Best Healthy Baked Potato Skins
Potato skins and game day go hand-in-hand, but don’t get sacked with overly greasy foods on your field. These baked potato skins are still crispy, cheesy and delicious, but just a little bit healthier. No flags on this play!
Baked potato skins are the outer layer or shell of a potato that has been baked in an oven until it becomes crispy. The potato flesh inside is scooped out, leaving only the skin intact. These crispy potato skins are often filled with various toppings such as cheese, bacon, sour cream, and chives, making them a popular appetizer or snack. Baked potato skins are often served in restaurants and bars, and they can also be made at home by baking whole potatoes and then scooping out the insides to create the skins.
Nutrition Tip: Potatoes have more potassium than bananas, and contrary to what you might’ve heard, there’s fiber in the skin AND the flesh. They’ve even got some protein and iron (and just 110 calories for a whole medium potato).
Potato skins are a good source of dietary fiber, potassium, and other important vitamins and minerals. However, when loaded with high-fat toppings like cheese, bacon, and sour cream, they can quickly become unhealthy and high in calories.
To make baked potato skins a healthier option, consider using lower-fat toppings such as salsa, plain Greek yogurt, or avocado. You can also add nutritious toppings such as steamed broccoli, diced tomatoes, or grilled chicken to increase the nutritional value of the dish. Additionally, baking the potatoes in the oven rather than frying them can help to reduce the overall fat content.
And that’s exactly why we baked ours! Who says healthy can’t be delicious?!
Best Healthy Baked Potato Skins FAQs
Q: Can I use sweet potatoes instead of russet potatoes?
A: Yes, you can use sweet potatoes for a slightly different flavor and nutrient profile.
Q: Can I make these potato skins in advance?
Yes, you can bake the potatoes and scoop out the flesh up to 2 days in advance. Store the skins in the refrigerator until ready to fill and bake.
Q: Can I use a different type of cheese?
A: Yes, you can use any type of shredded cheese you prefer, such as mozzarella, pepper jack, or Swiss.
Q: Can I add other toppings to the potato skins?
A: Yes, you can add toppings like diced tomatoes, sliced jalapeños, or chopped herbs for extra flavor and nutrition.
Q: Can I freeze leftover potato skins?
A: Yes, you can freeze the baked potato skins for up to 1 month. Reheat in the oven or microwave before serving.
Baked Potato Skins
Ingredients
- 6 small-to-medium russet potatoes
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3/4 cup shredded Cheddar cheese
- 3/4 cup plain Greek yogurt
- 1/4 cup cooked crumbled bacon
- 3 green onions sliced
Instructions
- Prick potatoes several times with a fork. Microwave on HIGH 5 minutes per potato, set aside to cool. Alternatively, prick potatoes with fork and place on baking sheet. Bake 45-60 minutes in 400F oven or until tender. Let cool.
- Cut potatoes in half lengthwise and scoop out inside of potato (this can be mixed with toppings or saved for another dish, like mashed potatoes). Brush skins with olive oil or spray with cooking spray and place back on baking sheet. Add cheese and bake additional 5-7 minutes, or until cheese melts.
- Remove from oven and top with Greek yogurt, bacon and green onions.