Cheddar Oven Baked Potato Skins are the ultimate crispy appetizer, perfect for game day or any gathering. These delightful treats are made with russet potatoes, melted cheddar cheese, and savory toppings. The combination of crispy potato skins and gooey cheese creates a crowd-pleasing snack that everyone will love. Not only are they easy to make, but they also bring comfort food to a whole new level. Let’s dive into how to prepare this delicious dish!
Why You’ll Love This Cheddar Oven Baked Potato
There are countless reasons to adore these Cheddar Oven Baked Potatoes. First, they are incredibly versatile—perfect as a snack, appetizer, or side dish. Second, they are loaded with cheesy goodness that appeals to both kids and adults alike. Third, this recipe is a great way to use leftover potatoes. Fourth, they are quick to prepare, taking only about 1 hour and 20 minutes from start to finish. Fifth, you can customize the toppings based on your preferences—add bacon, sour cream, or green onions for an extra kick. Lastly, they make for a fun party food that will impress your guests!
Ingredients for Cheddar Oven Baked Potato
Gather these items:
- 2 medium russet potatoes
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 ½ teaspoons salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 2 tablespoons chopped green onions or chives
- ¼ cup sour cream (optional)
- 2 slices cooked bacon, crumbled (optional)
How to Make Cheddar Oven Baked Potato Step-by-Step
- Step 1: Preheat your oven to 400°F. Scrub the potatoes clean, prick them with a fork, and bake for 45–50 minutes until tender. Let them cool slightly.
- Step 2: Slice the potatoes in half lengthwise. Scoop out the insides, leaving about a ¼-inch shell.
- Step 3: Brush both sides of the skins with olive oil and season with salt and pepper.
- Step 4: Place the skins skin-side up on a baking sheet and bake for 10 minutes. Flip and bake for another 10 minutes.
- Step 5: Flip the skins again so the hollow side is up. Fill each skin with cheddar cheese and optional bacon.
- Step 6: Bake for 5–7 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbling.
- Step 7: Garnish with green onions and optional sour cream. Serve immediately.
Pro Tips for the Perfect Cheddar Oven Baked Potato
Keep these in mind:
- Use fresh russet potatoes for the best texture and flavor.
- Don’t skip the pricking step; it allows steam to escape while baking.
- For a healthier option, you can reduce the cheese or use low-fat alternatives.
Best Ways to Serve Cheddar Oven Baked Potato
These Cheddar Oven Baked Potatoes can be served in various ways. Enjoy them as a stand-alone appetizer, or pair them with a fresh salad for a light meal. You can also create a toppings bar with sour cream, jalapeños, or guacamole to let your guests customize their bites.
How to Store and Reheat Cheddar Oven Baked Potato
To store leftovers, simply place the skins in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They can be kept for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 10-15 minutes until warmed through. Meal prepping these is a great way to have a quick snack on hand!
Frequently Asked Questions About Cheddar Oven Baked Potato
What’s the secret to perfect Cheddar Oven Baked Potato?
The secret lies in ensuring that the skins are crisp enough before adding cheese. Baking them twice helps achieve that ideal crispy texture.
Can I make Cheddar Oven Baked Potato ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the potato skins in advance and store them in the fridge. Just add the cheese and toppings before baking them again for serving.
How do I avoid common mistakes with Cheddar Oven Baked Potato?
Make sure to scoop out enough potato flesh to create a sturdy shell. Also, don’t overcrowd the baking sheet, as this can prevent the skins from getting crispy.
Variations of Cheddar Oven Baked Potato You Can Try
There are numerous ways to enjoy Cheddar Oven Baked Potatoes. Consider trying a cheddar cheese and potato casserole for a hearty dish. Alternatively, make a cheddar stuffed baked potato by mixing the scooped potato with cheese and other favorite toppings before refilling the skins. For a spicy twist, add jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce before baking!
For more delicious potato recipes, check out Loaded Baked Potato Soup or Loaded Mashed Potato Balls. If you’re interested in more variations, you might enjoy Creamy Potato Salad or Creamy Parmesan Italian Sausage.
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Cheddar Oven Baked Potato Skins: The Ultimate Cheesy Treat
- Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Cheddar Oven Baked Potato Skins are the ultimate crispy appetizer, perfect for game day or any gathering. Made with russet potatoes, cheddar cheese, and savory toppings, these baked potato skins are a cheesy, crowd-pleasing snack that’s easy to make.
Ingredients
- 2 medium russet potatoes
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 ½ teaspoons salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 2 tablespoons chopped green onions or chives
- ¼ cup sour cream (optional)
- 2 slices cooked bacon, crumbled (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F. Scrub potatoes, prick with a fork, and bake for 45–50 minutes until tender. Let cool slightly.
- Slice potatoes in half lengthwise. Scoop out the insides, leaving about a ¼-inch shell.
- Brush both sides of the skins with olive oil and season with salt and pepper.
- Place skin-side up on a baking sheet and bake for 10 minutes. Flip and bake another 10 minutes.
- Flip again so the hollow side is up. Fill each skin with cheddar cheese and optional bacon.
- Bake for 5–7 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbling.
- Garnish with green onions and optional sour cream. Serve immediately.
Notes
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 500mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
Keywords: Cheddar Oven Baked Potato
