How To Make Dancer’s Potato Skins
INGREDIENTS
- 1⁄3 cup butter
- 1⁄3 cup green onion, thinly sliced
- 3⁄4 cup cheddar cheese, shredded
- 6 medium baking potatoes
- 6 slices bacon, fried and crumbled
- salt & pepper
DIRECTIONS
Step 1
Feel free to enhance the mashed potato centers with these optional ingredients: 1/3 cup of milk, 1/4 cup of butter, a dash of salt and pepper, and a few drops of hot sauce for a kick.
Step 2
Begin by scrubbing the potatoes and then drying them. Use a fork to pierce the potatoes several times, ensuring even cooking.
Step 3
Place the prepared potatoes on a baking sheet and bake them in a 375-degree oven for approximately 1 hour or until they become tender and easily pierced with a fork.
Step 4
Allow the baked potatoes to cool until they are manageable. Then, cut them in half lengthwise and carefully scoop out the centers, ensuring you leave about 1/8-inch of potato flesh in the shells.
Step 5
If you plan to use the potato skins later, cover them and refrigerate for up to 2 days until you are ready to prepare them.
Step 6
Should you desire, you can transform the potato centers into creamy mashed potatoes by adding 1/3 cup of milk, 1/4 cup of butter, and a pinch of salt and pepper to taste. Mix them well to create smooth and flavorful mashed potatoes.
Step 7
When you are ready to make the skins, melt the 1/3 cup of butter. Then, brush the inside and outside of the potato shells generously with the melted butter. Arrange them cut side up on a baking sheet.
Step 8
Preheat your oven to 500 degrees and bake the potato shells for approximately 20 minutes or until they turn beautifully brown and crisp.
Step 9
Now, it’s time to enhance the potato skins by adding some bacon, onions, and cheese to each shell.
Step 10
Return the loaded potato skins to the oven, baking just until the cheese melts and forms a delicious, gooey topping.
Step 11
Serve the loaded potato skins hot, and if the potatoes are large, consider cutting them in half crosswise before serving for easier consumption.
Step 12
If you plan to serve several people, especially if they are hungry, you may want to double this recipe to ensure everyone gets their fair share. This recipe yields approximately 6 servings. Enjoy your scrumptious loaded potato skins!