This is a classic appetizer that you would find in a large chain restaurant.  There is a reason why they have been around for such a long time, they are tasty as can be.   The combination of the crispy potato skin, melted cheese and of course bacon, would make anyone beg for more.

The secret is in getting the skins nice and crispy before adding the cheese and bacon.  You also do not want to have to much of the potato meat left on the skin.  Just enough for the potato skin to hold its shape.

Here is all you need for a tasty little appetizer.

Scrub the potatoes clean then brush olive oil onto the potato and sprinkle with Kosher salt.  Wrap in foil and place on oven rack in a pre-heated 400°F oven.  Bake for about 30-45 minutes.

Once the potatoes are done baking, remove from oven and remove the foil.  Cut potato in half, horizontally.  Scoop out all the potato meat, leaving about 1/4″ in tact.

While the potatoes are baking, fry up the bacon until nice and crisp.  Drain on paper towel and crumble.  Set aside.

Increase the oven to 425°F.  Line baking sheet with foil and lightly brush the skin of the potato with olive oil and sprinkle with just a little bit more Kosher salt.  Bake for about 10 minutes on one side, then flip the skins over and cook for another 10 minutes.

Remove from oven.  Look how nice and crispy the edges are.

Evenly sprinkle each potato skin with the cheddar cheese and bacon.

Bake for about 2-3 minutes or until the cheese has melted.

Top with a dollop of sour cream and the chopped green onions (which I didn’t have).

Your friends will love them!  You could also fill them with ….

Pizza ingredients to make Pizza Skins.  You just need some pizza sauce, Mozzarella cheese and pepperoni.

Add the sauce, then mozzarella and top with the pepperoni.  What a great way to mix up this traditional appetizer.  This is also a great dinner for any one who eats a gluten free diet.  Serve with a salad and you have a meal.

This little potato skin is so versatile and is the perfect vessel to fill with any flavor combination.  You could go Greek, Mexican, top it with chili, cheddar cheese and red onions.  Yum.  Have fun with this one.