Name: Addictively Crispy Garlic Herb Roasted Potato Skins
Prep time: 50 min
Cook time: 1 h 40 min
Total time: 2 h 30 min
Yield: 12 potato skins
Ingredients: 6 large Russet potatoes (about 8-10 oz each); 3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil, plus extra for brushing; 1 tsp kosher salt, plus more for seasoning; ½ tsp freshly ground black pepper, plus more for seasoning; 4 tbsp (½ stick) unsalted butter, softened; 3-4 cloves garlic, minced very finely; 2 tbsp fresh chives, finely chopped; 2 tbsp fresh parsley, finely chopped; 1 tbsp fresh thyme leaves, picked from the stem; ¼ tsp kosher salt (for butter); ⅛ tsp freshly ground black pepper (for butter); 8 slices thick-cut beef bacon, cooked until crispy and crumbled (about 1 cup); 1 ½ cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded (about 6 oz), plus ½ cup for topping; ½ cup sour cream, plus extra for serving; ¼ cup whole milk or half-and-half; 2 green onions, thinly sliced (white and green parts separated); ½ tsp kosher salt, or to taste (for filling); ¼ tsp freshly ground black pepper, or to taste (for filling); Extra fresh chives or sliced green onions (for garnish); Additional sour cream (for serving); A dash of your favorite hot sauce (optional garnish)

Crispy Garlic Herb Roasted Potato Skins are more than just a snack; they are a culinary experience waiting to elevate your next gathering or cozy night in. I’m excited to share my go-to recipe for these irresistible delights, which have become a staple in my kitchen and a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.

This beloved appetizer holds a cherished spot in countless cuisines, particularly within American pub culture, where they’ve long been celebrated for their comforting appeal and versatility. While the concept of utilizing potato peels might seem humble, transforming them into something utterly crave-worthy is a true testament to culinary ingenuity and simple, delicious preparation.

Why We Adore Crispy Garlic Herb Roasted Potato Skins

What truly sets these apart is the incredible symphony of textures and flavors. Imagine: a perfectly golden, undeniably crispy exterior, giving way to a soft, fluffy potato interior, all generously infused with aromatic garlic and fresh, vibrant herbs. Each bite delivers a burst of savory goodness that is both deeply satisfying and incredibly addictive. They’re ideal for sharing with friends during a game night, serving as a delightful appetizer at a dinner party, or even enjoying as a satisfying solo snack. The magic lies in the roasting process, which achieves that coveted crunch, making these Crispy Garlic Herb Roasted Potato Skins a perennial favorite that consistently earns rave reviews. I promise, once you try this recipe, you’ll understand why I’m so passionate about them!

Ingredients:

Creating these incredible Crispy Garlic Herb Roasted Potato Skins requires a careful selection of ingredients to ensure every bite is bursting with flavor and texture. Here’s what you’ll need:

For the Potato Skins:
- 6 large Russet potatoes (about 8-10 ounces each), preferably uniform in size
- 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil, plus extra for brushing
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt, plus more for seasoning
- ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper, plus more for seasoning
For the Garlic Herb Butter:
- 4 tablespoons (½ stick) unsalted butter, softened
- 3-4 cloves garlic, minced very finely
- 2 tablespoons fresh chives, finely chopped
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped
- 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves, picked from the stem
- ¼ teaspoon kosher salt
- ⅛ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
For the Creamy, Savory Filling:
- 8 slices thick-cut bacon, cooked until crispy and crumbled (about 1 cup)
- 1 ½ cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded (about 6 ounces), plus ½ cup for topping
- ½ cup sour cream, plus extra for serving
- ¼ cup whole milk or half-and-half
- 2 green onions, thinly sliced (white and green parts separated)
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt, or to taste
- ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper, or to taste
Optional Garnish:
- Extra fresh chives or sliced green onions
- Additional sour cream
- A dash of your favorite hot sauce

Phase 1: Preparing the Potatoes for Roasting

The journey to our incredibly Crispy Garlic Herb Roasted Potato Skins begins with properly preparing the star ingredient: the potatoes themselves. This initial bake is crucial for achieving that fluffy interior and setting the stage for the ultimate crispiness of the skin.

