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- 4 large russet potatoes - 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese - 1/2 cup sour cream - 1 cup canned black beans, drained and rinsed - 1/2 cup corn kernels (either fresh or frozen) - 1/2 cup diced tomatoes - 1/4 cup sliced jalapeños (choose between fresh or pickled) - 1/4 cup chopped green onions - Fresh cilantro for garnish (optional) - 2 tablespoons olive oil - 1 teaspoon garlic powder - 1 teaspoon chili powder - Salt and pepper to taste Using fresh ingredients makes this dish even better. I love how the creamy cheese complements the crispy potatoes. The black beans and corn add a nice texture too. This combo of flavors makes every bite special. You can mix and match toppings to suit your taste. The Full Recipe offers more details to help you make this snack delight! - Preheating the Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). This ensures even cooking. - Washing and Scrubbing: Wash and scrub the russet potatoes under running water. This removes dirt and makes them clean. - Prickling and Seasoning: Use a fork to prick each potato all over. This step is key to stop them from bursting. Rub olive oil on the potatoes and sprinkle salt and pepper evenly. - Initial Baking: Place the seasoned potatoes on the oven rack. Bake them for 45-60 minutes. They are done when a fork goes in easily. - Cooling Process: Carefully take the potatoes out of the oven. Let them cool for a few minutes before handling. - Cutting and Scooping: Cut each potato in half lengthwise. Scoop out some flesh from each half, leaving about 1/4 inch. You can save this for mashed potatoes. - Increasing Oven Temperature: Raise the oven temperature to 425°F (220°C). This helps achieve a crispier skin. - Layering the Ingredients: Place the potato halves cut side up on a baking sheet. Brush the insides with olive oil and sprinkle garlic powder and chili powder. - Melting the Cheese: After crisping the skins for 10-15 minutes, fill them with black beans, corn, tomatoes, and cheese. Bake for another 10-12 minutes until the cheese is melted. - Garnishing and Serving: Let the potato skins cool for a couple of minutes. Top them with sour cream, green onions, and cilantro for a fresh touch. Enjoy these tasty snacks right away! For more details, check out the Full Recipe. How to Choose the Right Potatoes I love using large russet potatoes for this recipe. They have thick skins and a fluffy inside. These features make them perfect for holding toppings. Look for potatoes that are firm and without any blemishes. This ensures they cook evenly and taste great. Cooking Times Adjustments Cooking times can vary. If your potatoes are smaller, check them at 40 minutes. For larger ones, they may need a bit longer. You want them fork-tender. Always keep an eye on them to avoid overcooking. Additional Seasoning Suggestions To boost flavor, try adding smoked paprika or cumin. These spices give a warm, smoky taste. You can also sprinkle some cayenne for heat. Mix and match according to your taste. Don’t forget to season the potato skins well before baking! Ideal Cheese Choices Cheddar is my go-to for these potato skins. It melts beautifully and has a sharp flavor. You can also mix in Monterey Jack or pepper jack for a little kick. Feel free to experiment with your favorite cheeses! Creative Serving Suggestions Serve your loaded nacho potato skins on a colorful platter. Arrange them in a circle and place toppings in small bowls. This way, guests can add their own toppings. It makes the dish interactive and fun. Garnishing Ideas Fresh herbs like cilantro or parsley add a pop of color. A sprinkle of lime juice can brighten the flavors. You could also add some diced avocado for creaminess. These garnishes elevate the look and taste of your dish. For the complete recipe, check out the [Full Recipe]. {{image_4}} Alternative Beans and Veggies You can change the beans or veggies in your loaded nacho potato skins. Try pinto beans or kidney beans for a twist. Fresh spinach or bell peppers can add color and flavor, too. Use what you like best! Different Cheeses Cheese is key in this recipe. If you want a different taste, try pepper jack or mozzarella. You could also use a vegan cheese for a plant-based option. Each cheese brings its unique flavor to the dish. Vegan Options To make this dish vegan, swap out the cheddar cheese and sour cream for plant-based versions. Use cashew cream or coconut yogurt instead of sour cream. This keeps the dish creamy and delicious without animal products. Gluten-Free Suggestions This recipe is already gluten-free with the right ingredients. Just check that your toppings, like canned beans, are certified gluten-free. This way, everyone can enjoy the snack without worry. Spicy Versus Mild Variations For spice lovers, add more jalapeños or try hot sauce before serving. If you prefer mild flavors, reduce or skip the spicy toppings. Adjusting spice levels makes the dish perfect for your taste. International Twists You can give these potato skins global flair! Add salsa for a Mexican twist or top with BBQ sauce for a Southern flavor. Think outside the box and explore different cuisines to make this snack your own. For the complete recipe, check out the [Full Recipe]. Enjoy making these tasty loaded nacho potato skins! To keep your loaded nacho potato skins fresh, follow these tips: - Best Practices for Refrigeration: Let the potato skins cool to room temperature. Place them in an airtight container. This helps keep the skins moist and prevents them from drying out. You can also wrap them tightly in plastic wrap for extra protection. - How Long They Last: The loaded potato skins can last in the fridge for up to three days. After that, they may lose their taste and texture. When it comes to reheating, you have two main options: - Oven Versus Microwave Reheating: The oven is the best choice for reheating. It keeps the skins crispy. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake for about 10-15 minutes. The microwave is faster but can make the skins soggy. - Tips for Maintaining Crispiness: If you use the microwave, place a paper towel beneath the potato skins. This will help absorb excess moisture. Always reheat in small batches to ensure even heating. For the best results, stick to the oven method when you can. Enjoy your tasty snack delight! For the full recipe, check the main section. How to make loaded nacho potato skins from scratch? To make these tasty snacks, start with large russet potatoes. Preheat your oven to 400°F. Wash and prick the potatoes with a fork. Rub them with olive oil and sprinkle salt and pepper. Bake for 45-60 minutes until soft. Cut them in half and scoop out some flesh. Brush the insides with olive oil, garlic powder, and chili powder. Bake again at 425°F for 10-15 minutes to crisp. Fill with black beans, corn, tomatoes, cheese, and jalapeños. Bake until the cheese melts. Top with sour cream and green onions. Check the Full Recipe for all steps. Can I prepare them in advance? Yes, you can prepare loaded nacho potato skins in advance! Bake the potatoes and scoop them out. Store the skins in the fridge. When you're ready to enjoy, fill and bake them. This saves time and makes serving easy. What can I serve with loaded nacho potato skins? These potato skins pair well with many dips. Some great options are salsa, guacamole, or a zesty ranch dressing. You can also serve them as a side to your favorite grilled meats or as part of a fun snack platter. Why are my potato skins not crispy? If your potato skins are not crispy, it may be due to moisture. Make sure to bake them long enough to remove moisture. Also, ensure you brush them with enough olive oil before the second bake. How can I prevent the cheese from drying out? To keep the cheese from drying out, avoid overbaking. Watch closely when melting the cheese, so it’s bubbly but not burned. Adding a little sour cream can also help to maintain moisture. Best dips to pair with the dish Pair these loaded nacho potato skins with creamy dips. Salsa, guacamole, and sour cream work well. You can also try a cheese dip for extra cheesiness. How to make a balanced meal with potato skins To balance your meal, serve the potato skins with a fresh salad. A side of steamed veggies can also add nutrition. Consider a protein source, like grilled chicken or beans, to round out your plate. Loaded nacho potato skins are a fun and tasty dish. We covered ingredients like potatoes, cheese, and toppings. The step-by-step instructions help you make them perfectly crispy. I shared tips on choosing potatoes and enhancing flavors. You can even mix it up with variations for different diets. Remember to store leftovers correctly and reheat for that crunch. I hope you feel ready to make your own loaded nacho potato skins. Enjoy the cooking process and have fun!

