Potato Skins
Posted by in Food
The first article I ever wrote about food, 12 years ago, was about making take out food at home and potato skins was one of the recipes. At the time we were living in a rural area, I’d just had my second baby and we were pretty much dead broke since I’d left my law practice to stay home. I spent a lot of time looking for ways to save money.
I’ve always had a thing for the potato skins at TGI Fridays. I get them whenever we go there (which isn’t very often!). Because eating out wasn’t on the agenda much back then (or now for that matter), I learned to make my own.
Bake 4 Idaho potatoes in the oven until done (don’t use the microwave – they have to be baked in the oven). Scoop out most of the potato, leaving a thin layer (when I made it this time, I used the insides to make baked potato soup). Spray the inside and outside of the skins with cooking spray (or brush with olive oil) and place on a baking sheet. Bake at 400 for until they are crispy but not getting too brown (about half an hour). Take out of the oven and sprinkle shredded cheddar or American cheese (or any cheese you like) and sprinkle some cooked, chopped bacon (I used 3 pieces this time). Sprinkle with salt. Put back in the oven until the cheese melts. Mix some chopped chives or scallions into sour cream and serve to dip in (I always make about 1 cup for this amount of skins).
These are a special treat in our house – not something we have often, but when we do, everyone loves them. You could jazz this up with some jalapenos, salsa, chopped ham, French onion dip, or different kinds of cheese. It also makes a great party snack (think: Super Bowl).
You can follow any comment to this entry through the RSS 2.0 Both comments and pings are currently closed.
I remember ordering potato skins when we would go out to eat. We had a T.G.I.Friday’s so close to us then it closed so we don’t go there at all anymore. These skins look like a lot of work, but worth it.
Oh no they’re not a lot of work at all! I usually only make them if I have skins leftover from some potato dish I’ve made. Twice Baked Potatoes is one I make a lot and just have everyone save the skins. Then you just bake till crispy and add cheese and bacon. I always feel so proud of myself for repurposing something I would throw out otherwise.
looks yummy, can’t wait to make these. Super Bowl sounds perfect.
Thanks again
Potato skins – one of life’s guilty pleasures! Thanks for the easy recipe.
We live in a rural area as well and I make potato skins every once in a while. Like you, I love to eat them when we go out, which isn’t often anymore. These look great!
I love potato skins and your recipe looks great.
These sound really good! I’m feeling inspired to give them a try!
I adore potato skins. They’re only good with lots of bacon and sour cream, though…although I’ve been known to substitute plain yogurt and turkey bacon for a slightly healthier version. And of course, cheese is a must.
I usually use light sour cream, but sometimes I mix it half and half with yogurt. I’ve found I can stretch the bacon too – crumble it in small pieces. And cheese of course is necessary!
Potatoes, bacon and cheese–I bet your family loves these! Sounds yummy. I think I’d add in some green chiles too.
I never think of making potato skins myself, because I figure I could never make them as good as TGIFridays. But they look SUPER easy, so will give it a try.
The key is to leave just enough potato in the skins so you don’t have football leather, and to cook long enough to get a nice crunch. You have to use enough salt and MUST have chives or green onions in the sour cream!
These sound like a great treat. A lot of work though! I almost never bake potatoes b/c it takes so long. I usually boil them. We eat them that way or mashed…
IF you are already making the potatoes for something else, this is a great way to get another meal out of them. If you bake them at 400 they’re done in an hour or less, depending on size
My family loves potato skins. I really need to remember to make them more often. I try to always throw some potatoes in to bake when I have the oven on for something else, anyway.
That’s a good tip – I’ll remember that.
Perfect timing for Super Bowl Sunday!