These Pizza Potato Skins are a tasty twist on a classic snack! Crisp potato halves are loaded with gooey cheese, pepperoni, and your favorite pizza toppings.
They’re perfect for game day or movie night—who can resist cheesy goodness? I love making a big batch, then watching everyone enjoy them disappear!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Russet Potatoes: These are perfect for potato skins because they’re sturdy and have a fluffy interior. If you don’t have russets, you can use Yukon Golds for a creamier texture. However, avoid waxy potatoes as they won’t hold up as well.
Olive Oil: It adds great flavor and helps the skins crisp up nicely. You can substitute with canola oil or melted butter if you prefer. I’ve tried using flavored oils, like garlic or herb-infused oil, for an extra kick.
Pizza Sauce: Store-bought sauce is easy, but homemade sauce is a great touch. If you’re low on pizza sauce, marinara or spaghetti sauce works too. You can also try barbecue sauce for a unique flavor.
Mozzarella Cheese: Shredded mozzarella gives that melty texture we all love. You can switch it out for provolone or a dairy-free cheese if you need a substitute. I recommend mixing in some cheddar for added flavor!
Pepperoni: Mini pepperonis are super cute and easy to use. If you want a healthier option, diced veggies or turkey pepperoni can work well too. Sometimes I add sautéed mushrooms or bell peppers for a heartier filling.
How Do You Get the Perfect Crisp on Potato Skins?
The secret to crispy potato skins lies in how you prepare and cook them. Here’s how to achieve that perfect crunch:
- Scooping: When you scoop out the potato, leave a bit of flesh to help the skins hold their shape and prevent them from being too thin. This keeps them sturdy when filled!
- Oiling & Seasoning: Brush the inside and outside with olive oil to promote browning. Be generous with the salt and pepper to enhance flavor.
- Baking: Bake the skins first until they are crisp before adding toppings. Bake them skin-side up for the first round, then after adding toppings, reduce the heat slightly and bake again. This helps to melt the cheese perfectly without overcooking the skins.
- Timing: Bake the filled skins until the cheese is bubbly and the edges are crisp, usually around 10-15 minutes. Keep an eye on them to avoid burning!
How to Make Delicious Pizza Potato Skins
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 4 large russet potatoes
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1/2 cup pizza sauce
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 12-16 slices mini pepperoni or regular pepperoni cut in halves
- Fresh basil or parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- Optional: grated Parmesan cheese, red pepper flakes
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take about 15 minutes to prep and about 1 hour for baking, so overall, you’re looking at about 1 hour and 15 minutes before you can enjoy those tasty pizza potato skins!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Potatoes:
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). Give the russet potatoes a good wash and dry them. Next, using a fork, poke each potato a few times—this allows steam to escape while they bake. Arrange them on a baking sheet and pop them in the oven to bake for about 45-60 minutes, or until they feel tender when you poke them with a fork.
2. Scoop and Season:
Once your potatoes are baked to perfect tenderness, take them out and let them cool for a bit until they are manageable to handle. Then, slice each potato in half lengthwise. Carefully use a spoon to scoop out most of the flesh, leaving about 1/4 inch of potato inside to help keep the skins sturdy. Don’t throw away the scooped potato—you can use it later for mashed potatoes or other recipes!
3. Prepare the Skins:
With the insides scooped, brush both the inside and outside of each potato skin with olive oil. Sprinkle with salt and pepper to taste. Place the skins on a baking sheet with the skin side down.
4. Add the Delicious Filling:
It’s time to make these skins flavorful! Spoon about a tablespoon of pizza sauce into each potato skin. Then generously sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese on top. Finish it off by arranging the pepperoni slices evenly on each skin. Yum!
5. Bake to Perfection:
Return the stuffed potato skins to the oven and let them bake for another 10-15 minutes. You want to keep an eye on them until the cheese is wonderfully melted and bubbly, and the edges of the skins turn nice and crispy.
6. Serve and Enjoy:
When they’re ready, pull them out of the oven and let them cool for a minute. Garnish with freshly chopped basil or parsley for a touch of color and flavor. For an optional delicious twist, sprinkle on some grated Parmesan cheese and a few red pepper flakes for added heat. Now it’s time to dig in while they’re warm and enjoy your homemade pizza potato skins!
Can I Use Leftover Potatoes for This Recipe?
Absolutely! Leftover baked or mashed potatoes work perfectly here. Just scoop out the necessary amount and use the skins as you would fresh potatoes. You can adjust the toppings accordingly based on how much flesh is left.
How Do I Store Leftover Potato Skins?
Store any leftover pizza potato skins in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, pop them back in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes until heated through, or microwave them for a quick snack.
Can I Make These Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can prepare the potato skins ahead of time and store them covered in the fridge until you’re ready to bake. Just add the toppings right before baking to keep the skins crisp!
What Other Toppings Can I Add?
Feel free to get creative! You can add diced bell peppers, olives, mushrooms, or even cooked sausage for extra flavor. Just keep in mind that lighter toppings may need a shorter cooking time.