Fire up the Traeger! These Smoked Potato Skins will take your game-day appetizers to a whole new level. Super easy and oh-so-delicious, too!
Take your appetizer game to a whole new level with these Smoked Potato Skins! Combining the smoky flavor of a grill with the comforting familiarity of potato skins, this recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.
A huge hit for game day, a cozy night in, or a festive backyard barbecue, these smoked potato skins are sure to impress your guests. This is not like other potato recipes.
Today we’re going to take the average, everyday potato skins that so many people enjoy and make them into something truly amazing!
Smoked Potato Skins bring a new twist to a classic appetizer. They’re simple to prepare, yet impressive in flavor, making them a perfect choice for any gathering or meal.
The smoky, crispy potato skin wrapped around the bacon and cheese is oh-so-satisfying. So, fire up that smoker and get ready to enjoy the unique, delicious flavor of Smoked Potato Skins! Happy smoking!
Smoked Potatoes
Common Questions About Smoked Potato Skins
Can I Use Any Type of Potato for Smoked Potato Skins?
While you can experiment with different types, russet potatoes are recommended for their high starch content. The starch is a large part of what makes them ideal for baking and smoking. They also have thick skins that hold up well to the smoking process.
Do I Need to Oil and Salt the Potatoes Before Smoking?
Yes, drizzling the potatoes with olive oil and sprinkling them with kosher salt before smoking enhances their flavor and gives them a beautiful golden-brown color. They should look just as delicious as they taste!
Can I Smoke the Potatoes Ahead of Time and Reheat Them?
Yes, smoked potato skins reheat well in the oven or air fryer. However, for the best texture and flavor, it’s recommended to serve them fresh off the grill!
Storage
Smoking will give great flavor to just about anything you cook! Potato skins are especially good at soaking up that smoky aroma.
Refrigerator
Store any leftover smoked potato skins in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
Freezer
To freeze smoked potato skins, allow them to cool completely. Then place them on a rimmed baking sheet and freeze until solid before transferring them to an airtight container or freezer bag.
This way, they freeze individually instead of in a big lump. They can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months and reheated in the oven or air fryer.
Tips
Try using a pastry brush to spread the oil evenly across the potato skins. Leverage your tools to make the work go easier!
- Ensure your smoker is preheated to the correct temperature before adding your potatoes.
- Drizzle the potatoes with olive oil and sprinkle them with kosher salt before smoking to enhance their flavor.
- Allow the potatoes to cool for 15 minutes after smoking and before scooping out the flesh to prevent burning your hands.
- Fill the potato cups with a generous amount of cheese for the ultimate cheesy, melty potato skins.
Ingredients
The melty cheese inside these potato skins will absorb that smoke and make your mouth water with every bite! This takes a regular old baked potato and turns it into an experience you won’t soon forget.
- Russet potatoes
- Olive oil
- Kosher salt
- Shredded cheese (a combination of mild cheddar and Colby jack)
- Bacon
- Sour cream
- Chives
- Green onions
How to Make Smoked Potato Skins
The high heat at the second stage gives the potatoes some extra crispness and lets the cheese get that smoky goodness. In the end, you’ll have a cheesy, smoky potato mixture the whole family will love.
I personally like to use a charcoal grill smoker but any type will do!
- Preheat the smoker to 250 degrees F.
- Wash the potatoes and place them on a baking sheet.
- Drizzle them on both sides with oil and sprinkle them with salt.
- Place the oiled potatoes on the smoker and let them cook for 2 hours or until fork tender.
- Remove the cooked potatoes from the smoker and allow them to rest for 15 minutes.
- Slice potatoes in half lengthwise and scoop out the flesh of the potatoes, leaving about ⅛ inch of potato with the skin.
- Fill the cavity with shredded cheese.
- Raise the temperature of the smoker to 400°F and return the potato skins to the smoker and continue cooking them for 20-30 minutes or until the cheese is melted.
- Serve with your favorite toppings.
- Store any leftovers in the refrigerator.
Kitchen Supplies You’ll Need for Smoked Potato Skins
Bacon! Let’s not forget about the wonderful smoky bacon flavor you’ll get with this dish. It makes my mouth water just thinking about it!
