Copycat TGI Fridays Loaded Potato Skins Recipe You Can Make At Home

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TGI Friday’s Copycat Loaded Potato Skins (Easy Game Day Appetizer!)

If you love sinking your teeth into crispy, cheesy, bacon-packed potato skins at TGI Friday’s, you’re in the right place. These copycat TGI Friday’s Loaded Potato Skins are crunchy on the outside, soft and fluffy inside, and piled high with gooey cheese, smoky bacon, and cool sour cream. The best part? You can make them at home with simple ingredients and basic tools. Let’s walk through it step-by-step so you can serve a restaurant-style appetizer right from your own oven.

A Little Background: TGI Friday’s & Their Famous Loaded Potato Skins

TGI Friday’s is known across the USA for casual, fun dining—think sports on TV, crowds cheering, and big plates of comfort food. Over the years, their Loaded Potato Skins have become one of those “must-order” appetizers: hot, salty, cheesy, and perfect for sharing. Crispy potato shells cradle melted cheddar cheese, crumbled bacon, and a sprinkle of green onion. When you dip a hot, crunchy skin into cool, tangy sour cream, you get that mix of textures and flavors—crisp, creamy, smoky, and just a little salty—that keeps you going back for “one more piece.”
Please note: TGI Fridays® Loaded Potato Skins is a menu item and brand owned by TGI Fridays Inc. This recipe is a homemade interpretation, not the original proprietary recipe, and is not endorsed by or affiliated with TGI Fridays.

Copycat TGI Friday’s Loaded Potato Skins Recipe

Crispy loaded potato skins topped with melted cheddar cheese, bacon, and green onions, served with sour cream — TGI Friday’s copycat recipe.
Crispy loaded potato skins topped with melted cheddar, smoky bacon, and green onions—just like TGI Friday’s, made fresh at home

This version sticks to classic flavors and easy steps, using ingredients you can find at any grocery store. It’s perfect for game day, movie night, or any time you want a bar-style appetizer at home.

Recipe Overview

  • Servings: 6 servings (about 2 potato skins per person)
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes (plus baking time for potatoes)
  • Cook Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
  • Total Time: About 1 hour 35 minutes

Ingredients

For the Potato Skins For the Toppings
  • 1 1/2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese (about 6 ounces)
  • 6 slices bacon, cooked crisp and crumbled
  • 1/3 cup sliced green onions (about 3–4 green onions)
  • 1 cup sour cream (for topping and dipping)
Optional Garnishes

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Bake the Potatoes

1. Preheat the oven to 400°F. Line a baking sheet with foil or parchment for easy cleanup.
2. Prep the potatoes: Rub the clean, dry potatoes with vegetable oil and sprinkle lightly with salt.
3. Bake: Place directly on the baking sheet and bake for 50–60 minutes, or until the skins are crisp and a fork slides into the center easily.
  • If you have a food thermometer, the internal temperature should be around 205–210°F for a fluffy inside.
4. Let the potatoes cool just until they’re safe to handle, about 10–15 minutes.

Step 2: Cook the Bacon

1. While the potatoes bake, cook the bacon in a skillet over medium heat until crisp.
2. Transfer to a paper towel–lined plate to drain.
3. Once cool, crumble or chop into small pieces and set aside.

Step 3: Scoop Out the Potatoes

1. Reduce oven temperature to 375°F.
2. Slice each potato in half lengthwise.
3. Using a spoon, gently scoop out most of the fluffy potato, leaving about 1/4 inch attached to the skin.
  • Be careful not to scoop too much or the skins may tear.
4. Save the scooped-out potato for mashed potatoes or another recipe.

Step 4: Season and Crisp the Skins

1. Place the hollowed potato halves cut-side up on the baking sheet.
2. Brush the inside and outside of each potato skin with a little more oil.
3. Sprinkle evenly with salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
4. Bake for 8–10 minutes, then flip and bake another 5–7 minutes.
  • The goal is golden, slightly crisp edges that will stand up to the toppings.

Step 5: Add Cheese and Bacon

1. Flip the skins so they’re cut-side up again.
2. Divide the shredded cheddar evenly among the potato skins.
3. Top each with crumbled bacon.
4. Return to the oven for 5–8 minutes, or until the cheese is fully melted and bubbling.

Step 6: Garnish & Serve

1. Remove from the oven and let cool for 2–3 minutes so nobody burns their mouth.
2. Sprinkle with sliced green onions and any extra chives.
3. Serve hot with a generous bowl of sour cream on the side, plus hot sauce or ranch if you like.

Food Safety Tips

  • Wash and scrub potatoes well to remove dirt before baking.
  • Cook bacon to at least 145°F and until crisp; avoid undercooked pork.
  • Keep sour cream refrigerated until serving and refrigerate leftovers within 2 hours.
  • Reheat leftovers to at least 165°F before eating.

