Description
Loaded baked potatoes will make your dinner table pop with crispy, cheesy goodness that feels like comfort straight from the kitchen. Hearty potato skins packed with bacon, cheese, and green onions deliver a satisfying meal your family craves.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 4 large russet potatoes
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- ½ cup cooked, crumbled turkey bacon
Supporting Ingredients:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
Garnish:
- ½ cup sour cream
- 2 green onions, sliced
Instructions
- Prepare your workspace by preheating the oven to 425°F and lining a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Thoroughly wash your potatoes under cool running water, removing all dirt and debris.
- Dry the potatoes completely with paper towels to ensure crispy skin.
- Rub each potato with 1 tablespoon olive oil and sprinkle with ½ teaspoon salt.
- Pierce each potato 4-5 times with a fork to create steam vents.
- Place potatoes directly on the prepared baking sheet and bake for 50-60 minutes.
- Check doneness by piercing with a fork – the skin should be crispy and interior soft.
- Remove potatoes and let rest for 5 minutes to allow interior to settle.
- Carefully slice each potato lengthwise, keeping the bottom intact.
- Gently press potato ends toward the center to create a fluffy, open texture.
- Sprinkle 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese evenly across the potatoes.
- Return to the oven for 3-4 minutes until cheese completely melts.
- Top with ½ cup crumbled turkey bacon and 2 sliced green onions.
- Add ½ cup sour cream across the potatoes.
- Dust with ¼ teaspoon black pepper and garlic powder if desired.
- Serve immediately while cheese remains melted and potatoes are piping hot.
Notes
- Select medium-sized russet potatoes with smooth, firm skin for the best texture and even baking.
- Thoroughly drying potatoes before oiling helps create extra crispy skin that provides a delightful crunch.
- Using parchment paper prevents sticking and makes cleanup super easy after baking.
- Let potatoes rest for a few minutes after baking so the steam redistributes, ensuring a fluffy interior when you open them.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 58 minutes - 1 hour 9 minutes
- Category: Baked
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 385 kcal
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 475 mg
- Fat: 20 g
- Saturated Fat: 8 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11 g
- Trans Fat: 0.1 g
- Carbohydrates: 38 g
- Fiber: 5 g
- Protein: 17 g
- Cholesterol: 40 mg