cheddar bacon ranch potato skins (Printable)
Crispy skins, cheddar, bacon, ranch make a crowd-pleasing, flavorful appetizer everyone will love.
# Components:
→ Main Ingredients
01 - 4 large russet potatoes
02 - 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
03 - 6 strips cooked bacon, chopped
04 - 1/2 cup ranch dressing
05 - 2 tablespoons chopped fresh chives
06 - 2 tablespoons olive oil
07 - Salt to taste
08 - Black pepper to taste
# Method:
01 - Preheat oven to 400°F (204°C). Scrub russet potatoes thoroughly and pat dry.
02 - Rub potatoes with olive oil, season with salt and pepper, and arrange on a baking sheet. Bake for 45-60 minutes until fork-tender.
03 - Allow baked potatoes to cool for 10 minutes. Slice each potato in half lengthwise and scoop out most of the flesh, leaving a 1/4-inch shell.
04 - Brush potato shells inside and out with additional olive oil. Place skin-side up on the baking sheet and return to oven. Bake for 10 minutes until edges crisp.
05 - Sprinkle the inside of each potato shell with cheddar cheese, chopped bacon, and bake for 5-7 minutes until cheese is melted.
06 - Remove from oven. Drizzle each potato skin with ranch dressing and garnish with fresh chives before serving.
# Expert Advice:
01 -
- Crispy and satisfying perfect for parties or an easy appetizer
- Budget-friendly and uses common kitchen staples
- Totally customizable with your favorite toppings or cheeses
- Kid approved and guaranteed to vanish fast
02 -
- Naturally gluten free
- Party favorite that is easy to double or triple
- Great way to use up leftover baked potatoes
03 -
- Always bake your potatoes rather than microwave for the best texture
- Scrape the potato shells thin but not too thin or they might collapse
- A little extra cheese melted on top never hurts and broil for one to two minutes for deep golden edges