Cheesy Baked Potato Skins Recipe

Ingredients with Measurements:
- 6 large potatoes
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/4 cup sour cream
- 2 tablespoons chopped chives
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste

Special equipment needed:
- Baking sheet
- Mixing bowl
- Spoon or scoop for scooping out potato flesh

Step-by-step instructions:
1. Preheat the oven to 400°F.
2. Wash and scrub the potatoes. Pierce each potato with a fork a few times.
3. Place the potatoes on a baking sheet and bake for 45-60 minutes, or until tender.
4. Remove the potatoes from the oven and let them cool for 10-15 minutes.
5. Cut each potato in half lengthwise and scoop out the flesh, leaving about 1/4 inch of potato on the skin.
6. Place the potato skins back on the baking sheet.
7. In a mixing bowl, combine the potato flesh, shredded cheddar cheese, sour cream, chopped chives, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
8. Mix well and spoon the mixture back into the potato skins.
9. Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
10. Serve hot.


Time:
Preparation time: 15 minutes
Cooking time: 1 hour 15 minutes
Temperature:
Preheat oven to 400°F.
Serving size:
6 servings

Nutritional information:
Calories: 210
Fat: 6g
Saturated Fat: 3g
Cholesterol: 15mg
Sodium: 150mg
Carbohydrates: 34g
Fiber: 3g
Sugar: 2g
Protein: 6g

Substitutions for ingredients:
- Shredded cheddar cheese can be substituted with any other type of shredded cheese.
- Sour cream can be substituted with Greek yogurt or cream cheese.
- Chives can be substituted with green onions or parsley.
- Garlic powder can be substituted with minced garlic.

Variations:
- Add cooked bacon bits to the potato mixture for a smoky flavor.
- Top the potato skins with sliced jalapeños for a spicy kick.
- Use sweet potatoes instead of regular potatoes for a healthier twist.

Tips and tricks:
- Make sure to pierce the potatoes with a fork before baking to prevent them from exploding in the oven.
- Use a spoon or scoop to gently scoop out the potato flesh to avoid tearing the skins.
- You can prepare the potato skins ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator until ready to bake.

Storage instructions:
Store leftover potato skins in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Reheating instructions:
Reheat potato skins in the oven at 350°F for 10-15 minutes, or until heated through.

Presentation ideas:
Arrange the potato skins on a platter and sprinkle with extra chopped chives or parsley for a pop of color.

Garnishes:
Chopped chives, parsley, or sliced jalapeños.

Pairings:
Serve with a side salad or roasted vegetables for a complete meal.

Suggested side dishes:
- Caesar salad
- Roasted broccoli
- Grilled asparagus

Troubleshooting advice:
- If the potato skins are too tough to scoop out, bake them for a few more minutes until they are tender.
- If the potato mixture is too dry, add more sour cream or Greek yogurt to moisten it.

Food safety advice:
- Make sure to wash and scrub the potatoes thoroughly before baking.
- Store leftover potato skins in the refrigerator within 2 hours of cooking.

Food history:
Potato skins have been a popular appetizer in the United States since the 1970s.

Flavor profiles:
Savory, cheesy, and slightly tangy.

Serving suggestions:
Serve as an appetizer or side dish.

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Taste: Savory, Cheesy, Tangy, Crispy, Salty, Creamy