Description
Crafted loaded baked potatoes deliver pure comfort straight from your kitchen, packed with crispy bacon, melted cheese, and a dollop of sour cream that makes dinner feel like a warm hug. Served piping hot, these potatoes bring classic flavors together in a simple yet satisfying meal your family will absolutely devour.
Ingredients
Scale
Primary Ingredients:
- 4 large russet potatoes
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- ½ cup sour cream
Supporting Ingredients:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- ¼ cup chopped chives or green onions
Additional Toppings:
- 1 serving steamed broccoli
- 1 serving grilled chicken or steak, diced
- 1 serving sauteed mushrooms
- 1 serving black beans or chili
- 1 serving crumbled turkey or beef sausage
- Salt, to taste
- Pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Thoroughly scrub 4 large russet potatoes under cool water, ensuring all dirt is removed.
- Pat potatoes completely dry with paper towels. Pierce each potato 6-8 times using a fork to create steam vents.
- Drizzle 1 tablespoon olive oil evenly over potatoes. Sprinkle 1 teaspoon kosher salt across their surfaces, rolling to coat uniformly.
- Place potatoes directly on center oven rack. Bake for 55 minutes, rotating halfway through to ensure even cooking.
- Check potato doneness by inserting a fork – it should slide in smoothly without resistance. Total baking time ranges 45-60 minutes.
- Remove potatoes carefully using oven mitts. Let them rest 5 minutes to prevent burning your hands.
- Slice each potato lengthwise down the center using a sharp knife. Gently squeeze potato ends to create a fluffy interior.
- Drop 1 tablespoon unsalted butter into each potato’s center. The residual heat will help it melt quickly.
- Sprinkle ¼ cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese inside each potato. Allow cheese to soften from potato’s warmth.
- Top with 2 tablespoons sour cream and 1 tablespoon chopped chives. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Add optional protein or vegetable toppings like grilled chicken, steamed broccoli, or black beans for extra flavor.
Notes
- Poke plenty of holes in the potato skin to prevent steam buildup and potential potato explosions during baking.
- Select starchy potatoes like Russet for the fluffiest, most tender interior that creates the perfect loaded potato base.
- Rub the potato skin with olive oil and salt to create a crispy, seasoned exterior that adds delicious texture to each bite.
- Warm your toppings before adding them so the cheese melts perfectly and the potato stays hot throughout serving.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45-60 minutes
- Category: Baked
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 430 kcal
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 650 mg
- Fat: 22 g
- Saturated Fat: 9 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11 g
- Trans Fat: 0.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 38 g
- Fiber: 6 g
- Protein: 25 g
- Cholesterol: 65 mg