When it comes to planning a party, one of the most crucial elements is the appetizers. They set the tone for the entire event, whetting the guests' appetites and getting them in the mood for a great time. Among the countless appetizer options out there, potato skins loaded with bacon, tomatoes, and cheese stand out as a crowd - pleaser that is both delicious and easy to make.
Let's start with the star of the show - the potatoes. You'll want to choose medium - sized russet potatoes. These potatoes have a thick skin and a fluffy interior, making them perfect for creating the ideal potato skin. Begin by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). Wash the potatoes thoroughly and pat them dry. Prick each potato several times with a fork to allow steam to escape during baking. Place the potatoes directly on the oven rack and bake for about an hour, or until they are tender when pierced with a fork. This step is essential as it ensures that the potatoes are cooked through and the skins are crispy on the outside.
Once the potatoes are baked, remove them from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes. This makes them easier to handle. When they are cool enough to touch, cut the potatoes in half lengthwise. Use a spoon to scoop out most of the potato flesh, leaving about a 1/4 - inch layer of potato inside the skin. You can save the scooped - out potato flesh for another use, such as making mashed potatoes or potato soup.
Now, it's time to prepare the toppings. First, cook the bacon. You can either fry it in a pan on the stovetop until it's crispy or bake it in the oven for a hands - off approach. Once the bacon is cooked, crumble it into small pieces. Next, wash and dice the tomatoes. You can choose any type of tomato you like, but cherry tomatoes or roma tomatoes work particularly well. As for the cheese, shredded cheddar cheese is a classic choice, but you can also experiment with other varieties like mozzarella or Monterey Jack.
Preheat your broiler to high. Place the potato skins on a baking sheet lined with foil or a baking rack. Brush the insides of the potato skins with a little bit of olive oil or melted butter. This helps to make the skins even crispier. Sprinkle a small amount of salt and pepper on the inside of the skins to season them.
Now, it's time to load up the potato skins. Start by adding a layer of shredded cheese on the bottom of each potato skin. Then, sprinkle some of the crumbled bacon on top of the cheese. Next, add a layer of diced tomatoes. You can also add a little bit of chopped green onions or chives for an extra pop of color and flavor. Finish off by adding another layer of cheese on top.
Place the baking sheet under the broiler and broil for about 3 - 5 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and starting to turn golden brown on top. Keep a close eye on the potato skins while they are under the broiler, as they can burn quickly.
Once the potato skins are done, remove them from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes before serving. You can serve them hot right away, and they are sure to be a hit at your party. These bacon - tomato - cheese potato skins are not only delicious but also very versatile. You can customize them according to your guests' preferences. For example, if someone doesn't like tomatoes, you can leave them off. Or, if you want to add a little bit of heat, you can sprinkle some crushed red pepper flakes on top.
In addition to being a great party appetizer, these potato skins can also be a quick and easy meal on their own. You can make a big batch and store them in the fridge for a few days. When you're in a hurry, just reheat them in the oven or microwave, and you'll have a delicious and satisfying snack or meal in no time.
So, the next time you're planning a party or just looking for a tasty treat, don't hesitate to try making these bacon - tomato - cheese potato skins. They are a simple yet impressive appetizer that will have your guests coming back for more.