Baked Potato Skins Mac and Cheese Recipe (2024)

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Baked Potato Skins Mac and Cheese Recipe (1)Football season wouldn’t be football season, without a few hearty snacks to go along with it. Today I’ve combined two of the most comforting dishes I know, Baked Potato Skins and traditional Baked Mac and Cheese into one glorious meal! Introducing ourBaked Potato Skins Mac and Cheese Recipe.

Baked Potato Skins Mac and Cheese Recipe (2)

No, this is not overkill. I promise it’s not.

If you are going to take the time to make homemade baked Mac and Cheese with fresh creamy cheese sauce, you need a killer crust to top it. And what better “crust” than a cheesy potato skins recipe?

You can’t argue with that.

Baked Potato Skins Mac and Cheese Recipe (3)

It all started with a bag of the cutest baby golden potatoes.

They were just begging to be turned into something extravagant. Something with a bit of wow-factor.

So I roasted them, halved them, scooped out most of the flesh, and brushed them with oil. Then I gave each tiny potato skin a little kiss of cream cheese.

Baked Potato Skins Mac and Cheese Recipe (4)

Rich savory cheese sauce made with more cream cheese, cheddar, and sour cream, replicates the flavors in a baked potato skins recipe.

Baked Potato Skins Mac and Cheese Recipe (5)

Then stir in cooked macaroni, crumbled bacon and green onions.

Baked Potato Skins Mac and Cheese Recipe (6)

Finally sprinkle the leftover bits of golden potato over the top, arrange the potato skins, and sprinkle with even more cheese.

Baked Potato Skins Mac and Cheese Recipe (7)

Bake and sigh…

Baked Potato Skins Mac and Cheese Recipe (8)

You want this. You really want this.

And after months of light healthy summer meals, this is the time to splurge a little on thisBaked Potato Skins Mac and Cheese Recipe.

Baked Potato Skins Mac and Cheese Recipe (9)

More Cozy Pasta Dishes:

Veggie Lo Mein

Buffalo Chicken Mac and Cheese

Speedy Beef Stroganoff

Creamy Avocado Pasta ~ The Comfort of Cooking

Cheesy Chicken Southwest Pasta Casserole ~ Lauren’s Latest

Broccoli Mac and Cheese ~ White on Rice

Baked Potato Skins Mac and Cheese Recipe (10)

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5 stars (1 review)

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Prep Time: 25 minutes minutes

Cook Time: 50 minutes minutes

Total Time: 1 hour hour 15 minutes minutes

Baked Potato Skins and traditional Baked Mac and Cheese in one glorious meal! Introducing ourBaked Potato Skins Mac and Cheese Recipe.

Servings: 8

Ingredients

US Customary - Metric

  • 24 ounces baby golden potatoes
  • 2 tablespoons vegetable oil divided
  • 1 pound elbow macaroni
  • 3 tablespoons butter
  • 1 tablespoons flour
  • 2 1/2 cups milk
  • 1 cup sour cream
  • 1 1/3 pounds shredded cheddar cheese divided
  • 10 ounces cream cheese divided
  • 12 ounces bacon fried and crumbled, divided
  • 1 cup chopped green onions divided
  • Cayenne pepper
  • Salt and pepper

Instructions

  • Preheat the oven to 450 degrees F. Place the potatoes on a baking sheet and drizzle with 1 tablespoon of oil. Salt and pepper liberally and shake the pan a little to coat them with oil. Roast for 30 minutes, or until cooked through. Then set aside to cool.

  • Meanwhile, cook the macaroni in a large pot of salted water, according to package instructions. Drain and set aside in a colander.

  • Using the same pot, melt the butter over medium-high heat. Once melted whisk in the flour and cook the roux (butter-flour mixture) for 1 minute. Then whisk in the milk and add the sour cream and 8 ounces cream cheese. Bring to a simmer and whisk until the mixture is thick and smooth.Add 1 pound shredded cheddar and whisk until smooth. Then add a dash or two of cayenne pepper and salt and pepper to taste.

  • Pour the cooked macaroni, 2/3 cup crumbled bacon, and 2/3 cup green onions into the cheese sauce. Stir to coat.Pour the macaroni into a 9x13-inch baking dish and set aside.

For the Potato Skins:

  • Preheat the oven to Broil. Cut each potato in half lengthwise. carefully scoop of most of the flesh, leaving just a little potato attached to the skin. Reserve the crumbled potato flesh.

  • Brush the potato skins with oil. With the remaining 2 ounces of cream cheese, place a scant 1/2 tsp dollop of cream cheese in each potato skin.

  • Sprinkle the crumbled potato over the mac and cheese. Then arrange the potato skins over the top. Sprinkle the remaining 1/4 pound shredded cheddar over the potato skins and add pepper to taste.

  • For creamy baked mac and cheese, place the baked mac and cheese in the oven under the broiler for 2-3 minutes, watch carefully. You want the cheese to melt and the tops to toast, but not burn.For more a traditional "firm" baked mac and cheese recipe, turn the oven to 400 degrees, and bake for 20 minutes until the tops are golden.Once out of the oven, sprinkle the remaining green onions and bacon over the top and serve warm.

