Quick and easy potato skins (using a simple hack) are loaded with cheese and bacon for a fun appetizer for parties or game day!
So y’all know by now that I’m completely obsessed with all things potato, right? OK, good.
Potato skins though. Those have always held a very special place in my heart.
I have fond memories of big nights out at a certain restaurant when I was little. It was special and an occasion and we got to order things like Shirley Temple’s and appetizers. And all I ever wanted was potato skins. What better way could there be to start a meal?
Crispy edges, insides full of cheese and bacon, and then you go and dunk them in some sour cream? I mean, seriously… 😍
Now, as a grown up with little kids, I don’t get out to dinner much. (And have never gone back to that restaurant, which shall remain unnamed but had something to do with being thankful that it was the last day of the work week. Get it?)
And even when we do go out, appetizers these days just mean the meal is going to drag on and risk the little ones having a break-down.
But I still love me some potato skins. And sometimes I make them the traditional way with cheese and bacon (though I’m more likely to stuff them with veggies).
However, my kids never finish theirs. They take bites and pick at the insides and don’t get through the whole thing.
They’re little, it’s fine. But I can’t leave it like that. I have to eat the rest of the potato skins on their plate, however mangled. Which is a little disturbing.
So I’ve started making bite-size, super-fast potato skins.
Perfect for portioning out.
By which I mean, they get one or two and I get LOTS.
Plus, these are really quick and easy to make!
You just slice the potatoes into rounds, bake them for a bit, top theme with cheese and let it melt, then serve with all the goodies.
Ta-da! Easy potato skins. 🙌
Notes on making easy potato skins:
- The trick here is to slice the potato into rounds, which cook more quickly and are so much easier to handle than halved potato boats that you have to bake, scoop, fill, bake again.
- So you’ll want to get nice, round potatoes when you’re buying yours at the store.
- I went with cheddar cheese, bacon and sliced green onions for my toppings here. However, you could use this same basic method and whatever potato skin toppings your heart desires!
Also, pro tip: If you cook the bacon for these potatoes, use the bacon grease from the pan to brush the potato rounds (instead of using olive oil). It adds lots of great flavor!
And of course, don’t forget to serve them with something for dipping!
Dips to serve with easy potato skins:
– Sour cream or Greek yogurt
– A spiced sour cream or Greek yogurt with hot sauce and lime juice mixed in
– Salsa (fresh or jarred)
– Guacamole
Little people or big, these will be a hit.
They’re also great as party appetizers and game day eats. They’re the perfect bite-size treats that are completely manageable while you’re balancing a drink.
So cheers to grown-up Shirley Temples and easier, faster potato skins.
Enjoy!
XO,
Kathryn
Quick and easy potato skins (using a simple hack) are loaded with cheese and bacon for a fun appetizer for parties or game day! If you cook the bacon for these potatoes, use the bacon grease from the pan to brush the potato rounds (instead of using olive oil) - adds lots of great flavor!Easy cheesy potato skins
Ingredients
Instructions
Notes
Nutrition Information:
Yield:
12
Serving Size:
1
Amount Per Serving:
Calories: 323Total Fat: 19gSaturated Fat: 7gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 11gCholesterol: 40mgSodium: 673mgCarbohydrates: 23gFiber: 4gSugar: 2gProtein: 16g
Carrie says
These Easy Cheesy Potato Skins were easy, cheesy, and a big hit!!! Thanks!
Kathryn says
Yay, so glad you liked them Carrie! And thanks for letting me know too π Have a great weekend!
Lucy @ Bake Play Smile says
I can’t believe I’ve never made potato skins before! I’ve just pinned this recipe and am going to make it this weekend. Thanks for linking up with our Fabulous Foodie Fridays party xx
Kathryn says
Lucy, you’ve been missing out! I bet you’ll just love potato skins, and this shortcut version is such an easy way to get those great flavors. Thanks for hosting a great party; hope you have a wonderful weekend! XO
Sam @ The Klutzy Cook says
I love this idea of potato rounds, and I know my kids will too! Avocado, salsa and sour cream will definitely be on our topping list. Making them this weekend π
Kathryn says
Thanks Sam! They are definitely kid-friendly and I like your plan for toppings π Hope you all love them!
Carmen says
I made these potato skins yesterday evening for my son’s birthday to go along a variety of apetizers, They were a big success!!!! I love that they cook much faster than whole potatoes! Thanks for this great idea, I will be making them again!
Kathryn says
Oh yay, I’m so happy to hear you enjoyed them Carmen! Thanks for sharing! π
tyler says
bad. too much mayonnaise. no yays in my household. π
Kathryn Doherty says
There is NO mayonnaise called for in this recipe, Tyler. Sounds like you didn’t follow the ingredients and instructions.