Cheesy Potato Skins

Time :2 hours 10 minutes
Yield :12 servings

Recipe Background

Is there an appetizer out there more welcoming than Cheesy Potato Skins? Maybe, but we'd be hard-pressed to find it! The potato skins are crispy and hearty, the perfect edible dish for holding up layers of melty cheese (including a melty, spicy cheese sauce) and fresh broccoli florets. The real question with Cheesy Potato Skins is if you eat them with your hands or with a fork and knife... and there are no wrong answers there!
Is there an appetizer out there more welcoming than Cheesy Potato Skins? Maybe, but we'd be hard-pressed to find it! The potato skins are crispy and hearty, the perfect edible dish for holding up layers of melty cheese (including a melty, spicy cheese sauce) and fresh broccoli florets. The real question with Cheesy Potato Skins is if you eat them with your hands or with a fork and knife... and there are no wrong answers there!

Ingredients

For the potatoes:

  • 12 russet potatoes baked
  • 4 tablespoons butter melted
  • 1 (16-ounce) package sharp or mild cheddar cheese shredded

For the cheese sauce:

  • 1 (8-ounce) block cheddar cheese freshly shredded
  • 1 tablespoon cornstarch
  • 1 (12-ounce) can evaporated milk
  • salt to taste
  • 1 teaspoon hot sauce

For serving:

  • 2 heads broccoli steamed or boiled, chopped
  • sour cream to taste
  • red pepper flakes to taste

Directions

  • If freshly baked, allow the baked potatoes to cool.
  • Preheat the broiler.
  • Once cool enough to handle, cut the potatoes in half lengthwise.
  • Scoop the centers of the potato halves, leaving about 1/2-inch layer of the potato flesh in the skins. Reserve the scooped potato flesh for another use.
  • Evenly brush the potato skins and the flesh with the melted butter.
  • Place the potatoes on a baking sheet, skin-side down, and broil them until their flesh is lightly browned, about 4-6 minutes.
  • Sprinkle the flesh of the potatoes evenly with 1 package of the shredded cheddar cheese.
  • Broil the potatoes until the cheese is melted, about 1-2 minutes.
  • Transfer the potato skins from the oven and keep them warm.
  • In a bowl, add the remaining freshly shredded block of the cheddar cheese and the cornstarch and toss to combine.
  • In a small saucepan over medium heat, add the evaporated milk, the salt, and the cheddar-cornstarch mixture and cook, while stirring with a wooden spoon, until the cheese is completely melted, and the sauce becomes smooth.
  • Add the hot sauce and whisk to combine.
  • On a serving plate, add the potato skins.
  • Top each of the potato skins with some of the broccoli and then drizzle them with the cheese sauce.
  • Serve the potato skins topped with the sour cream and the red pepper flakes.
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