Experience the ultimate blend of flavors with these Parmesan Crusted Potato Skins. This recipe boasts a delicious combination of crispy potato skins, savory bacon, and fresh chives, enveloped with a crust of Parmesan cheese. The outside is satisfyingly crunchy, while the inside remains soft and tender. Whether you're hosting a party or looking for a quick snack, these potato skins are guaranteed to impress.
While most of the ingredients in this recipe are fairly common, you may not immediately find Parmesan cheese or fresh chives in your pantry. Parmesan cheese, a hard, dry cheese made from cow's milk, is known for its savory and slightly nutty taste. It adds a tangy punch and a beautiful crust to the potato skins. Fresh chives, on the other hand, are a type of herb with a delicate onion-like flavor that perfectly complements the other ingredients. Make sure to add these to your shopping list if not readily available at home.
Ingredients for Parmesan Crusted Potato Skins
Potatoes: The base of this recipe, provides a starchy canvas for the savory toppings.
Vegetable oil: Used to make the potato skins crispy and golden.
Parmesan cheese: Gives the potato skins a satisfyingly crunchy crust and sharp flavor.
Salt: Enhances the overall taste of the potato skins.
Garlic powder: Adds depth and aroma to the recipe.
Paprika: Gives a subtle heat and a beautiful color.
Pepper: Adds a kick of spice and enhances the other flavors.
Bacon: Provides a smoky and salty contrast to the potato skins.
Cheddar cheese: Melts beautifully, adding a creamy and tangy flavor.
Sour cream: Served on top for its creamy texture and tangy flavor.
Green onions or chives: Adds a fresh onion-like flavor and a pop of color.
One reader, Joya Brooks says:
This parmesan crusted potato skins recipe is a game-changer! The crispy, cheesy exterior perfectly complements the fluffy potato filling. The blend of flavors is simply divine. Plus, it's so easy to make! I highly recommend trying this recipe for a delicious and satisfying snack or appetizer.
Techniques Required for Perfect Parmesan Crusted Potato Skins
Preheat oven to 400: This step is essential to ensure that the oven reaches the correct temperature for baking the potato skins.
Pierce potatoes with a fork and place on a foil-lined baking sheet: Piercing the potatoes allows steam to escape during baking, preventing them from bursting. Placing them on a foil-lined baking sheet makes for easy cleanup.
Bake potatoes for 45-50 minutes: Baking the potatoes until they are tender is crucial for achieving the right texture for the potato skins.
Let the potatoes cool completely when done: Allowing the potatoes to cool makes them easier to handle and reduces the risk of burning yourself when scooping out the pulp.
Cut potatoes lengthwise and scoop out ⅔ of the pulp: Carefully scooping out the pulp creates the base for the potato skins and allows for the creation of a crispy shell.
Combine oil, parmesan cheese, salt, garlic powder, paprika, and pepper in a small bowl: Mixing these ingredients creates a flavorful coating for the potato skins.
Brush the oil and seasoning mixture over the tops and bottoms of each potato skin: Evenly coating the potato skins with the oil and seasoning mixture ensures that they are flavorful and crispy.
Bake at 450 for 8 minutes: This step helps to further crisp up the potato skins.
Add cheese and bacon and bake for 2 more minutes: Adding the cheese and bacon and baking for a short time melts the cheese and crisps up the bacon, enhancing the flavor and texture of the potato skins.
Sprinkle on green onions or chives: Adding the green onions or chives at the end provides a fresh, aromatic finish to the dish.
Serve warm with ranch or sour cream: This step ensures that the potato skins are served at the optimal temperature and provides a delicious dipping option for added flavor.
How To Make Parmesan Crusted Potato Skins
These crispy potato skins are loaded with savory bacon, gooey cheddar cheese, and fresh chives for a delectably rich and tasty side!
Serves:
Ingredients
- 5small potatoes
- 3tbspvegetable oil
- 1tbspparmesan cheese,grated
- ½tspsalt
- ¼tspgarlic powder
- ¼tsppaprika
- pepper
- 10bacon,cooked and crumbled
- cheddar cheese,shredded
- sour cream
- green onions,or chives
Instructions
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Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F.
-
Pierce the potatoes with a fork and place on foil-lined baking sheet.
-
Bake for 45 to 50 minutes. Let cool completely when done.
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Cut the potatoes lengthwise and scoop out ⅔ of the pulp. Place on a foil-lined baking sheet.
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In a small bowl combine the oil, Parmesan cheese, salt, garlic powder, paprika and pepper. Mix well. Brush this mixture over the tops and bottoms of each potato skin.
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Bake at 450 degrees F for 8 minutes. Add the cheese and bacon and bake for 2 more minutes.
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Sprinkle on green onions or chives. Serve warm with ranch or sour cream, and enjoy!