Loaded Nacho Potato Skins

Indulge in a tasty twist with these loaded nacho potato skins! Perfect for game day or a fun family dinner, this recipe combines crispy skins filled with black beans, sweet corn, diced tomatoes, creamy cheese, and spicy jalapeños. Easy to make and bursting with flavor, these nacho potato skins are sure to impress. Click to explore the full recipe and discover how to elevate your snack game!

Ingredients
  

4 large russet potatoes

1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

1 cup canned black beans, drained and rinsed

1/2 cup corn kernels (either fresh or frozen)

1/2 cup diced tomatoes

1/4 cup sliced jalapeños (choose between fresh or pickled)

1/2 cup sour cream

1/4 cup chopped green onions

2 tablespoons olive oil

1 teaspoon garlic powder

1 teaspoon chili powder

Salt and pepper to taste

Fresh cilantro for garnish (optional)

Instructions
 

Preheat the Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C).

    Prepare the Potatoes: Wash and scrub the russet potatoes thoroughly under running water to remove any dirt. Pat them dry using a clean kitchen towel.

      Prickle the Potatoes: Using a fork, prick each potato all over to create small holes; this step is crucial to prevent them from bursting during baking.

        Season the Potatoes: Rub each potato with a light coating of olive oil and generously sprinkle with salt and pepper, ensuring an even distribution.

          Bake the Potatoes: Place the seasoned potatoes directly on the oven rack (or a baking tray if preferred) and bake for 45-60 minutes. They are ready when a fork easily pierces through them.

            Cool the Potatoes: Once baked, carefully remove the potatoes from the oven and allow them to cool for a few minutes until they are safe to handle.

              Prepare for Stuffing: With a sharp knife, cut each potato in half lengthwise. Scoop out some of the flesh from each half with a spoon, leaving about 1/4 inch of potato all around to maintain the skin's integrity. Save the scooped-out potato for another recipe like mashed potatoes.

                Increase Oven Temperature: Turn up the oven temperature to 425°F (220°C) to get it hot and ready for the next step.

                  Prepare for Crisping: Arrange the potato halves, cut sides facing up, on a baking sheet. Brush the insides with the remaining olive oil and sprinkle with garlic powder, chili powder, and a pinch of salt for flavor enhancement.

                    Crisp the Potato Skins: Place the baking sheet in the oven and bake the potato skins for 10-15 minutes until they begin to turn golden and crispy.

                      Fill the Skins: Remove the potato skins from the oven and layer each with black beans, corn, diced tomatoes, shredded cheddar cheese, and sliced jalapeños.

                        Melt the Cheese: Return the filled potato skins to the oven and bake for an additional 10-12 minutes, or until the cheese is fully melted and bubbly, creating a delicious topping.

                          Cool and Garnish: Take the potato skins out of the oven and allow them to cool for a couple of minutes.

                            Add Toppings: Finish by adding dollops of sour cream on top of each potato skin, and drizzle with extra olive oil if desired. Garnish with freshly chopped green onions and cilantro for a pop of color and flavor.

                              Serve and Enjoy: Serve these delightful loaded nacho potato skins immediately, relish their cheesy, flavorful goodness!

                                Prep Time: 15 min | Total Time: 75 min | Servings: 8