Broccoli, Bacon and Cheese Loaded Potato Skins

Embark on a culinary adventure with our Broccoli, Bacon and Cheese Loaded Potato Skins recipe, our spin on the classic appetizer. The brilliance of this recipe lies in the harmonious fusion of everyday ingredients, thoughtfully arranged to deliver a memorable dining experience from your home.

At the core of this creation are the Loaded Potato Skins, fashioned from russet potatoes adorned with a brush of pure olive oil and a sprinkling of iodized salt. This foundation imparts a satisfying crispiness on the outside and reveals a soft and pillowy interior.

Transitioning to the heart of the dish, steamable broccoli florets make their entrance, introducing a burst of green freshness and an earthy undertone. Paired with the savory bacon bits, the broccoli and bacon bring together a smoky richness and delightful crunch.

Shredded cheddar cheese adds a velvety pool of richness; the cheddar becomes the unifying force, binding together the flavors of broccoli and bacon. The result is a creamy and gooey texture that transforms ordinary potato skins into a culinary masterpiece.

Salt and ground black pepper join the culinary recipe, creating a seasoning balance. The subtle warmth from the pepper complements the savory components, creating a harmonious blend that engages your taste buds.

To introduce a refreshing contrast, sour cream is generously dolloped atop each creation. Its cool tanginess serves as a palate cleanser, elevating the overall experience and ensuring each bite is as satisfying as the last. The finishing garnishes are sliced green onions. Their mild, oniony flavor introduces a hint of sharpness, perfectly rounding off the dish and leaving a lasting impression.

These Broccoli, Bacon and Cheese Loaded Potato Skins are a testament to the culinary art of simplicity. By selecting quality ingredients and allowing them to complement one another effortlessly, this recipe achieves a level of sophistication that rivals your preferred dining spots. With each bite, savor the interplay of textures and flavors. This culinary journey transforms a casual snack into an extraordinary dining experience.

Prep Time:  5 minutes   |   Cook Time:  1 hour, 5  minutes   |   Total Time:  1 hour, 10  minutes   |   Servings:  4

Ingredients:

Loaded Potato Skins

• 4 large russet potatoes
• 1 tablespoon  Carlini  Pure Olive Oil
• 1 teaspoon  Stonemill  Iodized Salt

Broccoli, Bacon and Cheese

• 1 cup  Season's Choice  Steamable Broccoli Florets
• 2.5 ounces  Tuscan Garden  Real Bacon Bits
• 2 cups  Happy Farms  Shredded Cheddar Cheese
• 2 teaspoons  Stonemill  Iodized Salt
• 2 teaspoons  Stonemill  Ground Black Pepper
• 1 cup  Friendly Farms  Sour Cream
• 2 bunches green onions, sliced

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 350°.
2. Rinse potatoes and rub with oil and salt.
3. Bake for 40 minutes or until soft when pierced with fork.
4. Let cool for 5 minutes. Slice into ½-inch rounds and place on a baking sheet. Scoop out a small pocket from each potato, leaving a sturdy shell. Choose one of the fillings below.

Broccoli, Bacon and Cheese

Directions:

1. Steam broccoli according to package instructions. Chop into small pieces and place in a bowl.
2. Add bacon, cheese, salt and pepper and combine thoroughly.
3. Divide evenly among potato pieces and bake for 15 minutes or until cheese is melted.
4. Top with sour cream and green onions.

Make the full Loaded Potato Skins

Recipe courtesy of Chef Alyssa,  ALDI Test Kitchen