What To Serve With Potato Skins (20+ BEST Ideas!)

A pub food favourite and a finger food classic that’s always a hit with kids and adults alike, you can’t beat a serving of potato skins! 

Though they’re a tasty snack all on their own, you might want to add some sides and accompaniments to turn them into a satisfying meal. 

Here’s the short answer… 

Some of the best options for what to serve with potato skins include sour cream and chives, creamy blue cheese dip, spicy salsa, tangy barbecue sauce, pulled pork, chilli con carne, buffalo wings, Caesar salad, and coleslaw.

Read on for more ideas and inspiration…  

Essentials of the Perfect Potato Skins

Crafting the perfect potato skins involves selecting the right potatoes, mastering preparation techniques, and knowing the ideal baking tips to ensure a crispy and delicious result.

Selecting Potatoes

When you’re choosing potatoes for skins, look for medium-sized, uniformly-shaped russet potatoes.

They have the ideal texture and sturdiness for holding your favourite toppings.

• Size: Medium (ideally about 170-225 grams)
• Texture: Firm, not too waxy
• Appearance: Smooth, with minimal eyes or blemishes

Preparation Techniques

Efficient preparation is critical for perfect potato skins.

Begin by thoroughly washing your potatoes.

Then, cut a small slice off the longer side to create a stable base.

Scoop out the centre, leaving approximately a 5 mm thick shell.

• Scrubbing: Clean under running water
• Cutting: Slice off the side, not the ends
• Scooping: Use a teaspoon or a melon baller for consistency

Ideal Baking Tips

Baking potato skins to crispy perfection requires attention to oven temperature and timing.

Preheat your oven to 200°C and bake your potato skins for about 15-20 minutes, until the edges are golden and crisp.

Oven Temp	Duration	Tip
200°C	15-20 min	Rotate halfway through

 

Flip the skins halfway through baking for an even crispness.

Optionally, brush with a little oil and season before the final bake to enhance flavour and texture.

Classic Accompaniments

Potato skins are a beloved pub snack, and certain toppings are time-honoured favourites.

These classic pairings will enhance the crispy texture and hearty flavour of your potato skins.

Sour Cream and Chives

Sour cream serves as the perfect creamy contrast to the crispness of the skins, while chives add a mild onion-like freshness.

You can dollop a spoonful of sour cream on your potato skins and sprinkle finely chopped chives for a simple yet delicious topping.

Melted Cheese Varieties

When it comes to cheese, choice matters. Try:

• Cheddar: Rich and sharp in flavour, it melts beautifully over the warm skins.
• Mozzarella: Offers a delightfully stretchy texture with a milder taste.
• Red Leicester: A visually appealing option with a nutty edge.

Simply grate your chosen cheese and scatter over the potato skins before baking until melted and bubbly.

Crisp Bacon Bits

For a hit of smoky savouriness, crispy bacon bits are an irresistible addition.

To achieve the desired crunch:

1. Grill or fry streaky bacon until it reaches a crispy texture.
2. Crumble or chop the bacon into small pieces.

Sprinkle these over your potato skins ahead of serving to maintain the crispness.

Dips and Sauces

Potato skins pair wonderfully with a variety of dips and sauces, each adding a unique flavour profile to your dish.

Below, you’ll find recipes for three popular options: a rich blue cheese dip, a vibrant spicy salsa, and a classic tangy barbecue sauce.

Creamy Blue Cheese Dip

To complement your potato skins, a creamy blue cheese dip offers a bold and tangy taste with a smooth texture.

Simply mix together:

• 150g of crumbled blue cheese
• 100ml of sour cream
• 50ml of mayonnaise
• A sprinkle of chopped chives for extra zing

Combine these ingredients until you achieve a consistent texture, then chill before serving.

(You might also enjoy what to serve with buffalo chicken dip!) 

Spicy Salsa

For a kick of heat, try a homemade spicy salsa.

This dip is quick to throw together; just chop and mix:

• 4 ripe tomatoes, diced
• 1 red onion, finely chopped
• 2 jalapeños, deseeded and minced
• A handful of fresh coriander, chopped
• Juice of 1 lime
• Salt and pepper to taste

Remember, you can adjust the chilli quantity according to how spicy you like it.

Tangy Barbecue Sauce

Finally, a tangy barbecue sauce can be a sweet and smoky addition to your potato skins.

You’ll need:

• 200ml of tomato ketchup
• 50ml of apple cider vinegar
• 2 tablespoons of brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon of smoked paprika
• A dash of Worcestershire sauce

Heat these ingredients in a saucepan until the sugar dissolves and the flavours meld.

Serve warm or at room temperature.

Protein Pairings

When serving potato skins, adding a protein can transform them into a hearty meal.

Here are some delicious protein options that pair excellently with the rich flavour of potato skins.

Shredded Chicken

Shredded chicken is a versatile topping that you can easily flavour with your preferred herbs and spices.

Mix it with a bit of barbecue sauce for a sweet and tangy taste, or toss it in a garlic and herb blend for a more traditional flair.

