Description
These delicious Tater Boats are loaded baked potato skins filled with a creamy mixture of mashed potato, cheddar cheese, crispy bacon, and green onions, then baked until bubbly and topped with sour cream. Perfect as a hearty appetizer or snack, they combine classic comfort flavors with a satisfying texture in every bite.
Ingredients
Scale
Potatoes and Topping
- 4 large russet potatoes
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 6 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 2 green onions, sliced
Seasoning and Oil
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Potatoes: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Scrub the russet potatoes clean and dry them thoroughly. Pierce each potato several times with a fork to allow steam to escape during baking.
- Oil and Bake Potatoes: Rub each potato with olive oil, then place them directly on the oven rack. Bake for 50 to 60 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender when pierced with a fork.
- Cool and Scoop: Remove the potatoes from the oven and let them cool slightly so they are safe to handle. Slice each potato lengthwise in half and carefully scoop out the centers, leaving about a 1/4-inch thick shell to maintain the shape.
- Mash Filling Mixture: In a bowl, mash the scooped-out potato flesh with garlic powder, salt, black pepper, half of the shredded cheddar cheese, half of the crumbled bacon, and half of the sliced green onions. Mix until well combined.
- Fill Potato Skins: Evenly spoon the mashed potato mixture back into the potato shells, and smooth the tops. Sprinkle the remaining cheddar cheese and bacon evenly over each filled potato boat.
- Bake Until Melted: Return the filled potato boats to the oven and bake for an additional 10 to 15 minutes, or until the cheese on top is melted, bubbly, and lightly golden.
- Add Final Toppings and Serve: Remove from the oven and top each tater boat with a dollop of sour cream and the remaining sliced green onions. Serve warm and enjoy!
Notes
- These tater boats can be prepared in advance and reheated in the oven before serving for convenience.
- To make a healthier version, substitute turkey bacon instead of regular bacon.
- For a vegetarian option, omit the bacon and add sautéed vegetables or black beans to the potato mixture.