Preheat and Prep: Begin by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). While the oven heats up, thoroughly scrub your Russet potatoes under cold running water. It’s important to remove any dirt since we’ll be eating the skin! Pat them completely dry with a paper towel. Moisture is the enemy of crispiness, so don’t skip this step.
Puncture and Season: Using a fork, generously pierce each potato several times all over. This allows steam to escape during baking, preventing them from exploding and ensuring they cook evenly. Drizzle the potatoes with 3 tablespoons of olive oil, using your hands to rub it all over each potato until lightly coated. Then, sprinkle them evenly with 1 teaspoon of kosher salt and ½ teaspoon of freshly ground black pepper. This initial seasoning is key to building flavor from the very first step.
Initial Bake for Tenderness: Place the seasoned potatoes directly on the oven rack in the preheated oven. Bake for approximately 50-70 minutes, or until they are fork-tender. The exact time will depend on the size of your potatoes. You want them soft all the way through, but not mushy. My personal trick is to squeeze them gently – if they yield easily, they’re ready.
Cooling and Halving: Once cooked, carefully remove the potatoes from the oven and let them cool on a wire rack until they are cool enough to handle, usually about 15-20 minutes. This cooling period is important because it allows the potato flesh to firm up slightly, making it easier to scoop. Once cooled, slice each potato in half lengthwise.
Scoop with Care: Using a spoon, carefully scoop out the cooked potato flesh from each half, leaving about a ¼-inch thick border of potato attached to the skin. It’s crucial not to scoop too much, as a slightly thicker skin provides better structure and becomes much crispier. Reserve the scooped-out potato flesh in a large mixing bowl; we’ll use it for the delicious filling!
Prepare the Garlic Herb Butter: In a small bowl, combine the softened unsalted butter with the minced garlic, chopped fresh chives, parsley, thyme, ¼ teaspoon kosher salt, and ⅛ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper. Mix thoroughly until all the herbs are evenly distributed throughout the butter. This garlic herb butter is going to infuse so much flavor into our skins!
Brush the Skins: Lightly brush the inside and outside of each potato skin with the prepared garlic herb butter. Don’t be shy here; the butter is a major contributor to the rich flavor and the ultimate crispiness of our Crispy Garlic Herb Roasted Potato Skins.

Phase 2: Achieving the Crispy Garlic Herb Roasted Potato Skins

This is where the magic truly happens for the “crispy” part of our Crispy Garlic Herb Roasted Potato Skins. We’re going to give these potato shells a double roast to ensure they reach peak golden-brown perfection and a delightful crunch.

First Roast, Skin-Side Down: Arrange the butter-brushed potato skins on a large baking sheet, cut-side down. My secret for extra crispiness is often to use a baking rack placed over a baking sheet, allowing air to circulate all around them. Roast in the 400°F (200°C) oven for 15-20 minutes. During this stage, the skins will begin to firm up and turn a beautiful golden color on the outside. This face-down method directly exposes the skin to the heat, guaranteeing that desirable crunch.
Flip and Second Roast, Skin-Side Up: Carefully remove the baking sheet from the oven. Using tongs or a sturdy spatula, flip each potato skin over so that it is now cut-side up. Return the baking sheet to the oven and continue roasting for another 10-15 minutes, or until the edges are beautifully golden brown and the skins are visibly crispy. You’ll know they’re ready when they have that alluring, slightly rustic, roasted appearance. This two-stage roasting ensures both the exterior and interior edges of the skin are perfectly crisp, which is fundamental to the appeal of these Crispy Garlic Herb Roasted Potato Skins. Remove the skins from the oven and set them aside while you prepare the filling. Keep the oven on!

Phase 3: Crafting the Flavorful Filling

While our potato skins are getting perfectly crispy, it’s time to create the creamy, cheesy, and utterly delicious filling that will make these Crispy Garlic Herb Roasted Potato Skins truly irresistible.