• Suggested flavour combinations:
  • Barbecue sauce & shredded chicken
  • Garlic, thyme & shredded chicken

Pulled Pork

Pulled pork offers a tender and moist option that complements the crispy potato skins.

Combine your pulled pork with a smoky rub or a zesty salsa to add depth to your dish.

• Preparation tips:
  • Smoky rub before slow cooking
  • Top with zesty salsa post-shredding

Chilli Con Carne

A hearty chilli con carne brings warmth and robust flavours, perfect for a winter night’s feast.

You can opt for a classic chilli with beans or a simpler version focusing on the minced meat and spices.

• Serving suggestions:
  • Classic chilli with red kidney beans
  • Simple minced beef chilli with cumin and paprika

Buffalo Wings

Buffalo wings are chicken wings tossed in a sweet and spicy sauce, and they’re a fantastic option for what to serve with potato skins if you’re putting together a spread for an informal gathering! 

This kind of combination always goes down well for games nights with friends. 

Vegetarian Options

When serving potato skins, you can offer a delightful variety of vegetarian accompaniments.

Here are some tasty selections that will complement your dish perfectly.

Grilled Vegetables

Grilled vegetables are a colourful and nutritious side that pairs excellently with the crispiness of potato skins.

Try bell peppers, courgettes, and aubergines, brushed with olive oil and a touch of sea salt.

A squeeze of fresh lemon can add a zesty kick.

Beans and Legumes

Beans and legumes are hearty options that contribute both texture and protein to your meal.

Combine chickpeas, lentils, or black beans with spices such as cumin and coriander for a flavoursome side.

Serve these warm or cold in a simple salad.

Tofu and Tempeh

Tofu and tempeh are versatile plant-based proteins that absorb flavours well.

You can marinate slices in soy sauce, garlic, and a bit of chilli for a savoury kick.

Grill or bake until they have a golden edge and offer them alongside your potato skins.

Salads and Greens

Pairing your potato skins with fresh salads adds a refreshing contrast to their rich and savoury taste.

Consider these vibrant options for a balanced plate.

Caesar Salad

A caesar salad is a classic choice that features crisp romaine lettuce, crunchy croutons, and a creamy dressing.

For an extra pop of flavour, sprinkle on some freshly grated Parmesan cheese.

(If you love this side, take a look at caesar salad pairings for more ideas!) 

Arugula and Spinach Mix

Try a mix of peppery arugula and tender spinach leaves.

This blend offers a nuanced flavour complemented by a simple vinaigrette.

Toss in some toasted nuts for a satisfying crunch.

Greek Salad

A Greek salad brings a colourful medley to your plate with tomatoes, cucumbers, red onions, Kalamata olives, and feta cheese.

Drizzle it with olive oil and a splash of red wine vinegar for an authentic touch.

Coleslaw

A simple slaw is easy to put together, and it’s the perfect make-ahead option for what to serve with potato skins. 

Alcoholic and Non-Alcoholic Beverages

Pairing the right beverage with potato skins can complement their flavours and enhance your dining experience.

Whether you fancy a tipple or prefer to keep things sober, there’s a drink to suit your taste.

Craft Beers

For a hearty companion to your potato skins, look for craft beers that balance the richness of the skins with their own depths of flavour. You might enjoy:

• Pale Ales: A citrusy pale ale can cut through the fattiness of cheese-topped skins.
• Stouts: Chocolate and coffee tones in a stout may contrast nicely with bacon-loaded potato skins.

Fine Wines

If wine is more your style, certain fine wines can elevate the humble potato skin to gourmet status.

Consider these pairings:

• Chardonnay: A buttery Chardonnay complements the creamy texture of cheese in your skins.
• Merlot: The soft tannins of a Merlot work well with skins topped with a tangy topping like sour cream.

Refreshing Mocktails

For a non-alcoholic option, refreshing mocktails offer a fun twist, without the alcohol.

Refresh with choices such as:

• Virgin Mojito: Mint and lime in a virgin mojito offer a zesty freshness to balance the salty snack.
• Strawberry Basil Smash: Sweet strawberries and aromatic basil in this mocktail provide a fruity counterpoint to hearty potato skins.

Serving Suggestions and Presentation

When you prepare potato skins, presentation is just as important as taste. Here’s how to elevate your dish for guests.

Platter Arrangement

Organise your potato skins on a large serving platter for a communal feel.

Group them by flavour, make room for dipping sauces, and use a wooden board or slate for a rustic touch.

Garnishes and Toppings

Enhance your potato skins with a variety of garnishes:

• Chives or spring onions: Finely chopped for a burst of colour.
• Soured cream: A dollop on each skin or served on the side.
• Grated cheese: Choose a melting cheese like Cheddar for extra richness.

Creative Serving Ideas

Think outside the box:

• Serve atop a bed of crispy salad for contrast in textures.
• Use miniature skillets for individual servings that stay warm.

Which of these choices for what to serve with potato skins will you be trying? 

Leave a comment below and share your thoughts!