Crowd Pleasin' Potato Skins

Crowd Pleasin' Potato Skins

12 russet potatoes (yields 24 skins)

canola oil

EVOO, extra virgin olive oil

sour cream

bacon, fried & crumbled

green onions, chopped thin

salt

monterrey jack cheese, shredded

So, who doesn't enjoy the appetizer menu & why not have it at home! Crowd Pleasin' Potato Skins may take a little time, but they are cheap to make & boy are they finger licking good!

Here we go!  Go ahead and bake your potatoes your favorite way.  I choose to clean them good, prick with a knife (to keep from exploding), slather with EVOO & salt (Kosher salt if you have it) and bake unfoiled for 50 min - 1 hour at 400 degrees. Turn half way while baking.

Let the baked potatoes cool, then slice in half.  Gently scoop out the potato, leaving at least 1/4 inch of flesh.  Now, if they begin to split or crack it is very easy to take the back of your spoon and press down the skin to the desired shape. Increase your oven temperature to 450 degrees, brush all sides with a good amount of Canola oil & sprinkle with Kosher salt (or regular salt).  Return to the oven & bake skin side down for 10 minutes, then flip and repeat the process with the skin right side up.

Now, for the yummy part!  Sprinkle with cheese & crumbled bacon, then return to the oven & broil for 3-5 minutes.  Be sure to watch closely & remove & soon as cheese is melted.  Top with a dollop of sour cream, green onion, salt & pepper.  That's it, time to dive in!  These are great for a party or perfect for family game night too.