If you love pizza inspired appetizers and easy baked potato skins, these pizza stuffed baked potato skins are going to be a huge hit. They combine everything everyone loves about pizza with the crispy, comforting goodness of potato skins. Cheesy, savory, and totally satisfying, they feel fun and familiar all at the same time.
Why This Recipe Is So Good
Crispy potato skins act like the perfect pizza crust, holding a flavorful tomato sauce, melty mozzarella, and classic pepperoni. A sprinkle of fresh basil at the end adds brightness and makes these feel extra special without adding extra work.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- Baking potatoes
- Olive oil
- Tomato sauce
- Italian seasoning
- Garlic powder
- Sea salt and black pepper
- Mozzarella cheese
- Pepperoni
- Fresh basil
These potato skins are cheesy, crispy, and packed with classic pizza flavor.
How to Make Pizza Stuffed Baked Potato Skins
These are easy to prep and mostly hands off once the potatoes are baking.
Step 1: Bake the potatoes
Preheat the oven to 425°F. Place the potatoes in the oven and bake until cooked through, about 50 minutes. Remove and let cool for about 10 minutes.
Step 2: Make the sauce
While the potatoes cool, combine the tomato sauce, Italian seasoning, and garlic powder in a bowl. Season with salt and black pepper and stir to combine.
Step 3: Scoop the potatoes
Cut the potatoes in half lengthwise. Scoop out the soft interior, leaving about a one quarter inch border around the skins. Save the filling for another recipe.
Step 4: Crisp the skins
Place the potato skins cut side down on a baking rack set over a baking sheet. Brush with olive oil and bake for 10 minutes.
Step 5: Fill the skins
Flip the skins over using tongs. Spread a thin layer of seasoned tomato sauce inside each skin.
Step 6: Add toppings and bake
Fill each skin evenly with mozzarella, pepperoni, and fresh basil. Return to the oven and bake for another 10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted.
Step 7: Cool and serve
Remove from the oven and let cool for a few minutes before serving.
Tips & Variations
- Use turkey pepperoni for a lighter option
- Add sliced olives or mushrooms for a veggie boost
- Swap mozzarella for a pizza cheese blend
- Serve with warm marinara on the side for dipping
Perfect For:
- Game day snacks
- Pizza night appetizers
- Party platters
- Family movie nights
📸 Don’t Forget the Photo Op!
That melty cheese and pepperoni topping makes these perfect for photos. Snap a picture before serving. Tag @BiteSizedFun or use #BiteSizedFun so we can see your pizza inspired creations.
More Recipes You’ll Love:
- Classic Baked Potato Skins
- Bacon Wrapped Jalapeño Poppers
- Caramelized Onion Dip
These pizza stuffed baked potato skins are fun, filling, and guaranteed to disappear fast.
One More Thing!
This recipe is part of our collection of easy appetizer recipes that turn familiar flavors into party ready favorites. Be sure to check out the rest for more crowd pleasing ideas.
Pizza Stuffed Baked Potato Skins
Ingredients
- 6 large baking potatoes cleaned and pierced several times with a fork
- 2 T. olive oil
- 1 c. tomato sauce
- 1 T. Italian seasoning
- 1 t. garlic powder
- Sea salt and black pepper to taste
- 2 c. Mozzarella shredded
- 4 oz. pepperoni cut into half rounds and/or chopped
- 3 T. fresh basil julienned (cut into thin strips)
- Optional: Extra-large basil leaves for serving
Instructions
- Position the top oven rack in the center position and pre-heat oven to 425°F.
- Place the potatoes in the pre-heated oven and bake until cooked through, approximately 50 minutes. Remove potatoes from oven and transfer to a baking rack to cool for 10 minutes or until cool enough to handle.
- While the potatoes are cooling, combine the tomato sauce, Italian seasoning, and garlic powder in a medium bowl. Season with salt and black pepper, to taste, and stir to combine. Set aside.
- Once cool, cut the potatoes in half lengthwise and carefully scoop out the soft interior with a spoon, leaving a one-quarter inch margin around the skins. (Save the cooked potato filling for another recipe).
- Place the potato skins cut side down on a baking rack set over a baking sheet. Brush the skins with olive oil and return to the hot oven for 10 minutes.
- Remove the baking sheet from the oven and flip over the skins with tongs. Divide the seasoned tomato sauce evenly between the skins and spread into a thin layer with the back of a spoon.
- Fill each skin with an equal amount of Mozzarella cheese, pepperoni, and fresh basil. Place back in the oven for another 10 minutes or until the cheese is melted.
- Remove from oven and cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy!
