Loaded Potato Skins
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The first time I bit into a potato skin at T.G.I. Fridays, I was in love. The crispy coating, the cheesy center, a little sprinkle of bacon bits, and a dab of sour cream to top it off was a heavenly experience. It was all I could do not to eat them all…..and I still had dinner coming!
Ever since, I’ve been dying to try my own version at home. Even though frying isn’t the healthiest option, it makes them taste just like they were delivered at a fancy restaurant. Besides, cheat days are just that — one day out of the week where you don’t have to worry too much about what you eat.
Tomorrow you can go back to the salad and apple slices. But today, it’s time to let loose and serve these babies at your next party.
How to Make Loaded Potato Skins
Step 1: Pierce Potatoes with a fork. Microwave the potatoes on high until they are soft; approximately 10 – 12 minutes.
Step 2: Cut the potatoes in half vertically. Scoop the inside out of the potatoes, until 1/4″ of the potato shell remains.
Step 3: Heat oil to 365 degrees in a deep fryer or a deep saucepan. Meanwhile, preheat oven to 375 degrees F. Place the potatoes in hot oil and fry for 5 minutes.
Step 4: With a slotted spoon, remove the potatoes onto paper towels to drain.
Step 5: Fill the potato shells with cheese and bacon bits. Arrange them in a greased or parchment paper-lined baking pan.
Step 6: Bake for 7 Minutes or until cheese is melted. Serve hot with sour cream if desired.
Loaded Potato Skins
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 12 1x
Description
Make your own T.G.I. Fridays Loaded Potato Skins recipe with this easy copycat version. Your party guests will love the crispy coating, making them perfect to serve as Super Bowl appetizers, or whenever you have a cheese, bacon, and potato craving!
Ingredients
- 6 Potatoes
- 1 Cup Vegetable Oil
- 8 Ounces Shredded Cheddar Cheese
- 1/8 Cup Bacon Bits
- 16 Ounces Sour Cream (1 Container)
Instructions
- Pierce Potatoes with a fork. Microwave the potatoes on high until they are soft; approximately 10 – 12 minutes.
- Cut the potatoes in half vertically. Scoop the inside out of the potatoes, until 1/4″ of the potato shell remains.
- Heat oil to 365 degrees in a deep fryer or a deep saucepan. Meanwhile, preheat oven to 375 degrees F. Place the potatoes in hot oil and fry for 5 minutes. With a slotted spoon, remove the potatoes onto paper towels to drain.
- Fill the potato shells with cheese and bacon bits. Arrange them in a greased or parchment paper-lined baking pan.
- Bake for 7 Minutes or until cheese is melted. Serve hot with sour cream if desired.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 7 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 12 potato skins
Keywords: potato skins, bacon potato skins
Total Cost: $5.65/batch or $.47/potato skin
Even though the cost of this recipe isn’t what I would call incredibly frugal, it’s still much better to make your own at home and skip the restaurant version. Last I checked, an order of Loaded Potato Skins at T.G.I. Fridays was about $7.99 for 6-8 potato skins — that’s a dollar or more each!
And since the quality and taste are exactly the same, the only thing you miss is a bigger bill.
Do You Have a Favorite Appetizer?
I’m somewhat of a cheese and bacon junkie — here are three more recipes with the same winning combination!
Disclosure: Some of the links in the post above are affiliate links. This means if you click on the link and purchase the item, I will receive an affiliate commission. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will add value to my readers. Read my full disclosure policy here.