Nutrition
- Calories: 571.18kcal
- Fat: 40.12g
- Saturated Fat: 10.78g
- Trans Fat: 0.18g
- Monounsaturated Fat: 20.39g
- Polyunsaturated Fat: 6.60g
- Carbohydrates: 38.92g
- Fiber: 4.97g
- Sugar: 2.43g
- Protein: 14.42g
- Cholesterol: 49.43mg
- Sodium: 695.45mg
- Calcium: 61.20mg
- Potassium: 1057.85mg
- Iron: 2.10mg
- Vitamin A: 16.57µg
- Vitamin C: 41.87mg
Essential Technique Tip for Crispy Potato Skins
When scooping out the pulp from the potatoes, be careful not to pierce through the skin. The skin needs to be intact to hold the filling and maintain its shape during the second baking. Also, using a melon baller or a small spoon can make this process easier and more precise.
Time-Saving Tips for Making Crispy Potato Skins
Prep ahead: Prepare the potato skins and the seasoning mixture in advance to save time when you're ready to bake.
Use a food processor: Use a food processor to quickly mix the seasoning and oil for the potato skins.
Bake in advance: Bake the potatoes ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator until you're ready to make the potato skins.
Pre-cook the bacon: Pre-cook the bacon until it's almost crispy, then crumble it over the potato skins before the final bake.
Double the batch: Make a larger batch of potato skins and freeze the extras for a quick and delicious appetizer or snack later on.
Use a melon baller: Use a melon baller to quickly and easily scoop out the pulp from the potato skins.
Pre-shred the cheese: Pre-shred the cheddar cheese in advance to save time when assembling the potato skins.
Pre-chop the green onions: Chop the green onions in advance and store them in the refrigerator for a quick garnish when serving the potato skins.
Substitute Ingredients For Parmesan Crusted Potato Skins Recipe
parmesan cheese - Substitute with grated pecorino Romano: Pecorino Romano has a similar salty and nutty flavor to parmesan, making it a great substitute in this recipe.
vegetable oil - Substitute with olive oil: Olive oil will add a rich and fruity flavor to the potato skins, enhancing the overall taste of the dish.
bacon - Substitute with pancetta: Pancetta is a cured Italian meat that offers a similar salty and savory flavor to bacon, making it a delicious alternative in this recipe.
cheddar cheese - Substitute with gouda cheese: Gouda cheese has a rich and creamy texture with a slightly nutty flavor, which can complement the potato skins beautifully.
sour cream - Substitute with Greek yogurt: Greek yogurt provides a tangy and creamy element similar to sour cream, while also adding a boost of protein to the dish.
green onions/chives - Substitute with shallots: Shallots offer a mild onion flavor and can be a great substitute for green onions or chives in this recipe.
Best Ways to Present Crispy Potato Skins
Elevate the potato skins: Carefully arrange the parmesan crusted potato skins on a sleek, modern plate, ensuring they are evenly spaced and visually appealing.
Garnish with precision: Sprinkle the crispy bacon and cheddar cheese over the potato skins with artistic precision, creating a visually stunning and appetizing presentation.
Incorporate color and contrast: Add a dollop of creamy sour cream on the side of the plate, and garnish with vibrant green onions or chives to provide a pop of color and contrast to the dish.
Consider the plate shape and size: Choose a plate that complements the rustic charm of the potato skins, ensuring that the presentation is balanced and visually striking.
Emphasize elegance and sophistication: Pay attention to the finer details, such as using high-quality serving utensils and ensuring that the overall presentation exudes elegance and sophistication.
Create a harmonious composition: Arrange the potato skins in a visually appealing manner, ensuring that each element of the dish complements the others to create a harmonious and enticing composition.
Focus on the sensory experience: Consider the aroma, texture, and visual appeal of the dish, ensuring that the presentation enhances the overall sensory experience for the diners.
Essential Tools for Making Parmesan Crusted Potato Skins
- Oven: An essential appliance for baking and roasting dishes.
- Foil-lined baking sheet: A baking sheet lined with aluminum foil to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier.
- Fork: A utensil with prongs used for piercing and lifting food items.
- Small bowl: A container for mixing and combining smaller amounts of ingredients.
- Basting brush: A tool used for applying oil or sauce onto food items.
- Knife: A sharp tool for cutting and slicing ingredients.
- Mixing bowl: A bowl for combining and mixing ingredients.
- Food processor: A kitchen appliance used for chopping, blending, and pureeing ingredients.
- Spatula: A flat tool used for flipping and lifting food items.
How To Store and Freeze Parmesan Crusted Potato Skins
- Let the potato skins cool completely before storing or freezing.
- To store in the refrigerator, place the cooled potato skins in an airtight container or wrap them tightly with plastic wrap. They will keep in the fridge for up to 3-4 days.
