Potato skins are a classic appetizer, perfect for game days, parties, or just a cozy night in. And when it comes to potato skins, Pioneer Woman Potato Skins take the concept to a whole new level of deliciousness. Inspired by Ree Drummond’s popular recipes from “The Pioneer Woman Cooks” cookbook, this recipe transforms humble potatoes into crispy, cheesy, and bacon-loaded delights that are guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser.
Pioneer Woman Potato Skins Recipe
This Pioneer Woman potato skins recipe is not just about throwing some toppings on potato halves; it’s about creating a symphony of textures and flavors. The secret lies in the double baking process that ensures perfectly crispy skins, followed by a generous blanket of cheddar cheese, crispy bacon, and a dollop of cool sour cream and fresh green onions to finish it off. Whether you are a seasoned cook or a beginner, this recipe is easy to follow and promises restaurant-quality results right in your kitchen. Get ready to experience the best potato skins Pioneer Woman style, and prepare for them to disappear quickly!
Ingredients for Pioneer Woman Potato Skins
To make these irresistible Pioneer Woman potato skins, you will need a handful of simple, readily available ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need to gather:
- Russet Potatoes: 8 medium-sized russet potatoes are the foundation of this recipe. Their sturdy structure and fluffy interior make them ideal for potato skins. Make sure to scrub them clean before baking.
- Thick-Cut Bacon: 8 slices of thick-cut bacon provide that smoky, savory crunch that is essential to perfect potato skins. Fry them until crispy and crumble for topping.
- Canola Oil: Canola oil is used for rubbing the potatoes before baking and for brushing the skins to achieve that golden crispiness.
- Kosher Salt: A generous amount of kosher salt is crucial for seasoning the potatoes and enhancing the overall flavor.
- Sharp Cheddar Cheese: 1-1/2 cups of grated sharp cheddar cheese delivers that classic cheesy pull and sharp flavor that complements the other ingredients beautifully. You can use white or yellow cheddar, or a mix, based on your preference.
- Sour Cream: 1 cup of sour cream adds a cool, tangy counterpoint to the rich potato skins. It’s the perfect creamy topping to balance the flavors.
- Green Onions: 4 green onions, thinly sliced, provide a fresh, mild oniony bite and a pop of color as a final garnish.
For an extra touch, Pioneer Woman often recommends serving these potato skins with her homemade ranch dressing. While optional, it’s a fantastic addition that takes these skins to the next level.
Step-by-Step Guide to Making Pioneer Woman Potato Skins
Making Pioneer Woman potato skins is straightforward and fun. Follow these simple steps to create this amazing appetizer:
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Preheat and Prepare Potatoes: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Wash the russet potatoes thoroughly and rub the skins liberally with canola oil. Sprinkle generously with kosher salt.
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Bake the Potatoes: Place the oiled and salted potatoes directly on a baking pan. Bake for 45 minutes to 1 hour, or until the potatoes are fork-tender. The baking time may vary depending on the size of your potatoes.
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Cool and Halve: Once baked, let the potatoes cool slightly until they are easy to handle. Slice each potato in half lengthwise.
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Scoop out the Potato Flesh: Using a cookie scoop or a spoon, carefully scoop out the inner flesh of each potato half, leaving a thin margin of potato attached to the skin. Don’t discard the scooped-out potato flesh! It can be saved to make mashed potatoes or other delicious dishes.
Potato Skins Preparation -
Crisp the Potato Skins: Brush both the inside and outside of the potato skins with canola oil and season both sides with kosher salt. Place the skins cut-side down on the baking pan and return them to the oven. Bake for 7 minutes. Then, flip the skins to the other side and bake for another 7 minutes, or until they are wonderfully crispy. This double baking is key to achieving that perfect potato skin texture.
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Add Cheese and Bacon: Remove the crispy potato skins from the oven and sprinkle grated cheddar cheese evenly into each skin. Top with crumbled bacon.
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Melt the Cheese: Return the potato skins to the oven for just a few minutes, until the cheese is melted and gooey.
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Garnish and Serve: Just before serving, spoon a tablespoon of sour cream onto each Pioneer Woman potato skin and sprinkle with sliced green onions. Serve immediately while they are warm and delicious. For an extra treat, offer a side of homemade ranch dressing for dipping.
Serving Suggestions and Variations
Pioneer Woman potato skins are incredibly versatile and can be customized to your liking. Here are some serving suggestions and variations to try:
- Serving: Serve these potato skins as a hearty appetizer for parties, game day gatherings, or as a fun snack for movie nights. They are also substantial enough to be a light meal when paired with a salad.
- Cheese Variations: Experiment with different cheeses! Try Monterey Jack, pepper jack for a spicy kick, or a blend of cheddar and mozzarella for extra meltiness.
- Protein Boost: Add shredded cooked chicken, pulled pork, or chili for a more filling version.
- Spice it Up: Sprinkle a pinch of cayenne pepper or hot sauce before baking for a little heat.
- Vegetarian Option: Skip the bacon and add sautéed mushrooms, black beans, or roasted vegetables for a vegetarian-friendly version.
- Dipping Sauces: While sour cream and ranch are classic, try serving with other dipping sauces like guacamole, salsa, or a creamy cilantro-lime dressing.
No matter how you choose to serve them, Pioneer Woman potato skins are sure to be a hit. Enjoy making and sharing this delightful recipe!
