Description
Loaded Baked Potatoes bring comfort right to my dinner table with crispy skins, melted cheese, and all the classic toppings we crave. Crispy bacon, tangy sour cream, and green onions make these potatoes a satisfying meal that friends and family will absolutely devour.
Ingredients
Scale
Primary Ingredients:
- 4 russet potatoes
Primary Toppings:
- ½ cup sour cream
- ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
Supporting Ingredients:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- ¼ cup chopped green onions
- ¼ cup crumbled cooked turkey bacon
Instructions
- Heat the oven to 425°F (220°C). Grab a baking sheet and line it with aluminum foil or parchment paper for simple cleanup.
- Thoroughly wash 4 large russet potatoes (10-12 oz / 280-340 g). Dry them completely with a clean kitchen towel.
- Drizzle 2 tablespoons olive oil over the potatoes, ensuring each potato is evenly coated. Sprinkle 1 teaspoon kosher salt across their surfaces.
- Place potatoes directly on the prepared baking sheet. Roast for exactly 50-60 minutes at 425°F (220°C), rotating the sheet halfway through cooking.
- Check potato doneness by inserting a knife – it should slide in smoothly without resistance. Potatoes should have crispy exterior and tender interior.
- Remove potatoes from oven. Allow them to rest for 5 minutes to prevent burning your hands.
- Slice each potato lengthwise using a sharp knife. Gently separate the flesh with a fork to create space for toppings.
- Drop ½ tablespoon unsalted butter into each potato’s center. The residual heat will help it melt quickly.
- Spoon 2 tablespoons sour cream (120 g) into each potato. Spread evenly across the fluffy interior.
- Sprinkle 2 tablespoons shredded cheddar cheese (25 g) over the warm potatoes so it melts slightly.
- Garnish with 1 tablespoon chopped green onions (12 g) and optional 1 tablespoon crumbled turkey bacon (15 g).
- Serve immediately while cheese is melted and potatoes remain hot.
Notes
- Potato selection matters, so choose large, uniform russet potatoes for consistent baking and the best texture.
- Piercing the potatoes with a fork before baking helps steam escape and prevents potential potato explosions in the oven.
- Kosher salt creates a better seasoned skin compared to regular table salt, giving your potatoes extra flavor and crunch.
- For a healthier version, swap regular bacon for turkey bacon, use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream, and add roasted vegetables as additional toppings.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 50-60 minutes
- Category: Baked
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 370 kcal
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 510 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 7 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0.3 g
- Carbohydrates: 45 g
- Fiber: 5 g
- Protein: 11 g
- Cholesterol: 30 mg