Nacho Potato Skin Treats

Name: Nacho Potato Skin Treats
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 50 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 4 medium russet potatoes; Olive oil; Salt; Ground black pepper; 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese; 1/2 cup cooked and crumbled bacon; 1/4 cup sliced jalapeños; 1/2 cup sour cream; Chopped green onions for garnish

Highlighted under: Treats & Confections

I absolutely love entertaining friends with finger foods, and these Nacho Potato Skin Treats always steal the show! They combine the crispy goodness of potato skins with all the vibrant flavors of nachos, creating a dish that’s both satisfying and delicious. Each bite is packed with cheesy goodness, spices, and the perfect balance of textures. Whether for game day or a cozy gathering, these treats are always a hit, and they are surprisingly easy to make!

Created by

Emma

Last updated on 2026-01-22T18:58:28.307Z

When I first came across the idea of making nacho potato skins, I was instantly intrigued by how they blend two favorite snacks into one. After experimenting with different toppings, I discovered that a mix of melted cheese, jalapeños, and sour cream really elevates the flavors. It’s a messy process, but the end results are always worth it!

To make the skins extra crispy, I found that baking them first before adding the toppings creates a wonderful texture. I keep the skins lightweight by scraping out most of the potato, letting the crispy edges shine through. Trust me, once you try them, you’ll be making these time and again!

Why You Will Love These Nacho Potato Skin Treats
Crispy and crunchy texture that complements the cheesy toppings
Customizable with your favorite nacho toppings like guacamole or salsa
Perfect for sharing at parties or as a game-day snack

Perfecting the Potato Skins

The key to achieving the perfect potato skin starts with selecting the right potatoes. Russet potatoes are ideal because their thick skin crisps up beautifully in the oven, providing a solid foundation for your toppings. Make sure to scrub them thoroughly to remove any dirt, as this will enhance the overall flavor. Always pierce them with a fork before baking; this prevents steam from building up, which can cause them to burst while cooking.

Once baked, let the potatoes cool slightly before handling. This not only protects your hands but also makes the scooping process easier. When scooping, be careful to leave about 1/4-inch of potato along the edge; this retains structure and flavor, preventing the skins from becoming too brittle. If you're short on time, consider microwaving your potatoes for 5-7 minutes to jumpstart the cooking process before transferring them to the oven.

Customizing Your Nacho Toppings

One of the best parts of these Nacho Potato Skin Treats is how customizable they are. While the classic toppings of cheddar cheese, bacon, and jalapeños are delicious, you can switch them up based on your preferences. For a vegetarian version, try substituting black beans or corn for the bacon. You could also add diced tomatoes or bell peppers for an extra crunch and color. Don't forget that fresh herbs like cilantro can elevate the flavor with a fresh twist.

As for the cheese, mixing different varieties can enhance the flavors. Combining sharp cheddar with creamy Monterey Jack yields a deliciously melty filling. If you want a bit of spice, consider using pepper jack cheese. Keep in mind that the amount of toppings can vary based on personal preference—feel free to pile them on if you're serving a crowd!

Serving and Storing Tips

These Nacho Potato Skin Treats are best served fresh from the oven, where the cheese is melty and the skins are crispy. If you're preparing for a party, consider leaving the toppings in separate bowls, allowing guests to customize their own. To keep the skins warm and maintain their crispiness, use a cooling rack set over a baking sheet lined with foil while you bake the rest, preventing them from steaming.

If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes until they are heated through and regain some crispness. If you want to make these ahead of time, prepare the potato skins and even add the toppings, then freeze them on a baking sheet. Once frozen, transfer them to a bag, and bake directly from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.

Ingredients

Gather these ingredients to create your delicious Nacho Potato Skin Treats.

For the Potato Skins

4 medium russet potatoes
Olive oil
Salt
Ground black pepper

For the Nacho Toppings

1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1/2 cup cooked and crumbled bacon
1/4 cup sliced jalapeños
1/2 cup sour cream
Chopped green onions for garnish

These ingredients will guarantee a flavorful and satisfying snack.

Instructions

Follow these simple steps to make your Nacho Potato Skin Treats.

Prepare the Potatoes

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Scrub the potatoes clean and pierce each one several times with a fork. Rub them with olive oil, salt, and pepper, then place them directly on the oven rack. Bake for 45-60 minutes until tender.

Scoop and Prepare the Skins

Once the potatoes are cool enough to handle, cut them in half lengthwise. Carefully scoop out the insides, leaving about 1/4-inch of potato along the edges. Brush the skins with a bit more olive oil, season with salt and pepper, and place them cut-side down on a baking sheet.

Bake the Skins

Return the potato skins to the oven and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes until they begin to crisp up and turn golden brown.

Add Toppings

Remove the skins from the oven and fill each with shredded cheese, bacon, and jalapeños. Return to the oven and bake for another 5-10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Serve

Remove the potato skins from the oven and let them cool slightly. Top with sour cream and green onions before serving.

Following these steps will help you create the perfect nacho potato skin treats.

Pro Tips

For an extra kick, consider adding diced tomatoes or avocado on top before serving. You can also experiment with different cheese varieties—pepper jack adds a nice heat!

Troubleshooting Common Issues

One common issue is potato skins that turn out soggy instead of crispy. This generally happens when the skins are not brushed with enough olive oil or are packed too tightly with toppings before baking. Ensure you have sufficient oil coating to help achieve that delicious crispiness, and avoid overfilling them to allow for proper heat circulation during cooking.

Another issue might be inconsistent doneness. If your potato skins are unevenly baked, check the sizes of your potatoes before cooking. Larger potatoes take longer, so if you have a mixed batch, consider baking them separately or slicing the larger ones for quicker cooking.

Flavor Enhancements

To elevate the flavor profile of your Nacho Potato Skin Treats, consider adding a layer of refried beans under the cheese for a creamy texture. This not only adds flavor but also helps to keep the skin moist. Additionally, sprinkling some taco seasoning over the toppings can boost the overall taste and make the dish more festive.

If you enjoy a bit of heat, try drizzling the skins with hot sauce or a spicy ranch dressing just before serving. This not only adds flavor but makes for a beautiful presentation when drizzled artfully across the cheese and toppings.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I make these potato skins in advance?

Yes, you can prepare the potato skins a few hours ahead of time. Just store them in the fridge and bake them right before serving.

→ What can I use instead of bacon?

You can substitute bacon with black beans or mushrooms for a vegetarian option.

→ How do I store leftovers?

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat them in the oven for best results.

→ Can I freeze the potato skins?

Yes, you can freeze the baked potato skins before adding toppings. Just make sure to wrap them tightly in plastic wrap.