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Loaded Firecracker Potato Skins with Blue Cheese

loaded firecracker potato skins - featured image
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Crispy potato skins loaded with a spicy, smoky topping and creamy, tangy blue cheese, perfect for game day snacks or casual get-togethers.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 medium russet potatoes, scrubbed clean
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • Salt to taste
  • Freshly cracked ground black pepper to taste
  • 4 slices cooked bacon, chopped (optional but recommended)
  • 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
  • 1/2 cup blue cheese crumbles (Roquefort or Maytag preferred)
  • 2 stalks green onions, thinly sliced
  • 1/2 cup sour cream (or Greek yogurt as substitute)

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
  2. Prick the whole russet potatoes several times with a fork. Place directly on the oven rack and bake for about 45 minutes until tender.
  3. Remove potatoes from the oven and let them cool for about 15 minutes until safe to handle.
  4. Cut each potato in half lengthwise. Carefully scoop out the flesh, leaving about 1/4 inch (6 mm) of potato on the skin.
  5. In a mixing bowl, toss the potato skins with olive oil, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, garlic powder, salt, and pepper until evenly coated.
  6. Arrange the skins skin-side down on a baking sheet or wire rack over a sheet. Bake for 10 minutes to crisp the outsides.
  7. Flip the skins skin-side up and fill each with shredded cheddar cheese and chopped bacon bits. Return to the oven for another 5 minutes until the cheese melts.
  8. Remove from oven and sprinkle blue cheese crumbles evenly over the tops. Optionally, bake for 2-3 minutes more to slightly melt the blue cheese.
  9. Take the potato skins out, dollop sour cream on each, and garnish with sliced green onions. Serve immediately.

Notes

If skins feel floppy or soggy after initial baking, give them a few extra minutes in the oven to crisp. Use a wire rack if possible to allow air circulation. Flip skins after first crisping step to avoid soft bottoms. For dairy-free, substitute vegan cheese and cashew cream for sour cream. Adjust cayenne pepper to control spice level.

Nutrition

Keywords: potato skins, blue cheese, game day snacks, spicy potato skins, loaded potato skins, firecracker potato skins

Find it online: https://sparklespoon.com/loaded-firecracker-potato-skins-with-blue-cheese-easy-recipe-for-game-day-snacks/