Smoked Potato Skins

Crispy, smoky Smoked Potato Skins made on the pellet grill—smoke whole russets, crisp the shells, then load with bacon, cheddar, sour cream, and green onions. A crowd-pleasing tailgate appetizer with easy make-ahead and reheat tips.

When it comes to dining out, we always look forward to the appetizers, especially potato skins. The outside is always crispy and seasoned to perfection, while the inside has just the right amount of fluffy potato and loaded with cheese and bacon. Potatoes, cheese, and bacon is possibly the greatest combination out there!

Our version of homemade potato skins is even better because we cook them in the smoker giving them an irresistible smoky flavor. Making your own restaurant-quality appetizers at home is a game changer and this loaded potato skins recipe will not disappoint.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Smoked potato skins are super easy to make with minimal ingredients.
• You can eat them with your hands making them the perfect finger food for parties.
• Whether you raid the fridge and get creative with toppings or stick to the classic sour cream and green onion, this is a versatile appetizer.

Ingredients For Smoked Potato Skins

• Potatoes – Use russet potatoes because they are nice and sturdy and the skin will get nice and crispy.
• Seasonings – My go-to mixture of seasonings for these potatoes is a combination of sea salt, garlic powder and ground black pepper.
• Olive oil – Brush the potatoes with oil and seasonings to ensure a crispy, delicious skin.
• Bacon – Get extra fancy and throw some Smoked Bacon on that smoker while you are smoking some potatoes!
• Toppings – We love topping potato skins with cheddar cheese, sour cream and diced green onions.

More Topping Ideas

There are so many options for these Potato Skins. You can easily change up the flavor by adding different toppings. Here’s some great inspiration.

• Sliced jalapeños
• Pulled Pork
• Taco Meat
• Leftover Brisket
• Salsa
• Pico de gallo
• Guacamole
• Chicken Taco Meat

How to Make Smoked Potato Skins

Combine olive oil, sea salt, garlic powder and pepper. Brush on clean, pierced potatoes. Save remaining olive oil mixture for later.

Place potatoes on smoker for about 3 hours or until soft and fork tender.

Remove cooked potatoes from the smoker and allow to cool until safe to handle.

Cut potatoes in half lengthwise. Scoop out the pulp, making sure to leave about 1/4” shell. Brush reserved olive oil mixture on flesh of potatoes. Place them directly on the smoker rack with the skin side down. Smoke for about 15 minutes or until shells are crispy.

Sprinkle bacon and shredded cheese on skins, close smoker lid until cheese is melted, about 5 minutes.

Remove and top with sour cream and green onions. Serve immediately.

Fire up that smoker and make this tasty appetizer today. It’s family-friendly and great for any get together.

Storage And Reheating

Fridge: Smoked potato skins are best enjoyed fresh but if there are leftovers, store in an airtight container for up to 2 days.

Freezer: Let cool completely, store in an airtight container, separate layers with parchment paper.

Reheat leftover smoked potato skins in the oven or air fryer for a nice crispy skin. The microwave will work but might make them a little softer.

How To Serve Smoked Potato Skins

Set up a topping bar, just like if you made baked potatoes, so everyone can customize their potato skins appetizer. Offering dips like Ranch, BBQ sauce and aioli give everyone a chance to try something a little different with their smoked potato skins, too.

We love serving these along side our favorite Pulled Pork on a bun or even topping the potato skins themselves with pulled pork! A few more great recipes to pair them with is our Beer Can Chicken, hearty Stuffed Bacon Cheeseburgers or Blackstone Chicken Wings.

More Great Appetizer Ideas

• If salty appetizers are your thing make sure to make a batch of Smoked Snack Mix for your next cookout. A classic mix of Cheez-It crackers, pretzels, Bugles and cereal are tossed in seasoned butter before being smoked.
• You can never go wrong with Bacon Wrapped Jalapeno Poppers at a party! Whether you choose to grill or bake them, these spicy little numbers with a creamy middle will be the first dish to disappear.
• These bite sized Poor Man’s Burnt Ends will have everyone fighting over the serving dish. This recipe is just as tasty but more budget friendly than a brisket.
• Just when you thought Little Smokies couldn’t get better we went and added bacon to them. Great at home or at the tailgate, this appetizer is a crowd-pleaser.