Crispy potato skins, cream cheesy, and savory baconwhat’s not to love?

Learn how to make potato skins, an all-time favoritegame day appetizer.

Want potato skins that are a bit more bite-sized?

Southern Living Potato Skins on a platter to serve

Credit:Caitlin Bensel; Food Stylist: Torie Cox

And if not all guests enjoy sour cream, serve it in a dish on the side.

If desired, sprinkle it in when you add the cheese and bacon.

Scrub the potatoes, and pat dry thoroughly.

Southern Living Potato Skins ingredients

Credit:Caitlin Bensel; Food Stylist: Torie Cox

Bake in preheated oven for 45-50 minutes, or until potatoes are tender when tested with a fork.

Scoop out potatoes:

Slice each potato in half lengthwise.

Scoop out the potato flesh, leaving just enough to provide a stable shell, about 1/4-inch-thick.

Southern Living Potato Skins scrubbing the potatoes

Credit:Caitlin Bensel; Food Stylist: Torie Cox

(Reserve the scooped out potato for another use, such asmashed potatoesorPotato Cake.)

Whisk in the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil and the garlic powder.

Brush the mixture evenly over the outside and inside of the potato skins; sprinkle with kosher salt.

Southern Living Potato Skins getting the potatoes ready to bake

Credit:Caitlin Bensel; Food Stylist: Torie Cox

Bake at 425F for 8-10 minutes.

Flip the potato skins over using tongs and bake another 7-9 minutes, or until crisp.

Fill potatoes:

Fill the skins evenly with Cheddar cheese; top with bacon crumbles.

Southern LIving Potato Skins after baking the potatoes

Credit:Caitlin Bensel; Food Stylist: Torie Cox

Return to oven for 2-4 minutes, or until cheese melts.

Garnish potato skins:

Allow skins to cool on the baking sheet for 2-3 minutes.

Southern Living Potato Skins scooping the centers out of the potato

Credit:Caitlin Bensel; Food Stylist: Torie Cox

Southern Living Potato Skins brushing the potato skins with butter

Credit:Caitlin Bensel; Food Stylist: Torie Cox

Southern Living Potato Skins baking the potato skins hollowed side down

Credit:Caitlin Bensel; Food Stylist: Torie Cox

Southern Living Potato Skins after baking cut side up

Credit:Caitlin Bensel; Food Stylist: Torie Cox

Southern Living Potato Skins adding the bacon and cheese to the potato skins

Credit:Caitlin Bensel; Food Stylist: Torie Cox

Southern Living Potato Skins adding the rest of the toppings to the potato skins

Credit:Caitlin Bensel; Food Stylist: Torie Cox