Ingredients with Measurements:
- 4 large baking potatoes
- 4 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 4 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh chives
Special Equipment Needed:
- Baking sheet
- Knife
- Fork
- Small bowl
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400 degrees F.
2. Wash potatoes and pat dry.
3. Using a fork, poke holes in the potatoes.
4. Rub potatoes with oil and season with salt and pepper.
5. Place potatoes on baking sheet and bake for 45 minutes or until potatoes are tender.
6. Remove potatoes from oven and let cool for 10 minutes.
7. Cut potatoes in half lengthwise and scoop out the insides, leaving a thin layer of potato on the skin.
8. Place potato skins on baking sheet and brush with oil.
9. Bake for 10 minutes or until skins are crisp.
10. Remove from oven and top with bacon, cheese, and chives.
11. Bake for an additional 5 minutes or until cheese is melted.
Time:
Preparation Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 1 hour
Temperature: 400 degrees F
Serving Size: 4
Nutritional Information:
Calories: 250
Fat: 15 g
Carbohydrates: 21 g
Protein: 10 g
Substitutions for Ingredients
- Vegetable oil can be substituted with olive oil.
- Bacon can be substituted with cooked, crumbled turkey bacon.
- Cheddar cheese can be substituted with any other type of cheese.
- Fresh chives can be substituted with dried chives.
Variations:
- Add other toppings such as sour cream, salsa, guacamole, or jalapenos.
- Use sweet potatoes instead of baking potatoes.
Tips and Tricks:
- Make sure to poke holes in the potatoes before baking to prevent them from exploding.
- Use a fork to scoop out the insides of the potatoes to ensure a thin layer of potato remains on the skin.
Storage Instructions:
Potato skins can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating Instructions:
Potato skins can be reheated in the oven at 350 degrees F for 10 minutes or until heated through.
Presentation Ideas:
- Serve potato skins on a platter with other appetizers.
- Arrange potato skins on a plate and garnish with fresh herbs.
Garnishes:
- Fresh chives
- Fresh parsley
- Sliced green onions
Pairings:
- Beer
- White wine
- Sangria
Suggested Side Dishes:
- Salads
- Roasted vegetables
- French fries
Troubleshooting Advice:
- If the potato skins are not crisp after baking, increase the baking time.
- If the potato skins are too crisp, reduce the baking time.
Food Safety Advice:
- Make sure to wash your hands before and after handling raw potatoes.
- Make sure to cook bacon to an internal temperature of 165 degrees F.
Food History:
Potato skins are believed to have originated in the United States in the 1970s. They quickly became a popular appetizer in restaurants and bars.
Flavor Profiles:
Potato skins are savory and salty with a hint of smokiness from the bacon.
Serving Suggestions:
Potato skins are best served as an appetizer or snack.
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