Baked Potato Halves

I’ve spent many a pub happy hour pondering whether loaded potato skins could be considered a proper dinner. After all, they’re a vegetable covered with meat, herbs, and dairy, no? Whether you have these for dinner or serve them at your next party, there’s nothing quite as satisfying as a crispy potato skin loaded with bacon and cheese, served with a cold beer.

INGREDIENTS

• 8 (3-inch-long) russet potatoes (about 2 1/4 pounds), scrubbed and thoroughly dried
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter (1/4 stick), melted
• Kosher salt
• Freshly ground black pepper
• 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese (about 4 ounces)
• 5 to 6 slices cooked, crumbled bacon

INSTRUCTIONS

1. Heat the oven to 400°F and arrange a rack in the middle.
2. Pierce each potato several times with a fork or sharp knife. Place the potatoes directly on the oven rack and bake until the skins are crisp and a knife easily pierces the potatoes, about 50 minutes. Transfer to a wire rack until cool enough to handle, about 10 minutes. Set the oven to broil.
3. Slice each potato in half lengthwise. Using a spoon, scoop out the flesh, leaving about 1/4 inch intact; reserve the flesh for another use. Brush the insides of the potatoes with the melted butter and season with salt and pepper. Flip the potatoes over, brush the skin sides with butter, and season with salt and pepper. Evenly space the potato halves skin-side up on a baking sheet and broil until the butter foams and the skins start to crisp, about 2 to 3 minutes (keep a close watch so they don’t burn). Flip the potato halves over and broil until the top edges just start to brown, about 2 to 3 minutes more.
4. Evenly fill each skin with cheese and crumbled bacon. Place in the broiler and broil until the cheese is melted and bubbling, about 4 to 5 minutes. Remove from the broiler. Serve immediately.