- Smoker or pellet grill
- Baking sheet
- Cutting board
- Large spoon or scoop for hollowing out potatoes
- Knife for slicing the potatoes
What to Serve With Smoked Potato Skins
Smoked potato skins make a really great appetizer or side dish for any meaty main course. Try serving them alongside smoked ribs, grilled steak, or chicken wings. For a lighter combo, a crisp green salad or grilled vegetables also pair well.
Why You Should Make Smoked Potato Skins
Get out your big bag of Idaho potatoes and let’s get smoking! Your dinner guests will love these golden brown, cheesy, bacon-filled, smoked delights!
- Can Be Changed to Your Liking: Smoked potato skins can be customized with any number of delicious toppings.
- Big Time Crowd Pleaser: This recipe is sure to be a hit at your next party, game day, or family gathering.
- Super Easy to Make: With just a few simple steps, you can create a gourmet version of this classic appetizer.
- Mouth-Watering Delicious: The smoky flavor of the potatoes pairs perfectly with the melted cheese and savory toppings, making for a mouthwatering bite every time.
Variations and Add-Ins for Smoked Potato Skins
The smoke flavor in this dish can go really well with a variety of foods. Try adding some garlic powder or onion powder. Or check out these next ideas and make it your own!
- BBQ Pulled Pork Potato Skins: Add some leftover pulled pork and drizzle with homemade BBQ sauce for a meaty twist.
- Veggie Potato Skins: Substitute traditional bacon with grilled vegetables for a lighter, but delicious option.
- Spicy Potato Skins: Top your smoked potato skins with a drizzle of hot sauce or a sprinkle of cayenne and black pepper for a spicy kick.
- Change up the cheese: If you’re not a fan of cheddar cheese and colby jack, try out some provolone or other cheeses. Make it into what you want!
Traeger Potato Skins
If you love this easy smoked appetizer recipe, you’re going to love these other smoker appetizer recipes too. Please click each link below to find the easy, printable recipe!
More Awesome Potato Recipes
Air Fryer Parmesan Roasted Potatoes
If you love this recipe for Smoked Potato Skins as much as I do, please write a five-star review, and be sure to help me share on Facebook and Pinterest!
CONNECT WITH YUMMI HAUS!
Be sure to follow me on my social media, so you never miss a post!
Smoked Potato Skins
Ingredients
- 8 russet potatoes
- olive oil
- kosher salt
- shredded cheese your favorite, we used a combination of mild cheddar and colby jack
toppings
bacon, cooked and crumbled
sour cream
chives
green onions
Instructions
- Preheat the smoker to 250°F.
- Wash the potatoes and place them on a baking sheet.
- Drizzle them on both sides with oil and sprinkle them with salt.
- Place the oiled potatoes on the smoker and let them cook for 2 hours or until fork tender.
- Remove the cooked potatoes from the smoker and allow them to rest for 15 minutes.
- Slice potatoes in half lengthwise and scoop out the flesh of the potatoes, leaving about ⅛ inch of potato with the skin.
- Fill the cavity with shredded cheese.
- Raise the temperature of the smoker to 400°F and return the potato skins to the smoker and continue cooking them for 20-30 minutes or until the cheese is melted.
- Serve with your favorite toppings.
- Store any leftovers in the refrigerator.
Notes
Equipment
- electric smoker/ Traeger
Nutrition
Nutritional information for the recipe is provided as a courtesy and is approximate. Please double-check with your own dietary calculator for the best accuracy. We at Yummi Haus cannot guarantee the accuracy of the nutritional information given for any recipe on this site.
April says
I swear, is there anything that isn’t made better by being done in the smoker? These were incredible!
Melissa says
10/10 everyone loved your recipe. Perfect for game day! We’ll be making them again soon.
Janelle says
Wow, the smoker really does a lot for the flavor of the potatoes. It was so tasty!!
Sandra says
These smoked potato skins are so good! Bursting with flavors in every bite!
Erin | Dinners, Dishes and Dessert says
Absolutely delicious! I made this and everyone loves it!
Tisha says
Love these for a game day! Great appetizer
Allyson Zea says
Absolutely delicious!! My family asks for this on a regular basis!!