Loaded baked potatoes are a classic dish that never goes out of style. Perfect as a hearty side or a standalone meal, these potatoes are baked to perfection and piled high with flavorful toppings. This recipe is simple, customizable, and guaranteed to satisfy your comfort food cravings.
Ingredients
- 4 large russet potatoes
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup cooked and crumbled bacon
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/4 cup chopped green onions
- 1/4 cup butter (optional)
- Optional: steamed broccoli, chili, or jalapeños for extra toppings
Equipment
- Baking sheet
- Aluminum foil (optional)
- Fork
- Knife
- Small skillet (for bacon, if not pre-cooked)
Instructions
1. Preheat the Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Prepare the Potatoes:
- Scrub the potatoes clean and pat them dry. Poke each potato several times with a fork to allow steam to escape during baking. Rub them with olive oil, and sprinkle evenly with salt and pepper.
3. Bake the Potatoes:
- Place the potatoes directly on the oven rack or on a baking sheet. Bake for 50–60 minutes, or until the skins are crispy and the insides are soft. You can check doneness by inserting a knife or skewer into the potato—it should glide through easily.
4. Prepare the Toppings:
- While the potatoes bake, cook the bacon in a small skillet until crispy. Drain on a paper towel and crumble. Grate the cheese and chop the green onions.
5. Assemble the Loaded Potatoes:
- Remove the baked potatoes from the oven and let them cool slightly. Slice each potato open lengthwise, fluff the insides with a fork, and add a pat of butter if desired. Top each potato with shredded cheddar, crumbled bacon, sour cream, and green onions.
6. Serve:
- Serve immediately while hot. Feel free to add additional toppings like steamed broccoli, chili, or jalapeños for a creative twist!
Tips
- Microwave Option: Short on time? Microwave the potatoes on high for 5–7 minutes per side, then crisp them in a 400°F oven for 10 minutes.
- Make it a Meal: Add grilled chicken, pulled pork, or vegetarian chili to turn your loaded baked potato into a complete meal.
- Cheese Variation: Swap cheddar for pepper jack, Gouda, or mozzarella for a different flavor profile.
Loaded baked potatoes are a crowd-pleaser that’s easy to make and endlessly customizable. Whether you keep it classic with bacon and cheese or get creative with additional toppings, this dish is a winner for any meal. Dig in and enjoy!
Loaded Baked Potato Recipe
Indulge in the ultimate comfort food with this Loaded Baked Potato recipe! Crispy on the outside, fluffy on the inside, and topped with all your favorite toppings like bacon, cheese, and sour cream.
Equipment
- Baking sheet
- Aluminum foil (optional)
- Fork
- Knife
- Small skillet (for bacon, if not pre-cooked)
Ingredients
- 4 large russet potatoes
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup cooked and crumbled bacon
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/4 cup chopped green onions
- 1/4 cup butter optional
- Optional: steamed broccoli chili, or jalapeños for extra toppings
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Prepare the Potatoes:
- Scrub the potatoes clean and pat them dry. Poke each potato several times with a fork to allow steam to escape during baking. Rub them with olive oil, and sprinkle evenly with salt and pepper.
- Bake the Potatoes:
- Place the potatoes directly on the oven rack or on a baking sheet. Bake for 50–60 minutes, or until the skins are crispy and the insides are soft. You can check doneness by inserting a knife or skewer into the potato—it should glide through easily.
- Prepare the Toppings:
- While the potatoes bake, cook the bacon in a small skillet until crispy. Drain on a paper towel and crumble. Grate the cheese and chop the green onions.
- Assemble the Loaded Potatoes:
- Remove the baked potatoes from the oven and let them cool slightly. Slice each potato open lengthwise, fluff the insides with a fork, and add a pat of butter if desired. Top each potato with shredded cheddar, crumbled bacon, sour cream, and green onions.
- Serve:
- Serve immediately while hot. Feel free to add additional toppings like steamed broccoli, chili, or jalapeños for a creative twist!
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