Loaded Bacon Ranch Potato Skins
Crispy potato skins topped with gooey cheddar cheese, smoky bacon bits, and creamy ranch drizzle—perfect for parties or indulgent snacking.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 25 minutes
- Yield: 8 potato skins 1x
- Category: Appetizer
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
- 4 medium-sized Russet potatoes, scrubbed clean
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 6 slices thick-cut bacon, cooked and crumbled
- 1/4 cup ranch dressing
- 2 tablespoons melted unsalted butter
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 2 green onions, sliced thinly (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Scrub the potatoes clean, then pat them dry. Pierce each potato a few times with a fork.
- Bake the potatoes directly on the oven rack or a baking sheet for 45–50 minutes until tender. Let them cool for about 10 minutes.
- Cut each potato in half lengthwise. Using a spoon, gently scoop out most of the flesh, leaving about 1/4 inch to support the skins.
- Place the potato skins on a baking sheet. Brush the insides and edges with melted butter, then sprinkle with salt and pepper.
- Bake the buttered skins for 10–15 minutes until golden and crispy.
- Remove the skins from the oven. Fill each one with shredded cheddar cheese and crumbled bacon.
- Return the skins to the oven for 5–7 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and melted.
- Drizzle ranch dressing over the potato skins and sprinkle with sliced green onions if desired. Serve immediately.
Notes
For extra crispiness, use a wire rack when baking the potato skins. Customize toppings with jalapeños, green onions, or smoked paprika for added flavor.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 potato skin
- Calories: 180
- Sodium: 250
- Fat: 10
- Carbohydrates: 15
- Protein: 6
Keywords: potato skins, bacon ranch, party appetizer, crispy potatoes, comfort food