Easy veggie- and cheese-loaded crispy potato skins!

Who doesn’t love potato skins? They’re slightly crispy on the outside, tender on the inside and stuffed with all kinds of goodies.

Usually, bacon and cheese dominate in the restaurant version and they may be coated in butter, oil and who knows what else. I of course wanted to lighten it up and add some veggies in my homemade version.

And they are lovely! Festive little veggie potato boats of goodness.

These are great as a side for grilled chicken or steak and they are a wonderful finger food for parties. Put out a bowl of Greek yogurt or sour cream and people can spoon some out or just dip their potato skin right in.

And if you want to sprinkle some bacon on the top of these, go for it!

P.S. You can make these ahead! You can prepare through step 5 and then bake off when you’re ready. Or you can make them all the way through and refrigerate (or freezer for another time). Then when you’re ready to serve, defrost if frozen and put them in a 400 degree oven for 10-12 minutes to warm them up and get the cheese all melty.

Yield: 16 potato skins

Veggie-stuffed potato skins

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Easy veggie- and cheese-loaded crispy potato skins!

Prep Time 15 minutes

Cook Time 30 minutes

Total Time 45 minutes

Ingredients

• 4 baking potatoes
• 2 tablespoons olive oil (or sub melted butter)
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• 1 1/2 teaspoons salt, divided
• 1 teaspoon black pepper, divided
• 1 teaspoon olive oil
• 1 large zucchini, chopped small
• 1 cup bell peppers (any color or mixed), chopped small
• 1 cup mushrooms (white or cremini), chopped small
• 2 heaping cups cheddar cheese, shredded
• Garnishes: chopped green onions, Greek yogurt/sour cream, you could even throw on some chopped avocado or jalapenos or crumbled, cooked bacon

Instructions

1. Prepare potatoes in microwave. Once cooked, slice each potato into 4 big wedges. Scoop out potato pulp and save for another use
2. Combine olive oil, chili seasoning, 3/4 teaspoon salt and 1/2 teaspoon black pepper in a small bowl. Brush potatoes with oil mixture and put on a large sheet pan. (You'll probably need 2 for the whole recipe.)
3. Put in 425 degree oven for 5-10 minutes to crisp up the outside of the potato wedges (or broil for a few minutes, but watch them closely).
4. Meanwhile, heat a large saute pan over medium heat. Add one teaspoon olive oil and the chopped veggies. Season with remaining 3/4 teaspoon salt and 1/2 teaspoon black pepper. Saute for 5-7 minutes, until tender.
5. Remove potato skins from oven once crisped. Top with veggies and pile on the shredded cheddar cheese.
6. Return the potato skins to the oven for about 5 minutes, until hot and cheese is melted.
7. Garnish potato skins with green onions and a dollop of Greek yogurt or sour cream, if desired. Or serve with a small bowl of Greek yogurt for dipping.

Notes

You can make these ahead. Prepare the potato skins through step 5 and then bake them off when you’re ready. Or you can make them all the way through and refrigerate (or freezer for another time). Then when you're ready to serve, defrost if frozen and put them in a 400 degree oven for 10-12 minutes to warm them up and get the cheese all melty.

Nutrition Information:

Yield:

8

Serving Size:

1
Amount Per Serving: Calories: 321Total Fat: 19gSaturated Fat: 7gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 10gCholesterol: 34mgSodium: 683mgCarbohydrates: 25gFiber: 5gSugar: 3gProtein: 14g

** What are your favorite toppings for potato skins?