Potato Skins

I'm not even sure when I first had a potato skin but I have pretty much loved them my whole life!  Houlihan's (a restaurant in St. Louis and other places except Utah) was always our favorite place to eat growing up because of their potato skins appetizer (and chicken finger platter).  I made this recipe up and it turned out pretty close to the real deal! (not like the burnt ones we got at Texas Road House)

INGREDIENTS
8 Idaho potatoes
1 c shredded cheddar cheese
1/3 c bacon bits (or more if desired)
2 green onions, chopped

salt and pepper

sour cream

DIRECTIONS

Wash potatoes and cook in oven at 400° for 50-60 minutes until fork tender.  Remove from oven and let cool.  Slice each potato in half and scoop out potato but leave about 1/4 inch of the potato on the skin.  Place skins on a foil lined baking sheet.  Increase heat of oven to 450° and brush or spray with oil on inside and outside of skins.  Sprinkle with salt and cook skin side up for 10 minutes.  Flip skins and cook another 10 minutes   Remove from oven and layer inside of skins with toppings: cheese, bacon bits, and green onions.  Place skins in the oven and broil for 2 minutes until cheese is bubbly.  Sprinkle with salt and pepper and serve with sour cream.

–Melanie