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Crispy Cheesy Irish Potato Skins with Bacon Bits

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These crispy cheesy Irish potato skins with bacon bits are a perfect appetizer featuring a blend of sharp and Irish cheddar cheeses, smoky bacon, and crispy baked potato skins. Easy to make and crowd-pleasing, they deliver a satisfying crunch and rich flavor.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 medium russet potatoes, scrubbed clean
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon sea salt, plus extra for seasoning
  • ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
  • ½ cup Irish cheddar cheese, shredded (optional)
  • ½ cup bacon bits, cooked and crisp
  • 2 stalks green onions, thinly sliced
  • ½ cup sour cream (for serving, optional)

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
  2. Prick each russet potato several times with a fork. Rub them with 1 tablespoon of olive oil and sprinkle with sea salt. Place directly on the oven rack and bake for 45-50 minutes, or until tender when pierced with a fork. Rotate halfway through baking for even cooking.
  3. Remove the potatoes and let them cool for about 10 minutes. Once cool enough to handle, slice each potato in half lengthwise.
  4. Carefully scoop out most of the potato flesh, leaving about ¼ inch (6mm) of potato on the skin. Save the scooped potato for another use like mashed potatoes or soup.
  5. Brush the potato skins with the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Sprinkle with sea salt and freshly ground black pepper.
  6. Place the skins skin-side down on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake for 10 minutes to crisp up.
  7. Flip the skins over so the insides face up. Sprinkle the shredded sharp cheddar and Irish cheddar evenly inside each skin. Top with bacon bits.
  8. Return to the oven and bake for an additional 8-10 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
  9. Remove from the oven and sprinkle sliced green onions on top. Serve warm with a dollop of sour cream on the side.

Notes

For extra crispy skins, broil for the last 1-2 minutes but watch carefully to avoid burning. Use a wire rack on the baking sheet for better air circulation if available. Save the scooped potato flesh for other recipes like mashed potatoes or soup. Homemade bacon bits provide better flavor than store-bought. To make dairy-free, substitute cheeses and sour cream with plant-based alternatives. This recipe is naturally gluten-free if bacon bits and toppings are checked for gluten additives.

Nutrition

Keywords: potato skins, Irish potato skins, cheesy potato skins, bacon bits, appetizer, crispy potato skins, Irish cheddar, snack

Find it online: https://hungermind.com/crispy-cheesy-irish-potato-skins-with-bacon-bits-easy-recipe-for-perfect-appetizers/