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Loaded Potato Skins

Flavorful microwave-loaded potato skins in a glass Anyday dish, consisting of crispy shells topped with cheese, bacon bits, and green onions for a quick snack.
PT4M PT14M

Prep Time

4 mins

Cook Time

14-15 mins
1 reviews

Free Time

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Loaded Potato Skins

1 reviews
Potatoes — in pretty much any form— are magic when they're made in the microwave. These loaded potato skins, topped with melted cheese, crispy bacon bits, sour cream, and chives are no exception.

All of Anyday’s recipes are tested (and retested!) in many different microwave and home kitchens to make sure they work— and work well. Unless specified otherwise, all recipes should be cooked at full power.

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Potatoes — in pretty much any form— are magic when they're made in the microwave. These loaded potato skins, topped with melted cheese, crispy bacon bits, sour cream, and chives are no exception.

All of Anyday’s recipes are tested (and retested!) in many different microwave and home kitchens to make sure they work— and work well. Unless specified otherwise, all recipes should be cooked at full power.

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Select your microwave wattage in the dropdown. The cook times in this recipe will automatically change accordingly.

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To find your microwave’s wattage, look at the front panel, the side of the door, in the back, in the user manual, or Google the model number. If both an input and output wattage are listed, use the output.

Wattage translates to how powerful the microwave is. The higher the wattage, the faster your food will cook. The lower the wattage, the longer the cook time.

When in doubt, start with less time — you can always add more.

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Dish

The Medium Shallow Dish

Ingredients

  • 2 medium Idaho potatoes (5-6 oz each), washed and dried
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • ⅛ teaspoon salt
  • 4 strips of thick-cut bacon
  • ¼ cup shredded cheddar or Monterey jack
  • ¼ cup sour cream
  • 2 tablespoons chives, thinly sliced


Preparation

  1. Place the potatoes, olive oil, and salt in an Anyday dish and toss until the potatoes are fully coated. Cover with the lid (knob lifted). Cook in the microwave for 9-10 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender when pierced with a fork.
  2. Transfer the potatoes to a plate. Place the bacon in an Anyday dish. Cover and cook for 5-6 minutes, or until the bacon is crispy. Transfer the bacon to a plate lined with paper towels and discard or save the bacon fat and set aside.
  3. Cut the potatoes in half lengthwise. Scoop out the potato flesh and save to make mashed potatoes.
  4. Place potatoes inside an Anyday dish. Season the inside of the halved potatoes, then sprinkle cheddar cheese over each half. Cover and melt the cheese in the microwave for about 30 seconds.
  5. Top each potato with crumbled bacon pieces, sour cream, and chives.


Suggestions

  • Make crispy skins: For crispy potato skins, place the cut and scooped potatoes into a tray, drizzle with olive oil, and bake in a 400°F preheated oven for 15 minutes or until crispy and slightly golden. Alternatively, you can air fry them at 400°F for about 10 minutes for a quicker, crispy result.
  • Go vegetarian: For a vegetarian option, top the potatoes with caramelized onions instead of crispy bacon for a savory, sweet alternative.
  • Try sweet potatoes: Substitute regular potatoes for sweet potatoes for a new variation that adds natural sweetness and extra nutrients.
  • Swap for queso: If you have queso, swap it for the cheddar cheese for a creamy, melty topping with extra flavor.
  • Discover more potatoes recipes by exploring our collection here!


Recipe Notes

  • Don’t waste the leftover scooped-out potato! Mash with cream cheese, garlic powder, and chopped chives and add it back to the potato skins. Then continue the recipe from step 8.
  • Microwave ovens vary, even with the same wattages. Adjust cooking times as needed.

All You Need to Know About Making Loaded Potato Skins in the Microwave

What are loaded potato skins?

Loaded potato skins are a popular appetizer made by hollowing out baked potato halves and filling them with toppings like melted cheese, crispy bacon, and green onions. Served with sour cream or ranch for dipping, they’re a crowd-pleasing snack for game days, parties, or anytime you're craving something indulgent yet easy to prepare.

Can I make loaded potato skins in the microwave?

Yes, you can make loaded potato skins in the microwave! Start by microwaving whole potatoes in an Anyday dish until tender, then carefully cut them in half and scoop out most of the flesh, leaving a thin layer inside the skins. The Anyday dish traps steam, allowing the potatoes to cook quickly and evenly. You can even microwave the toppings—cook the bacon and melt the cheese directly in the same dish!

Can I cook bacon in the microwave?

Yes, you can cook bacon directly in the Anyday dish for crispy, delicious results. Place the bacon strips in a single layer, cover with the lid (knob lifted), and microwave for 3-4 minutes. Check the bacon's doneness and continue cooking in 30-second increments, or until crispy. Transfer bacon to a paper towel to remove excess grease. Discover more bacon recipes by exploring our collection here!

How do I store leftover loaded potato skins?

To store leftover loaded potato skins, cover the Anyday dish with its lid and refrigerate for up to 3 days. You can also store leftover potatoes in the Anyday dish if they’re already cooked.

What’s the best way to reheat loaded potato skins?

To reheat loaded potato skins from the fridge, place them in an Anyday dish, cover with the lid, and microwave on full power for 1-2 minutes until warm.

Do I have to use Idaho potatoes?

Idaho potatoes are preferred because of their fluffy, starchy texture that creates the ideal base for loaded potatoes. Russet potatoes work just as well. If you only have Yukon Gold or red potatoes, you can still make a delicious version—just note that they’ll have a creamier, less fluffy texture.

Why do I need to pierce the potatoes before cooking?

Piercing the potatoes with a fork allows steam to escape, preventing them from bursting during cooking. This is especially important in the microwave, where steam can build up quickly.

Can I make the potatoes ahead of time and finish them later?

Yes! You can cook the potatoes, store them in the Anyday dish, and finish them later by reheating and adding the toppings. This is a great option for meal prep or holiday meals when you want to save time.

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