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### Hands Down, One of the Best Party Appetizers Ever: **Loaded Potato Skins**
With perfectly baked potato skins loaded with gooey cheese, crispy bacon, sour cream, and green onions, this recipe takes a comfort food favorite to the next level. They’re indulgent, savory, and guaranteed to be the star of any spread. Here’s how to make **Hands Down, One of the Best Party Appetizers Ever**—Loaded Potato Skins.
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For a platter of irresistible loaded potato skins, you’ll need the following ingredients:
**For the Potato Skins:**
– 4 large russet potatoes (the starchy variety works best for crispy skins)
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– Salt (for seasoning the skins)
– Freshly ground black pepper
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#### **Step 1: Bake the Potatoes**
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Scrub the potatoes clean, then dry them thoroughly with a paper towel. Using a fork, prick each potato a few times to allow steam to escape while baking. Rub each potato with a little olive oil and season with a pinch of salt and pepper. Place the potatoes directly on the oven rack or on a baking sheet.
#### **Step 2: Scoop Out the Potato Flesh**
Once the potatoes are cool enough to handle, slice each potato in half lengthwise. Use a spoon to carefully scoop out the insides, leaving about 1/4-inch of potato around the skin to maintain its structure. You can save the scooped-out potato flesh for mashed potatoes or potato soup later.
Brush the potato skins with a little more olive oil, then season them with a pinch of salt and pepper. This step is crucial for ensuring the skins turn out crispy and flavorful.