Italian Potato Skins

Crispy, cheesy, and bursting with bold Italian flavors, these Italian Potato Skins are the ultimate fusion of comfort food and Mediterranean cuisine. Perfectly baked russet potatoes are scooped, seasoned with garlic and olive oil, and roasted until golden and crisp. Then, they’re filled with zesty marinara sauce, ooey-gooey mozzarella, and a sprinkle of Parmesan for a savory, melty center. Topped with fresh basil and a hint of optional red pepper flakes for a touch of heat, these potato skins are ideal as a crowd-pleasing appetizer, a fun snack, or even a light meal. Ready in under an hour, this recipe combines simplicity and taste, offering a fresh twist on a classic bar food favorite. Serve with extra marinara on the side for dipping, and watch these irresistible bites disappear in no time!

Nutriscore Rating: 79/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:50 mins

Total Time:65 mins

Servings: 8

Ingredients

• 4 large Russet potatoes
• 2 tablespoons Olive oil
• 1 teaspoon Salt
• 0.5 teaspoon Ground black pepper
• 1 teaspoon Garlic powder
• 0.75 cup Marinara sauce
• 1 cup Shredded mozzarella cheese
• 0.25 cup Grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 tablespoons Chopped fresh basil
• 0.25 teaspoon Red pepper flakes (optional)

Directions

Step 1

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or aluminum foil.

Step 2

Scrub the russet potatoes under running water and pat them dry with a clean kitchen towel.

Step 3

Pierce each potato a few times with a fork to allow steam to escape and bake them on the prepared baking sheet for 40-45 minutes, or until they are tender when pierced with a knife.

Step 4

Remove the potatoes from the oven and let them cool for about 10 minutes, until they are safe to handle.

Step 5

Slice each potato in half lengthwise and use a spoon to carefully scoop out most of the flesh, leaving about 1/4-inch layer of potato inside the skins. Save the scooped potato flesh for another use, such as mashed potatoes.

Step 6

Brush the insides and outsides of the potato skins with olive oil, and sprinkle them evenly with salt, black pepper, and garlic powder.

Step 7

Place the potato skins cut side down on the baking sheet and return them to the oven. Bake for 10 minutes to crisp up the skins.

Step 8

Flip the potato skins cut side up and fill each one with a spoonful of marinara sauce. Sprinkle mozzarella cheese evenly over the top, followed by Parmesan cheese.

Step 9

Return the filled potato skins to the oven and bake for an additional 5-7 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Step 10

Remove the potato skins from the oven and sprinkle them with chopped fresh basil and a pinch of red pepper flakes, if desired.

Step 11

Serve immediately while hot, alongside additional marinara sauce for dipping if preferred.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	1556.4 grams (1556.4g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	1933

Total Fat 61.10g	78%
Saturated Fat 22.80g	114%
Polyunsaturated Fat 2.70g
Cholesterol 100mg	33%
Sodium 3860mg	168%
Total Carbohydrate 276.60g	101%
Dietary Fiber 23.00g	82%
Total Sugars 17.60g
Protein 73.10g	146%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 1243mg	96%
Iron 15mg	83%
Potassium 6773mg	144%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 28.2%

Protein: 15.0%

Carbs: 56.8%