- To freeze, wrap each potato skin individually in plastic wrap or aluminum foil, making sure they are tightly sealed. Place the wrapped potato skins in a freezer-safe container or freezer bag, removing as much air as possible before sealing.
- Label the container or bag with the date and contents for easy reference.
- Frozen potato skins can be stored for up to 2-3 months.
- To reheat refrigerated potato skins, place them on a baking sheet and bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes, or until heated through and crispy.
- For frozen potato skins, remove them from the freezer and let them thaw in the refrigerator overnight. Once thawed, reheat them in the oven as described above.
- Alternatively, you can reheat frozen potato skins directly from the freezer. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C), place the frozen potato skins on a baking sheet, and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until heated through and crispy.
How To Reheat Leftover Potato Skins
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the leftover parmesan crusted potato skins on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or aluminum foil. Bake for 10-15 minutes, or until they are heated through and the cheese is melted and bubbly. This method will help restore the crispiness of the potato skins while keeping the toppings warm and gooey.
If you have an air fryer, you can use it to reheat your leftover potato skins. Set the air fryer to 350°F (175°C) and place the potato skins in the basket, making sure they are not overlapping. Cook for 5-7 minutes, or until they are heated through and crispy. This method is quick and will give you results similar to freshly baked potato skins.
For a quick and easy reheating method, use your microwave. Place the leftover parmesan crusted potato skins on a microwave-safe plate and heat them on high power for 30-60 seconds, or until they are heated through. Keep in mind that this method may result in slightly softer potato skins compared to oven or air fryer reheating.
If you want to add some extra flavor and crispiness to your leftover potato skins, you can reheat them on a grill or grill pan. Preheat the grill to medium-high heat and place the potato skins on the grates, cheese side up. Close the lid and cook for 2-3 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and the potato skins are heated through. This method will give your potato skins a nice smoky flavor and charred edges.
Random Fact About Parmesan Crusted Potato Skins
Parmesan crusted potato skins are a popular appetizer that can be served as a delicious snack or a tasty side dish. They are a great way to use up leftover potatoes and can be customized with various toppings such as bacon, cheddar cheese, sour cream, and green onions. These crispy and flavorful potato skins are a crowd-pleaser and are perfect for parties or gatherings. They are also a great source of potassium and fiber, making them a healthier alternative to traditional fried snacks. Enjoy these tasty treats as a fun and indulgent addition to your next meal!
Is Making Parmesan Crusted Potato Skins at Home Economical?
This parmesan crusted potato skins recipe is quite cost-effective for a household. Potatoes are a budget-friendly staple, and the additional ingredients are commonly found in most kitchens. The versatility of this dish allows for variations based on available ingredients, making it adaptable to different budgets. The approximate cost for a household of 4 people is around $10-$15, depending on the quality of the ingredients. Overall Verdict: 9. The combination of flavors and textures in this dish makes it a crowd-pleaser, and its affordability adds to its appeal.
Are Parmesan Crusted Potato Skins Healthy or Unhealthy?
While the parmesan crusted potato skins recipe sounds delicious, it is not the healthiest option. The recipe is high in fat and calories due to the vegetable oil, bacon, and cheddar cheese. Additionally, the potatoes are not providing much nutritional value as most of the pulp is scooped out, leaving mainly the skin.
However, there are ways to make this recipe healthier without sacrificing taste:
- Use olive oil instead of vegetable oil for a healthier fat option
- Reduce the amount of bacon or use turkey bacon for a leaner protein
- Incorporate more of the potato pulp to increase the fiber content
- Add more vegetables, such as diced bell peppers or onions, to the potato skins for added nutrients
- Use a reduced-fat cheddar cheese or a smaller amount of regular cheddar
- Serve with a side salad to balance out the meal and add more vitamins and minerals
By making these adjustments, you can still enjoy the flavors of parmesan crusted potato skins while making the dish more nutritious. It's all about finding a balance and making smart ingredient choices to create a healthier version of a classic comfort food.
Editor's Opinion on This Delicious Potato Skin Recipe
This parmesan crusted potato skins recipe offers a delightful combination of flavors and textures. The crispy potato skins, enhanced with a savory parmesan crust, create a satisfying crunch. The addition of bacon and cheddar cheese adds a rich and indulgent element, while the sour cream and green onions provide a refreshing contrast. The recipe's simple yet effective preparation method ensures that the flavors shine through, making it a versatile and crowd-pleasing appetizer or snack.
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Why trust this Parmesan Crusted Potato Skins Recipe:
This recipe guarantees a delightful experience with its crispy potato skins, savory bacon, and rich cheddar cheese. The blend of parmesan cheese, garlic powder, and paprika adds a burst of flavor. The step-by-step instructions ensure a foolproof outcome, and the use of sour cream and green onions as toppings elevates the dish to a whole new level. Trust in the expertise behind this recipe to create a memorable and delicious culinary masterpiece.
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