingredients and easy steps, you can enjoy the satisfying flavors of this beloved classic dish without having to leave the house. Let’s dive in and get cooking!
**Restaurant Style Potato Skins**
**Ingredients:**
– 4 large Russet potatoes
– 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
– 6 slices of cooked bacon, crumbled
– 1/2 cup sour cream
– 2 green onions, thinly sliced
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Olive oil
**Instructions:**
1. **Preheat the Oven:** Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. **Prepare the Potatoes:** Scrub the potatoes clean and pat them dry with paper towels. Pierce each potato a few times with a fork to allow steam to escape while baking. Lightly brush the potatoes with olive oil and sprinkle with salt.
3. **Bake the Potatoes:** Place the potatoes on the prepared baking sheet and bake in the preheated oven for about 50-60 minutes, or until they are fork-tender. Remove from the oven and let them cool slightly.
4. **Prepare the Potato Skins:** Once the potatoes are cool enough to handle, carefully slice each potato in half lengthwise. Using a spoon, scoop out the flesh, leaving about a 1/4 inch border around the skins. Save the potato flesh for another recipe or mashed potatoes.
5. **Crisp Up the Skins:** Increase the oven temperature to 450°F (230°C). Place the hollowed-out potato skins back on the baking sheet, skin side up. Brush the skins with olive oil and sprinkle with salt. Bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the skins are crispy and slightly golden brown.
6. **Add Toppings:** Remove the potato skins from the oven and sprinkle each with shredded cheddar cheese and crumbled bacon.
7. **Bake Again:** Return the potato skins to the oven and bake for another 5-7 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
8. **Garnish and Serve:** Remove the potato skins from the oven and top each with a dollop of sour cream, sliced green onions, and a dash of freshly ground black pepper. Serve hot and enjoy!
These Restaurant Style Potato Skins are a crowd-pleasing appetizer that’s perfect for gatherings or as a special treat for yourself. The crispy skins paired with gooey cheese, savory bacon, and tangy sour cream create a mouth-watering combination that will have everyone coming back for more. Feel free to customize the toppings to your liking, adding jalapenos, diced tomatoes, or even a sprinkle of paprika for an extra kick. Whether you serve them as a starter or enjoy them as a snack, these potato skins are a comforting and delicious dish that will satisfy your cravings. Enjoy!