Mash the Potato Flesh: Take the reserved scooped-out potato flesh (from step 5) and add it to a large mixing bowl. Using a potato masher or a large fork, gently mash the potato until mostly smooth. A few small lumps are perfectly fine and even add to the texture.
Creamy Additions: To the mashed potato, add the ½ cup sour cream, ¼ cup milk (or half-and-half), and the white parts of your sliced green onions. For an extra layer of richness, you can also add 1-2 tablespoons of melted butter here, though the sour cream and milk already contribute significantly to the creaminess. Mix everything together until well combined and the mixture is smooth and luxurious.
Incorporate the Good Stuff: Now for the stars of the filling! Gently fold in the crumbled crispy bacon and 1 ½ cups of the shredded sharp cheddar cheese. The combination of savory bacon and sharp cheddar is a classic for a reason – it’s just pure comfort. Stir until everything is evenly distributed.
Season to Perfection: Season the filling with ½ teaspoon kosher salt and ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper. Now, here’s an important tip: Always taste your filling! This is your opportunity to adjust the seasoning. You might find you need a little more salt, pepper, or even a tiny pinch of garlic powder if you’re a garlic fiend like me. Remember, the filling is the heart of our Crispy Garlic Herb Roasted Potato Skins, so make sure it tastes amazing on its own.

Phase 4: Assembling and Final Baking the Ultimate Crispy Garlic Herb Roasted Potato Skins

We’re in the home stretch! With our perfectly crispy skins and incredibly flavorful filling, it’s time to bring everything together for the grand finale – the final bake that melts the cheese and warms everything through, creating the ultimate Crispy Garlic Herb Roasted Potato Skins.

Generously Fill the Skins: Take your beautifully roasted potato skins and carefully spoon the potato filling into each one. Don’t be shy; mound the filling generously, ensuring each shell is overflowing with that delicious mixture. The goal is a hearty, satisfying potato skin! Place the filled skins back onto the same baking sheet (or a fresh one lined with parchment paper for easier cleanup).
Top with More Cheese: Sprinkle the remaining ½ cup of shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top of each filled potato skin. This extra layer of cheese will melt into a golden, bubbly crust, adding yet another dimension of flavor and texture to our Crispy Garlic Herb Roasted Potato Skins.
Final Bake for Melty Perfection: Return the baking sheet with the filled potato skins to the 400°F (200°C) oven. Bake for 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese on top is completely melted, bubbly, and beautifully golden brown. The goal here is to warm the filling through and achieve that irresistible, slightly crispy cheese crust.
Optional Broil for Extra Browning: If you desire an even more golden-brown and crispy cheese topping, you can carefully turn on your oven’s broiler for the last 1-2 minutes. Watch them very closely! Broilers can go from perfect to burnt in a matter of seconds. Stay right by the oven door and remove them as soon as they reach your desired level of golden perfection.
Cool Slightly Before Serving: Once baked, remove the Crispy Garlic Herb Roasted Potato Skins from the oven. Let them rest on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a serving platter. This brief resting period allows the filling to set slightly and makes them easier to handle without falling apart.

Serving Your Delicious Crispy Garlic Herb Roasted Potato Skins

Congratulations! You’ve successfully created a batch of the most delicious Crispy Garlic Herb Roasted Potato Skins. Now it’s time to enjoy the fruits of your labor.

Before serving, sprinkle the freshly baked potato skins with the reserved green parts of your sliced green onions or a handful of fresh chopped chives for a burst of color and a fresh oniony note. I always like to offer a dollop of extra sour cream on the side for guests to add as they please. For those who enjoy a little heat, a dash of hot sauce can also be a fantastic addition.

These potato skins are absolutely perfect served warm, right out of the oven. The contrast between the incredibly crispy exterior, the fluffy, savory, cheesy, and bacon-filled interior, and the fresh herb garnish is simply divine. They make an excellent appetizer for game days, a fantastic addition to any party spread, or even a hearty side dish to grilled meats. You’ll find them disappearing quickly, so consider making a double batch!

Storage and Reheating Tips:

If by some miracle you have any leftovers, these Crispy Garlic Herb Roasted Potato Skins can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, I recommend placing them on a baking sheet and warming them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes, or until heated through and the skins crisp up again. Microwaving is an option for speed, but it will soften the crispy skin, so the oven is definitely the preferred method for maintaining that wonderful texture.

I genuinely believe that once you try these, they’ll become a staple in your recipe rotation. The depth of flavor from the garlic and herbs, combined with the perfectly roasted, crispy skin and the rich, savory filling, makes these Crispy Garlic Herb Roasted Potato Skins an unforgettable treat.