Approximate Nutrition Per Serving

These numbers are estimates and will vary based on brands and exact amounts used. Per serving (about 2 loaded potato skins):
  • Calories: ~420
  • Protein: ~16 g
  • Carbohydrates: ~34 g
  • Fat: ~24 g
  • Saturated Fat: ~11 g
  • Fiber: ~3 g
  • Sodium: ~780 mg

Shortcuts & Time-Saving Tips (Air Fryer & Make-Ahead)

Want that loaded potato skin flavor with a little less effort? Here are some easier options.

Air Fryer Loaded Potato Skins

If you have an air fryer, you can get extra-crispy skins without heating up your whole kitchen. To adapt this recipe:
  • Bake potatoes: You can still bake the whole potatoes in the oven, or “bake” them in the microwave first (6–10 minutes, turning halfway) until tender, then finish crisping the skins in the air fryer.
  • Crisp skins: Brush scooped-out skins with oil, season, and air fry at 375°F for 6–8 minutes, flipping halfway.
  • Add toppings: Fill with cheese and bacon, then air fry 3–5 minutes more until cheese is melted and bubbly.

Make-Ahead Party Prep

Planning a party or game day spread?
  • Day before: Bake the potatoes, scoop them out, and crisp the plain skins. Store in an airtight container in the fridge.
  • Right before serving: Add cheese and bacon, then bake at 375°F for 8–10 minutes until hot and melty.
This way you can spend less time in the kitchen and more time enjoying the party.

Easy Variations & Flavor Ideas

Once you’ve mastered the classic copycat TGI Friday’s Loaded Potato Skins, try mixing it up:
  • BBQ Chicken Skins: Add shredded rotisserie chicken tossed in BBQ sauce with cheddar and a drizzle of extra sauce on top.
  • Jalapeño Popper Skins: Use pepper jack cheese and top with sliced jalapeños and a little cream cheese.
  • Buffalo Ranch Skins: Toss cooked chicken in buffalo sauce and drizzle ranch dressing over the finished skins.

Allergy-Friendly & Special Diet Swaps

Everyone should get a chance to enjoy loaded potato skins. Here are some common modifications:

Gluten-Free

The base recipe is naturally gluten-free as long as:
  • Your bacon is gluten-free (most is, but always check labels).
  • Your seasonings and sauces (like ranch or hot sauce) are certified gluten-free.

Dairy-Free

  • Use a dairy-free shredded “cheese” that melts well.
  • Swap sour cream with a dairy-free sour cream or unsweetened thick coconut yogurt (check for neutral flavor).

Vegan

To make vegan loaded potato skins:

Paleo-Friendly

Paleo eaters can:
  • Use sugar-free, nitrate-free bacon.
  • Replace sour cream with coconut milk sour cream or a cashew-based sauce.
  • Skip processed cheese and use a homemade cashew “cheese” sauce if strict.
Always double-check ingredient labels if you’re cooking for someone with serious allergies or sensitivities.

Tips for the Best Copycat TGI Friday’s Loaded Potato Skins

  • Use russet potatoes: Their thick skin and fluffy interior hold up best.
  • Don’t rush the first bake: Fully baked potatoes give you that tender, creamy inside.
  • Leave some potato in the shell: About 1/4 inch of potato helps the skins feel hearty, not hollow.
  • Season every layer: A little salt and pepper on the skins makes a big difference.
  • Serve immediately: Like at the restaurant, these are best piping hot, right out of the oven.

Serve & Share Your Loaded Potato Skins

These copycat TGI Friday’s Loaded Potato Skins are perfect for:
  • Game day spreads
  • Potlucks and tailgates
  • Movie nights with the family
  • Any time you’re craving restaurant-style appetizers at home
If you try this recipe, I’d love to hear how it turned out. Did you stick with the classic version or add your own twist? Did your family ask for seconds? Share your photos, leave a comment with your tips, and let other readers know what worked for you!

Important Disclaimers

This recipe is a copycat version created for home cooks and is based on publicly available information, personal taste, and testing in a home kitchen. No inside knowledge of TGI Fridays’ actual recipe, methods, or proprietary ingredients is implied or claimed. TGI Fridays® and Loaded Potato Skins are trademarks of their respective owners, and this recipe is not endorsed by or affiliated with them.

Additionally, Simply Copycat Recipes is an Amazon affiliate. This means we may earn a small commission from qualifying purchases made through links on our site, at no extra cost to you. We only recommend tools and ingredients we genuinely find helpful in the kitchen.

Now go preheat that oven and bring a little TGI Friday’s appetizer magic into your own home!

Location: Georgetown, IN, USA

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