T.G.I. Friday’s Baked Potato Skins

This is another often-duplicated restaurant recipe and a great way to use leftover baked potatoes.

T.G.I. Friday’s Baked Potato Skins are a popular appetizer known for their crispy texture and delicious toppings. These savory treats are made by scooping out the flesh of baked potatoes, leaving behind the crispy potato skins. The skins are then brushed with melted butter, seasoned with salt, and baked until they become golden and crispy.

Once the potato skins are ready, they are generously topped with a combination of shredded Cheddar cheese, crispy bacon, and diced green onions. The cheese melts and forms a gooey layer over the potato skins, while the bacon adds a smoky and savory flavor. The diced green onions provide a fresh and slightly tangy taste that balances the richness of the cheese and bacon.

T.G.I. Friday’s Baked Potato Skins are often served as an appetizer or party snack. They are perfect for sharing with friends and family, and they make a great addition to game-day gatherings or casual get-togethers. These tasty potato skins are typically served with sour cream and/or ranch dressing on the side, allowing you to customize your dipping experience.

Whether enjoyed as a standalone appetizer or paired with other dishes, T.G.I. Friday’s Baked Potato Skins are a crowd-pleasing favorite that combine crispy potato skins, melted cheese, and savory toppings for a delicious and satisfying treat.

SERVES: 5

INGREDIENTS:

• 10 baked potato halves
• 1 tablespoon melted butter
• Seasoned salt, to taste
• ¾ cup shredded Cheddar cheese
• 5 strips of cooked and crumbled bacon
• 1 green onion, diced

INSTRUCTIONS:

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F.
2. Cut 10 baked potatoes in half lengthwise and scoop out the flesh, leaving only the skins intact.
3. Brush the potato shells with melted butter, making sure to coat both the inside and outside.
4. Season the potato shells with seasoned salt according to your taste preferences.
5. Place the potato shells on a baking sheet and bake them in the preheated oven for 15–20 minutes, or until they become crisp.
6. Remove the potato shells from the oven and sprinkle them with shredded Cheddar cheese, crumbled bacon, and diced green onion.
7. Place the loaded potato skins back in the oven for an additional 6–8 minutes, or until the cheese has melted.
8. Serve the loaded potato skins with sour cream or ranch dressing as desired.

VARIATIONS:

• Loaded BBQ Chicken: Top the potato skins with shredded BBQ chicken, diced red onions, and a drizzle of BBQ sauce. Sprinkle with shredded Monterey Jack cheese before baking.
• Tex-Mex Style: Fill the potato skins with seasoned ground beef or spicy black beans, diced tomatoes, jalapenos, and a sprinkle of Mexican blend cheese. Serve with a dollop of sour cream and salsa.
• Buffalo Chicken: Toss shredded chicken in buffalo sauce and fill the potato skins. Top with crumbled blue cheese or ranch dressing and garnish with chopped celery.
• Mediterranean Twist: Fill the potato skins with a mixture of diced roasted red peppers, chopped Kalamata olives, crumbled feta cheese, and minced garlic. Bake until the cheese melts and serve with a side of tzatziki sauce.
• Vegetarian Delight: Replace the bacon with sautéed mushrooms, diced bell peppers, and chopped spinach. Top with shredded mozzarella cheese and bake until bubbly.
• Southwest Fiesta: Fill the potato skins with seasoned black beans, corn kernels, diced tomatoes, and sliced green chilies. Sprinkle with shredded Pepper Jack cheese and bake until golden and crispy.