Description
Loaded Baked Potatoes became my go-to comfort dish when craving something hearty and satisfying. Crispy potato skins packed with melted cheese, crisp bacon bits, and fresh chives make this classic recipe perfect for family dinners or casual gatherings.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 4 large russet potatoes (about 10 ounces/283 grams each)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 6 slices cooked bacon, crumbled
Toppings and Seasonings:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons butter, softened
- ½ cup sour cream
- ¼ cup chopped green onions (or chives)
Seasonings:
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 425°F (218°C). Thoroughly wash 4 russet potatoes and meticulously dry them with a clean kitchen towel.
- Pierce each potato 5-6 times using a fork to create steam escape routes. Massage 2 tablespoons olive oil across potato surfaces and dust with 1 teaspoon kosher salt.
- Position potatoes directly onto center oven rack. Bake for 50-60 minutes, rotating midway through cooking time. Check doneness by sliding a fork into potato – it should enter smoothly without resistance.
- Remove potatoes from oven and allow them to cool for 3-4 minutes. Slice each potato lengthwise using a sharp knife.
- Gently separate potato flesh using a fork, creating fluffy interior texture. Distribute 2 tablespoons softened butter inside each potato half.
- Sprinkle 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese evenly across potato surfaces. Return to 425°F oven for 5 minutes until cheese melts completely.
- Top each potato with 6 crumbled bacon slices, ½ cup sour cream, and ¼ cup chopped green onions.
- Finish by seasoning with ¼ teaspoon black pepper. Serve immediately while cheese remains warm and gooey.
Notes
- Selecting medium-sized russet potatoes ensures even cooking and the perfect fluffy interior.
- Rubbing the potato skin with olive oil creates a crispy, seasoned exterior that adds delicious texture.
- For a healthier version, swap regular cheese and bacon for low-fat alternatives or turkey bacon.
- Cooking potatoes directly on the oven rack helps circulate heat and prevents soggy bottoms, giving you that classic crisp skin.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 55-65 minutes
- Category: Baked
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 460 kcal
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 580 mg
- Fat: 27 g
- Saturated Fat: 11 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
- Trans Fat: 0.3 g
- Carbohydrates: 38 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Protein: 14 g
- Cholesterol: 55 mg