Description
Loaded Baked Potatoes deliver comfort straight from my kitchen to your plate with crispy skin, melted cheese, and all the classic toppings that make dinner feel like a warm hug. These hearty spuds pack serious flavor with bacon, green onions, and sour cream creating a crowd-pleasing meal that comes together faster than you can say delicious.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 4 large russet potatoes
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- ½ cup sour cream
- ½ cup cooked, crumbled turkey bacon (or regular bacon)
Supporting Ingredients:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 green onions, sliced
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon garlic powder (optional)
Instructions
- Heat your oven to a precise 425°F (220°C) for perfect potato roasting.
- Thoroughly wash 4 large russet potatoes under cool running water, ensuring all dirt is removed.
- Use a clean kitchen towel to completely dry each potato’s surface.
- Take a fork and puncture each potato 4-5 times, creating small venting holes to prevent steam buildup.
- Drizzle 1 tablespoon olive oil evenly across the potatoes, massaging the oil into their skins.
- Sprinkle ½ teaspoon salt generously over each potato, coating them entirely.
- Arrange the seasoned potatoes on a clean baking sheet, ensuring they do not touch each other.
- Slide the baking sheet into the preheated oven and bake for 50-60 minutes until the potato skins turn crispy and golden.
- Remove potatoes from the oven and let them rest for 5 minutes to cool slightly.
- Slice each potato down the center, gently pressing the sides to create an opening.
- Scatter ¼ cup shredded cheddar cheese inside each potato’s split center.
- Top with 2 tablespoons sour cream, 2 tablespoons crumbled bacon, and sprinkle sliced green onions.
- Dust with ¼ teaspoon black pepper and ¼ teaspoon garlic powder for an extra flavor boost.
Notes
- Choosing the right potato matters – russet potatoes work best because their high starch content creates that perfect fluffy interior.
- Rubbing the skin with olive oil helps create a crispy, golden exterior that adds delicious texture to your loaded potato.
- Letting the potatoes cool for a few minutes after baking helps them firm up and makes them easier to handle when adding toppings.
- For a healthier version, swap traditional bacon and sour cream with Greek yogurt, turkey bacon, and fresh chives to cut down on calories without losing flavor.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 45-60 minutes
- Category: Baked
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 420 kcal
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 760 mg
- Fat: 20 g
- Saturated Fat: 8 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 45 g
- Fiber: 6 g
- Protein: 18 g
- Cholesterol: 50 mg