Nutrition

Serving: 1serving, Calories: 993kcal, Carbohydrates: 64g, Protein: 40g, Fat: 64g, Saturated Fat: 35g, Cholesterol: 160mg, Sodium: 1025mg, Potassium: 899mg, Fiber: 4g, Sugar: 9g, Vitamin A: 1525IU, Vitamin C: 12.3mg, Calcium: 765mg, Iron: 4.6mg

Course: Main Course, Pasta

Cuisine: American

Author: Sommer Collier

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Baked Potato Skins Mac and Cheese Recipe (2024)

FAQs

Why are my potato skins not crispy? ›

If you oil them up early, the skins may not turn crispy. The salt, too, can run off the potatoes in the heat. Instead, do a quick oil baste after the potatoes reach 205°F: Remove the pan from the oven. Brush with olive oil (or bacon grease if you have it) and a hefty sprinkle of kosher salt.

Why isn t my baked mac and cheese creamy? ›

Don't skimp on the milk or butter as those ingredients help keep the cooked macaroni ultra-rich and creamy. Use full-fat milk for creamiest results. Also, avoid overbaking, as that will dry out your mac and cheese.

Are baked potato skins healthy to eat? ›

To get the most antioxidants, leave the skins on and choose colorful varieties like red and purple potatoes. The more color, the more antioxidants. Plus, the skin of some potatoes can have up to 12 times more antioxidants than the flesh. Baked potato skin is a great source of potassium and magnesium.

How does Gordon Ramsay make the best mac and cheese? ›

Preparation
  1. In a large pot over medium heat, combine the pasta and milk. ...
  2. Once the pasta is cooked, remove the pan from the heat and add the butter, cheddar cheese, salt, and pepper. ...
  3. Divide between serving bowls and top with the bread crumbs.
  4. Enjoy!
  5. All your favorite recipes, stored in one place.
May 4, 2023

Is it better to bake a potato at 350 or 400? ›

We recommend baking potatoes at 400 degrees F for about an hour. Smaller spuds might take a little less time, while larger baking potatoes over 1 pound might take a little more. For a fully baked Idaho Russet Burbank, the internal temperature should be right at 210 degrees F.

Why does vinegar make potatoes crispy? ›

The acid in the vinegar can also help to slightly break down the surface of the potatoes, aiding in the development of a crispier texture during frying. Additionally, the vinegar can contribute to a golden-brown color on the exterior of the fries.

What not to do when making mac and cheese? ›

Here's what several experts say are the biggest mistakes when it comes to making macaroni and cheese at home and how to avoid making them.
  1. Using Only Cheddar cheese. ...
  2. Not Adding Spice and Seasoning with Salt. ...
  3. Choosing the Wrong Pasta. ...
  4. Overcooking. ...
  5. Skimping on the Toppings.
May 21, 2020

Why do people use evaporated milk in mac and cheese? ›

The second big key was to use evaporated milk as the base liquid. Evaporated milk is a highly concentrated source of milk protein micelles—bundles of proteins that can act as powerful emulsifying agents—which help to keep the sauce creamy and smooth.

What cheese to avoid for mac and cheese? ›

Dry, crumbly cheeses like feta or cotija are not ideal. With their high moisture levels, they don't melt properly and will leave you with clumps of cheese instead of a smooth sauce.

Are potato skins healthier than fries? ›

Baked potatoes offer more nutritional value than fries because they still have skin. Potato skins are the most nutrient-dense part of a baked potato. Another benefit of heart-healthy baked potatoes is that they are not deep-fried in oil and grease like french fries.

Can dogs eat potato skin? ›

Can Dogs Eat Potato Skins? A little potato skin is ok, but it's better to share potatoes with the skin removed. Potato skins are high in oxalates, and if your dog gets a lot of oxalates (like if he eats half his weight in skin-on potatoes–which is a lot!) that might cause some kidney problems.

What are the 3 best cheeses for mac and cheese? ›

What Is the Best Cheese for Mac and Cheese? Sharp cheddar is the overwhelming popular choice, but for extra-creamy results, we think medium cheddar is even better. Other delicious options include Gruyère, smoked Gouda, and Monterey Jack.

What can I add to mac and cheese to make it tastier? ›

8 Ways to Elevate Your Macaroni and Cheese Dinners
  1. Add extra cheese to your dish.
  2. Mix in some hot sauce and chicken to make buffalo chicken mac n' cheese.
  3. Add in vegetables like broccoli, cauliflower and spinach.
  4. Sprinkle some bacon bits or breadcrumbs on the top of your dish.
  5. Add spices and fresh herbs to your dish.
May 21, 2022

Why are my potatoes not getting crispy? ›

If roasted potatoes lack their crunchy sheen, overcrowding is usually the culprit. Just as overcrowding bacon or mushrooms in a saucepan causes disappointingly mushy results, placing potatoes too close to each other on a baking sheet will prevent them from crisping while they roast.

Why are my potatoes still crunchy after cooking? ›

If the potato cubes were too large or unevenly cut, this might result in some pieces remaining crunchy. Crockpot Temperature: Crockpots can cook at varying temperatures, even on the same setting. If your crockpot is not heating evenly or maintaining a consistent temperature, it might have resulted in uneven cooking.

Why are my potato chips not crispy? ›

If your oil is too hot, the chips will burn. If the oil is too cold, the chips will become soggy. Sheet Pan with Paper Towels: A sheet pan with paper towels sops up the extra oil and keeps your potato chips crisp and not soggy. Parchment paper can also be used, but it won't soak up the oil as well as paper towels.

Why do my potatoes have rough skin? ›

Common scab and powdery scab are bacterial and 'fungal' diseases of potato skins, causing rough, scabby patches.

References

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