I’m excited to share my taco potato skins recipe with you. These are a fun and tasty twist on a classic favorite, combining crispy potato shells with a savory taco filling that is sure to satisfy your cravings.
Level: Easy
Total Time: 1 hour 35 minutes
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
Yield: 24 taco potato skins
Sometimes you crave tacos but want a healthier option, and that’s where these taco potato skins come in. I love making them because they’re simple, delicious, and perfect for a family dinner or a casual snack. With a few basic ingredients and an easy process, you can whip up a dish that packs all the taco flavors into one bite.
Description
This recipe starts with large russet potatoes baked until they’re soft and tender. Once cooled, I cut the potatoes in half and scoop out most of the flesh, leaving a sturdy shell. I then brush each skin with a mixture of melted butter and taco seasoning before topping them with shredded cheddar cheese, crispy bacon, and chopped green onions. A short final bake melts the cheese and crisps the skins just right. Serve them with salsa and sour cream for a delightful, flavor-packed treat that is both satisfying and fun to eat.
Ingredients
• 6 large russet potatoes, washed
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 2 tablespoons taco seasoning mix
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 15 bacon slices, cooked and crumbled
• 3 green onions, chopped
• Salsa and sour cream, to taste
Directions
- Preheat: Set your oven to 375°F.
- Bake the Potatoes:
o Pierce each potato several times with a fork.
o Place them on a baking sheet and bake for about 1 hour, or until a fork easily goes through. - Cool and Prepare:
o Remove the potatoes from the oven and let them cool for 15 minutes.
o Lower the oven temperature to 350°F. - Cut and Scoop:
o Slice each potato in half lengthwise.
o Carefully scoop out most of the potato flesh, leaving about 1/4 inch along the skin to help it keep its shape. (You can save the removed potato for another recipe.) - Season the Skins:
o Place the potato skins back on the baking sheet.
o In a small bowl, mix the melted butter with the taco seasoning.
o Brush this mixture evenly over the potato skins. - Add Toppings:
o Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese, crumbled bacon, and chopped green onions over each skin. - Final Bake:
o Return the skins to the oven and bake for 10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and the edges are crisp. - Serve:
o Remove the potato skins from the oven and serve hot with salsa and sour cream on the side.
Process Details
• Baking the Potatoes: I always check that the potatoes are tender by testing them with a fork. This step ensures the skins will be soft enough to scoop out but still firm enough to hold their shape.
• Scooping with Care: Leaving a thin layer of potato inside the skin not only keeps the shape intact but also adds a bit of flavor and texture.
• Seasoning: Brushing the skins with a well-mixed butter and taco seasoning blend helps every bite pack a punch of flavor.
• Even Topping: Spreading the cheese, bacon, and green onions evenly is key to a balanced taste in every bite.
Tips for Success
• Use Uniform Potatoes: Choose potatoes of similar size so they bake evenly.
• Pierce Well: Don’t forget to prick the potatoes with a fork before baking; it helps them cook properly.
• Cool Before Handling: Allow the potatoes to cool for at least 15 minutes before scooping to avoid burns.
• Brush Generously: Use a pastry brush to ensure the butter and seasoning mixture covers every part of the skin.
• Keep an Eye on the Final Bake: Ovens can vary, so watch the skins during the last 10 minutes to achieve the perfect crispness.
Serving Ideas
• As a Side Dish: These taco potato skins are a great complement to grilled chicken or a fresh salad.
• For a Snack: Serve them as a tasty appetizer at parties or during game nights.
• With Dips: Enjoy them with salsa and sour cream, or even try guacamole for a twist.
• Family Meal: They are perfect for a family dinner when you want something fun and satisfying that everyone will love.
Nutrition Info (Approximate per Serving – 4 skins per serving)
• Calories: 360
• Fat: 22 grams
• Carbohydrates: 32 grams
• Protein: 13 grams
I hope you enjoy making these taco potato skins as much as I do. They offer a healthy twist on taco night and are a great way to enjoy a burst of flavor with every bite. Give them a try and let me know how they turn out—you might find they become a new family favorite!