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Thanksgiving Potato Skins

Thanksgiving Potato Skins

Turn your Thanksgiving leftovers into the ultimate comfort food appetizer! These crispy Thanksgiving Potato Skins are stuffed with mashed potatoes, turkey, stuffing, and melted cheddar, then topped with cranberry sauce for a festive, flavor-packed bite.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour 15 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 35 minutes
Servings: 8 potato skins
Course: Appetizer, Side Dish, Snack
Cuisine: American
Calories: 260
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Potato Skins
  • 6–8 small to medium russet potatoes about 3–4 lb total, scrubbed clean
  • 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil for brushing
  • Kosher salt to taste
For the Filling
  • 1 1/2 cups mashed potatoes creamy texture works best
  • 1 1/2 cups leftover turkey chopped or shredded
  • 1 1/2 cups leftover stuffing lightly crumbled
  • 1 cup sharp white cheddar cheese freshly grated
For Serving
  • 1/2 cup cranberry sauce homemade or canned
  • Fresh chives sliced, for garnish

Method
 

  1. Step 1: Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Scrub potatoes, rub with olive oil, and sprinkle with kosher salt. Place directly on oven rack or a baking sheet.
  2. Step 2: Bake for 50–60 minutes, or until tender when pierced with a fork. Let cool 10–15 minutes before handling.
  3. Step 3: Slice each potato in half lengthwise. Scoop out most of the flesh, leaving about ¼ inch inside each shell. Reserve the potato flesh for another use.
  4. Step 4: Brush insides of the shells with olive oil and return to the oven, cut-side down, for 10 minutes. Flip and bake another 5–7 minutes until golden and crisp.
  5. Step 5: In a mixing bowl, gently combine mashed potatoes, stuffing, and turkey. Spoon mixture into the crisp potato shells, filling generously.
  6. Step 6: Sprinkle each filled skin with grated cheddar. Bake for 10–12 minutes, or until cheese is melted and bubbly.
  7. Step 7: Top with cranberry sauce and garnish with chives. Serve warm and enjoy the perfect combination of crispy, creamy, and savory flavors!

Notes

• Use russet potatoes for the best texture — their skins crisp beautifully.
• Substitute rotisserie chicken or roasted veggies for turkey.
• Prepare shells and filling a day ahead; assemble and bake before serving.
• Freeze after baking and reheat from frozen at 375°F (190°C) for 20–25 minutes.
• Try variations with smoked gouda, bacon, or caramelized onions for extra flavor.