Bacon is a magical ingredient that can transform any dish into something extraordinary, and it works wonders in these Loaded Bacon Ranch Potato Skins. This delightful appetizer or snack is perfect for game day, movie night, or just as a tasty treat when you’re feeling indulgent. I’m here to guide you through the process of creating this delicious dish that features crispy potato skins loaded with succulent bacon, creamy ranch dressing, and gooey cheese.

Let’s start with the ingredients you will need:

• 4 large russet potatoes
• 8 slices of cooked bacon, chopped
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• ½ cup sour cream
• ¼ cup ranch dressing
• ¼ cup green onions, sliced
• Olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

Now that we have our ingredients ready, let’s get cooking!

Step 1: Prepare the Potatoes

First, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). While the oven is heating up, scrub the russet potatoes under running water to remove any dirt. Once they’re clean, prick them several times with a fork. This allows steam to escape while they bake. Next, rub the potatoes with olive oil and sprinkle some salt over them. Place them directly on the oven rack and bake for about 45-60 minutes, or until they are tender when pierced with a knife.

Step 2: Scoop Out the Potato Flesh

This is the fun part! Once your potatoes are done baking, remove them from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes. Then, cut each potato in half lengthwise. Carefully scoop out some of the potato flesh, leaving enough to ensure the skins are sturdy for loading. You can save the scooped-out potato for another recipe, like mashed potatoes!

Step 3: Prepare the Skins

After hollowing out the potatoes, brush the insides with olive oil and season with salt and pepper. Place the potato skins face down on a baking sheet and return them to the oven for about 10-15 minutes until they are crispy. This step elevates the texture and flavor of your potato skins.

Step 4: Fill the Skins

Now it’s time to load them up! Remove the crispy potato skins from the oven and flip them over. Start by layering the chopped bacon evenly across each skin. Next, sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese on top of the bacon. Pop them back into the oven for another 5-7 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Step 5: Final Touches

Once your loaded potato skins are out of the oven, combine the sour cream and ranch dressing in a bowl. Drizzle this creamy mixture over your potato skins and garnish with the sliced green onions. Your Loaded Bacon Ranch Potato Skins are now ready to serve!

These delicious little bites are sure to be a hit at your next gathering. I hope you enjoy making and eating them as much as I do!