Loaded Baked Potato Skins

Ingredients:

– 4 large russet potatoes
– 4 slices bacon
– 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
– 1/2 cup sour cream
– 1/4 cup green onions, sliced
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– 2 tablespoons olive oil

Instructions:

1. **Prepare the Potatoes:**
– Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
– Scrub the potatoes clean, then pierce each potato a few times with a fork.
– Place the potatoes directly on the oven rack and bake for 45-60 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender when pierced with a fork.
– Remove the potatoes from the oven and let them cool until they are easy to handle.

2. **Cook the Bacon:**
– While the potatoes are baking, cook the bacon in a skillet over medium heat until crispy. Remove from the skillet and drain on paper towels. Once cooled, crumble the bacon into small pieces.

3. **Prepare the Potato Skins:**
– Once the potatoes are cool enough to handle, cut them in half lengthwise.
– Scoop out the insides of the potatoes, leaving about 1/4 inch of potato on the skin (save the scooped-out potato for another use, like mashed potatoes).
– Brush the potato skins with olive oil on both sides and place them on a baking sheet.
– Season the potato skins with salt and pepper.

4. **Bake the Potato Skins:**
– Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C).
– Bake the potato skins in the oven for about 10 minutes on each side, until they are crispy and golden brown.

5. **Add the Toppings:**
– Remove the potato skins from the oven and sprinkle the insides with shredded cheddar cheese and crumbled bacon.
– Return the potato skins to the oven and bake for an additional 5-7 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

6. **Serve:**
– Remove the potato skins from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes.
– Top each potato skin with a dollop of sour cream and a sprinkle of sliced green onions.
– Serve warm and enjoy!

These Loaded Baked Potato Skins are perfect as an appetizer or a tasty side dish. Enjoy!