Crispy Baked Potato Skins

I received an urgent text message from Sarah today.  "I'm totally in a food funk.  Please email me some easy cheap recipes."  Sarah - this is for you, and your roommates, and your boyfriend, and any other lucky person you choose to invite to dinner.  Have them each bring an ingredient and cheap will take on a new meaning.


Crispy Baked Potato Skins:
adapted from allrecipes.com


4 russet potatoes, scrubbed very clean
3 tablespoons butter
1 tablespoon grated Parmesan cheese
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
1/4 teaspoon paprika
1/8 teaspoon pepper


Preheat oven to 475 degrees.  Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.


Pierce the potatoes several times with a fork.  Place on a paper towel and microwave until very tender.  Cut the hot potatoes in half and let cool for 5 or 10 minutes.  While the potatoes are cooling, melt the butter and combine with Parmesan cheese and spices.


When cool enough to handle, scoop all but about 1/4 inch of potato flesh out of skins, being careful to leave skin intact.  Use the insides for something else, like potato soup.  Brush inside and outside of potato skins with butter mixture.


Place potatoes on prepared baking sheet and bake for 7 minutes.  Turn potatoes over and bake for 7 more minutes, or until brown and crispy but not burnt.  Remove from oven and stuff potatoes with delicious fillings.  Return potatoes to oven for 1 to 2 minutes to warm the stuffing and melt the cheese.


Here are some suggestions:


The Classic:
cooked and crumbled bacon
shredded cheddar cheese
sour cream
green onions


The Buffalo Chicken:
shredded rotisserie chicken
buffalo hot sauce
ranch dressing
blue cheese
celery


The Barbecued Chicken
shredded rotisserie chicken tossed with barbecue sauce
grilled or caramelized onions
mozzarella cheese (smoked, if possible)


The Tex-Mex
shredded rotisserie chicken tossed with salsa
shredded cheddar cheese
sour cream
guacamole


The Reuben
deli pastrami (turkey or beef)
sauerkraut
thousand island or french dressing
swiss cheese




So, there you have it Sarah: 5 cheap and easy recipes!


Friends, I would love more ideas, so if you are feeling creative, please post a comment and I will update the list.