Chili cheese tater skins are a fun and tasty treat! Crispy potato skins are loaded with yummy chili and melted cheese. Perfect for parties, game days, or just a cozy night in!
Who can resist that crispy goodness topped with warm chili? I like to add a bit of sour cream for extra flavor—I mean, why not make it even better? 😋
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Russet Potatoes: These potatoes are perfect for tater skins due to their sturdy skin and fluffy interior. If you want a healthier option, try sweet potatoes for a twist!
Ground Beef: I love using ground beef for a meaty filling, but ground turkey or chicken work well too if you’re looking for a lighter option.
Chili Beans: Canned chili beans save time, but if you want a homemade touch, you can make your own chili with beans and spices. Black beans or kidney beans are good swaps if that’s what you have!
Cheddar Cheese: Sharp cheddar gives great flavor. If you’re not a fan of strong cheese, try mild cheddar or even mozzarella for a creamier texture.
How Do I Get My Potato Skins Extra Crispy?
Getting those potato skins super crispy adds a great crunch! Here’s how:
- After baking the potatoes and scooping out the flesh, brush them with olive oil before the second baking. This helps crisp them up.
- Make sure to bake them cut side down for a few minutes after scooping to get that nice golden color.
Just take your time and keep an eye on them in the oven; nobody wants burnt skins! Enjoy making your chili cheese tater skins extra delightful!
Chili Cheese Tater Skins
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Tater Skins:
- 3 large russet potatoes
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt, to taste
For the Chili Filling:
- 1/2 pound ground beef
- 1/2 cup onion, finely chopped
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1 cup canned chili beans (with sauce)
- 1/2 cup canned diced tomatoes (optional)
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper, to taste
For Topping:
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 2 green onions, sliced, for garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious recipe takes about 1 hour and 15 minutes in total. You’ll spend around 15 minutes prepping and cooking the filling, and the potatoes will take about 50-60 minutes to bake. After that, just give them a quick bake with the filling and cheese for perfection!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Potatoes:
First, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Let’s give those potatoes a good clean by scrubbing them under running water. Once they’re nice and clean, dry them off with a paper towel. Next, use a fork to pierce each potato several times. This helps the steam escape while cooking. Rub the potatoes with olive oil and sprinkle with salt to taste.
2. Bake the Potatoes:
Place the prepared potatoes directly on the oven rack and bake them for about 50-60 minutes. Keep an eye on them and check that they’re nice and soft inside with a crisp skin when done.
3. Scoop and Crisp:
After they cool slightly, carefully cut each potato in half lengthwise. Scoop out the flesh, leaving about 1/4 inch of potato on the skin. This makes sure your skins stay sturdy. Don’t forget to save the scooped-out potato for another dish! Brush the potato skins with olive oil and return them to the oven for 10 more minutes to crisp them up nicely.
4. Make the Chili Filling:
While the skins are crisping, let’s prepare the chili filling! In a skillet set to medium heat, cook the ground beef with the chopped onion and garlic until the beef is nicely browned. Make sure to stir it around so it cooks evenly!
5. Season and Simmer:
Now, stir in the chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, along with some salt and pepper. Then add in the chili beans and diced tomatoes if you’re using them. Let everything simmer together for about 5 minutes until it thickens a bit.
6. Fill and Bake Again:
Time to fill those tater skins! Spoon the chili mixture generously into each potato skin and top them off with a sprinkle of shredded cheddar cheese. Pop them back in the oven for 10-15 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
7. Garnish and Serve:
Once they’re out of the oven, let’s make them look fancy! Top each tater skin with a dollop of sour cream and a sprinkle of sliced green onions. Serve them warm and enjoy your tasty chili cheese tater skins!
img src=”https://simplytastylife.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/chili-cheese-tater-skins.webp” alt=””>
Can I Use Different Types of Potatoes for This Recipe?
Absolutely! While russet potatoes are ideal for their fluffy texture and sturdy skin, you can use Yukon gold or sweet potatoes for a different flavor profile. Just keep in mind that cooking times may vary slightly.
What Can I Substitute for Ground Beef?
If you’re looking for a healthier option or a different flavor, ground turkey or chicken work well as substitutions. You could also try a plant-based meat alternative if you’re making this vegetarian. Just adjust the seasoning as necessary!
How Do I Store Leftover Tater Skins?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes until heated through, keeping the skin crisp.
Can I Prepare the Chili Filling Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can make the chili filling in advance! Just refrigerate it after cooking and reheat on the stovetop before filling the potato skins. This can save you time on the day you plan to serve these delicious tater skins!