Conclusion:

And so, as we bring our culinary journey to a close, I genuinely hope your taste buds are tingling with anticipation! What we’ve just explored isn’t merely another recipe; it’s an invitation to experience a symphony of textures and flavors that will undoubtedly elevate your snack, appetizer, or side dish game. I am truly passionate about these Crispy Garlic Herb Roasted Potato Skins because they deliver an unparalleled combination of satisfying crunch, aromatic depth, and comforting warmth that transforms a simple potato into something truly extraordinary. Imagine biting into that perfectly golden-brown skin, followed by the soft, fluffy interior, all infused with the pungent kick of fresh garlic and the fragrant embrace of earthy herbs. It’s an experience that’s both gourmet and incredibly approachable, making it a must-try for home cooks of all skill levels.

I promise you, once you taste that first bite – the savory crispness, the inherent earthiness of the potato, the bright burst of fresh garlic, and the subtle, peppery undertones of the herbs – you’ll understand why I can’t stop raving about them. They’re deceptively simple to prepare, requiring just a few key steps and readily available ingredients, yet they consistently deliver a gourmet-level experience. This isn’t just a recipe; it’s an opportunity to impress your dinner guests with minimal fuss, delight your family with a healthier snack alternative, or simply treat yourself to something genuinely exceptional after a long day. The effort-to-reward ratio here is off the charts, making them an instant classic in any household.

Endless Serving Possibilities

But the magic of these roasted potato skins extends far beyond just enjoying them straight from the oven. Oh no, their versatility is one of their most charming attributes! For a classic and universally loved approach, imagine them piled high on a rustic platter, ready to be dipped into a cool, creamy dollop of homemade sour cream, a tangy ranch dressing, or even a zesty Greek yogurt dip for a lighter touch. For those seeking a slightly more indulgent experience, a warm, velvety cheese sauce, perhaps a sharp cheddar or a smooth Monterey Jack, would transform them into an irresistible appetizer that disappears in mere minutes at any gathering. Think game day parties, festive holiday potlucks, or just a cozy movie night in – they are the ultimate crowd-pleaser that caters to almost every palate.

And let’s not forget how wonderfully they complement a main meal. Picture these fantastic potato skins served alongside a juicy grilled steak, a hearty gourmet burger, or even as a sophisticated side to a simple roasted chicken or a pan-seared salmon. They add that much-needed textural contrast and a vibrant burst of savory flavor that can elevate an ordinary dinner into something truly special. If you’re hosting, these are fantastic served warm in a large bowl or a rustic basket, allowing guests to help themselves, which not only looks incredibly appealing but also makes your life as the host significantly easier.

Creative Variations to Inspire You

Feeling adventurous and ready to put your own spin on this delightful dish? The world of variations awaits! Try swapping out the fresh parsley and rosemary for an equally aromatic combination of fresh dill and chives, creating a lighter, more vibrant flavor profile that’s particularly lovely in the spring or summer months. For those who enjoy a little heat, a generous pinch of smoked paprika or a dash of cayenne pepper mixed with your garlic and herbs can add an exciting warmth and a beautiful depth of color. Don’t limit yourself to just one type of cheese either; while cheddar is a timeless choice, consider grating some sharp Parmesan for a nutty, umami bite, or a melty Gruyere for a more sophisticated, creamy texture. For a heartier twist, once the skins are nearly done roasting, you could even fill them with a spoonful of seasoned ground beef, a vegetarian black bean mixture, or even some leftover pulled pork before giving them a final bake until golden and bubbly. And for my wonderful plant-based friends, these are incredibly easy to adapt! Simply use a high-quality dairy-free butter alternative for roasting and serve them with a dollop of vegan sour cream or a sprinkle of nutritional yeast for that unmistakable cheesy umami punch.

I genuinely cannot wait for you to experience the sheer delight of making and devouring these incredible potato skins. So, please, carve out some time this week, gather your ingredients, and give this recipe a whirl. I am absolutely confident that these will quickly become a cherished staple in your home, a go-to for both everyday cravings and special occasions. And once you do, I would absolutely love to hear about it! Did you try any of the variations I suggested, or did you come up with your own ingenious twist? What was your favorite dipping sauce? Share your photos, your triumphs, and even your unexpected modifications in the comments below. Let’s build a vibrant community of fellow potato skin enthusiasts, sharing our delicious experiences and inspiring each other. Happy cooking, my friends – may your kitchens always be filled with incredible aromas and even more incredible food!