TGI Friday’s Baked Potato Skins Recipe

Creating your own TGI Friday’s baked potato skins can be downright fun. This is a dish like no other!

You’d be surprised at how simple it is to recreate this restaurant favorite at home, using just a few basic ingredients.

Start by making sure your potatoes are scrubbed clean and pricked with a fork to ensure even cooking.

Once baked, the secret to getting a crispy skin is to brush them with a bit of melted butter before popping them back in the oven.

How to Make TGI Friday’s Baked Potato Skins Recipe

Ingredients

• 4 medium-sized Russet Potatoes
• 1 tbsp Olive Oil
• 1 tsp Salt
• 1 tsp Black Pepper
• 1 cup Cheddar Cheese (shredded)
• 6 slices Bacon (cooked and crumbled)
• 1/2 cup Sour Cream
• 2 tbsp Chives (chopped)

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1:

Preheat your oven to 400°F.

Wash and scrub the potatoes thoroughly under running water.

Step 2:

Pierce each potato multiple times with a fork.

Rub them with olive oil and season with salt and pepper.

Step 3:

Place the potatoes directly on the oven rack.

Bake for about 45 minutes until tender when pierced with a fork.

Step 4:

Let the potatoes cool at room temperature until you can handle them comfortably.

Slice each potato in half lengthwise and scoop out the flesh, leaving a 1/4 inch layer.

Step 5:

Brush the potato skins with some more olive oil.

Sprinkle with a little more salt and bake them again for 10 minutes until crisp.

Step 6:

Fill each potato skin generously with shredded cheddar cheese and bacon.

Bake for an additional 5 minutes until the cheese is bubbly.

Step 7:

Serve these delicious skins with a dollop of sour cream and a sprinkle of chives on top.

Tips and Tricks for Making This Recipe

Choose the Right Cheese

For the best flavor, use a sharp cheddar cheese, as it provides a strong taste that pairs perfectly with the potato.

Cooking the Bacon

Cook the bacon until it’s crispy, so it holds up well after being baked on the potato skins.

Scoop Carefully

When removing the potato flesh, be gentle to avoid tearing the skins, which can result in a messier final presentation.

Serving Options

Serve these potato skins as a side dish or appetizer, and consider adding jalapeños if you like a spicy kick!

Make Ahead Tip

You can prepare the potato skins up to a day in advance; just add the toppings and bake them when ready to serve.

What to Serve with TGI Friday’s Baked Potato Skins Recipe

Classic Sour Cream and Chives

You can never go wrong with serving your potato skins with sour cream and chives.

They bring a creamy and tangy contrast that perfectly balances the savory flavors of bacon and cheese.

Fresh Garden Salad

A fresh garden salad is a light and refreshing side that pairs wonderfully with the richness of potato skins.

The vibrant vegetables and crisp lettuce create a nice variety of textures on your plate.

Buffalo Chicken Wings

Buffalo chicken wings are an exciting accompaniment, offering a spicy kick alongside your potato skins.

Their juicy and flavorful nature makes them a popular pairing for many game day spreads.

Coleslaw with a Twist

Try a unique slaw with apple and fennel to add a crunch and sweetness to your meal.

This refreshing side is not only unexpected but delicious, adding something different to your potato skin experience.

Avocado and Corn Salsa

Avocado and corn salsa is a colorful and zesty side that brings a fresh edge to your dish.

Its vibrant flavors and creamy avocado chunks will complement the crispy, cheesy goodness wonderfully.

Variations and Substitutions

Switch Up Your Potato Skins

When making TGI Friday’s potato skins, there are plenty of ways you can switch things up to keep them exciting.

Try Pizza Potato Skins

One variation you might try is pizza potato skins, by filling them with mozzarella and pepperoni and serving with marinara sauce.

Go Vegetarian with Southwestern Style

For a vegetarian twist, consider adding black beans, corn, and avocado for a southwestern style.

Add a Garlic Twist

Another tasty option is garlic potato skins. You can roast garlic alongside the potatoes for an added burst of flavor.

Spice It Up

If you’re in the mood for something a bit spicy, some chopped jalapeños will give your skins a nice kick!

Substitute Cheddar Cheese

Don’t have cheddar cheese on hand? You can easily substitute it with any melting cheese like mozzarella or gouda.

Experiment with Herbs and Spices

Feel free to experiment with different herbs and spices, such as paprika or chives, for even more flavor.

Mix and Match

Mix and match the fillings and toppings to suit your personal preferences and enjoy!

How to Store Leftover TGI Friday’s Baked Potato Skins

Make sure to cool the potato skins thoroughly before storing them in the fridge.

Letting them sit at room temperature for a bit does the trick!

Use an airtight container or a zip-lock bag to keep the leftover potato skins fresh.

This avoids them absorbing any unwanted odors from the fridge.

Refrigerator Storage

Place the cooled potato skins in your container and seal it tightly.

Storing them this way keeps them fresh for up to 3 days.

When you open the fridge, you’ll be glad to see those tasty treats waiting!

Freezing Instructions

If you don’t plan to eat them soon, then freezing is a great option.

Lay them on a baking sheet so they aren’t touching and freeze them until solid.

Once they’re frozen, transfer them to an airtight container or freezer bag, and they’ll be good for several weeks.

Thawing Potato Skins

To enjoy your frozen potato skins, take them out and thaw them in the refrigerator.

This way, they gradually come back to life without any texture issues.

Once thawed, they’re ready for reheating whenever hunger strikes!

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Incorrect Oven Temperature

Make sure your oven is set to the right temperature before you start baking.

If the temperature is too high, the potato skins can become too crispy and hard.

A lower temperature might result in them being too soft.

Overfilling the Skins

It can be tempting to load up on toppings but be careful not to overfill the potato skins.

Too many toppings can lead to soggy bottoms, making them difficult to handle.

Stick to a balanced amount for the best texture.

Improper Seasoning

Don’t forget to season the potato skins adequately as this step is crucial for flavor.

Using too little seasoning can make them taste bland.

Use just the right amount to enhance the dish without overwhelming it.