Smoked Potato Skins

Smoked appetizer recipe: potato skins
Lauri Patterson / Getty Images
Prep: 15 mins
Cook: 50 mins
Total: 65 mins
Servings: 8 to 10 servings

These smoked potato skins are a great appetizer to make if you already have the smoker heated up. It adds a great flavor to these potato skins and the low temperature allows the flavors to blend together while they cook.

The potatoes are baked in the oven or microwave, cut and the insides scooped out to be used in another dish, such as mashed potatoes, and the skins prepared to hit the smoker. 

You can easily scale this recipe up or down depending on the number of potato skins you need. These are great for tailgating get-togethers, parties, and snacks. Check below for other variations and tips for these potato skins.

Ingredients

  • 8 large potatoes

  • 3/4 cup shredded cheddar cheese

  • 1/2 cup chopped green onions

  • 1 tablespoon paprika

  • 1 teaspoon cayenne

  • 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder

  • 1 teaspoon salt

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil

Steps to Make It

  1. Gather the ingredients.

  2. Bake potatoes until tender.

  3. Cut lengthwise in quarters.

  4. Scoop out to make shells about 1/2-inch thick.

  5. Paint with olive oil and coat both sides with dry ingredients.

  6. Place in prepared smoker at about 200 F / 95 C and smoke for 20 to 40 minutes, depending on how smoky you want them.

  7. Sprinkle with cheese and let smoke until cheese melts.

  8. Top with chopped green onions and serve with barbecue sauce. Enjoy!

Recipe Variations

  • Throw some crumbled cooked bacon into the mix. You can put the bacon on when adding the cheese, so it gets that smoky flavor, too.
  • Get imaginative with the toppings: chopped sautéed mushrooms, steamed broccoli pieces, chili, ground beef—all go well.
  • Switch up the cheese: try a pepper jack or smoked gouda for a different taste.
  • Change it up to a pizza potato skin by using shredded mozzarella cheese, pepperoni, and whatever other toppings you enjoy on a pizza.
  • Have some sour cream on the side for dipping, or place a dollop on each skin before serving.


How can you use the scooped out insides from potato skins?

Keep the scooped out potatoes from the skins and put them in an airtight container in the fridge for later use. You can make a number of dishes such as mashed potatoes, potato pancakes, cottage pie, or a casserole.

What potatoes are best to make potato skins?

Russet or Idaho potatoes are the ultimate to use for baking and making potato skins. The thin brown skins crisp up nicely, while the interior bakes up nice and fluffy and can be used in a multitude of dishes.

Nutrition Facts (per serving)
286 Calories
6g Fat
52g Carbs
8g Protein
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Nutrition Facts
Servings: 8 to 10
Amount per serving
Calories 286
% Daily Value*
Total Fat 6g 8%
Saturated Fat 2g 10%
Cholesterol 8mg 3%
Sodium 313mg 14%
Total Carbohydrate 52g 19%
Dietary Fiber 6g 21%
Total Sugars 3g
Protein 8g
Vitamin C 24mg 120%
Calcium 103mg 8%
Iron 3mg 16%
Potassium 1326mg 28%
*The % Daily Value (DV) tells you how much a nutrient in a food serving contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
(Nutrition information is calculated using an ingredient database and should be considered an estimate.)