Is there anything more comforting than a perfectly baked potato, fluffy on the inside and loaded with all your favorite toppings? I think not! This recipe for loaded baked potatoes takes that classic comfort food to the next level. It’s easy enough for a weeknight dinner but special enough for a weekend gathering—truly the ultimate comfort food. Let’s dive in!
Top Reasons To Make It
These loaded baked potatoes are not only delicious, they’re incredibly versatile! You can customize them with everyone’s favorite ingredients. Plus, they’re a hearty and satisfying meal. Quick and easy, you can have dinner on the table in under an hour. What’s not to love?
Ingredients
- Russet Potatoes: For that classic fluffy interior.
- Olive Oil: To crisp up the skins.
- Salt and Pepper: To enhance the flavor.
- Butter: Because everything’s better with butter, right?
- Sour Cream: Creamy and tangy.
- Shredded Cheddar Cheese: Melts beautifully.
- Bacon Bits: Adds a smoky, salty crunch.
- Chives: Fresh and vibrant.
Specific measurements for a family of four are detailed below, in the recipe card. Feel free to adjust the quantities based on your needs.
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Wash and scrub those russet potatoes clean.
- Pierce the potatoes all over with a fork. Rub with olive oil, salt, and pepper.
- Place the potatoes directly on the oven rack and bake for 50-60 minutes, or until a fork slides in easily. They should be so, so tender.
- Let potatoes cool slightly before slicing lengthwise and fluffing the insides with a fork.
- Add pats of butter, letting it melt into those fluffy crevices. Top with sour cream, cheddar cheese, bacon bits, and fresh chives
Stove Top Potato Tips
While I love a good baked potato, sometimes you need a faster way to cook your spuds. If you’re in a hurry, you can absolutely cook the potatoes on the stovetop. Simply scrub and chop the potatoes into consistently sized pieces, then boil them in salted water for about 15-20 minutes, or until tender.
Variations & Substitutions
This is truly where you can have some fun! You can swap the cheddar for other cheeses like Monterey Jack or pepper jack. For a vegetarian option, replace bacon bits with roasted vegetables like broccoli or bell peppers. Honestly, if you hate heat, skip the cayenne. But, if you love it, a little sprinkle adds a lovely kick! To make the potatoes even richer, use a dollop of Greek yogurt in place of (or with) the sour cream.
Serving Ideas & Pairings
These loaded baked potatoes are excellent on their own as a simple, satisfying meal. Or, serve them as a side dish with grilled chicken, fish, or even a juicy steak. For vegetarians, try serving these potatoes alongside other veggie side dishes or salads.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or oven until heated through. But watch out: Don’t store the potatoes with dairy toppings for more than a day or two to prevent spoilage.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I make loaded baked potatoes ahead of time?
A: Yes, you can bake the potatoes ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator. Reheat and top with your favorite additions just before serving. This is a great tip for busy weeknights!
Q: Are there any other recipes for making loaded baked potatoes with a different cooking method?
A: Absolutely! While this recipe focuses on baking, you can check out some delicious Loaded Baked Potato Stove Top recipes. And if you want to combine the comforting flavors with another dish, try a Mashed Potato Casserole. Or, go back to basics with some amazing baked potato recipes that form the basis for your loaded variations.
Making a loaded baked potato truly brings me back to my mama’s kitchen. The simple joy of fluffy potatoes, crispy skins, and all the fixings is just hard to beat. It’s easy, comforting, and totally customizable. I hope you give this recipe for a loaded baked potato a try, y’all! Enjoy!
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Loaded Baked Potato: Ultimate Comfort Food
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
Description
Crispy on the outside, fluffy on the inside, these Loaded Baked Potatoes are the ultimate comfort food side dish (or even a main!). Packed with melty cheddar, sour cream, bacon bits, and chives — they’re perfect for a cozy family dinner or game-day crowd.
Ingredients
▢ 4 large russet potatoes
▢ 1 tablespoon olive oil
▢ Salt and black pepper, to taste
▢ 4 tablespoons butter
▢ 1/2 cup sour cream
▢ 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
▢ 1/3 cup bacon bits
▢ 2 tablespoons chopped fresh chives
Instructions
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Wash and scrub the russet potatoes.
2. Pierce each potato several times with a fork. Rub with olive oil, salt, and pepper.
3. Place directly on the oven rack and bake for 50–60 minutes, until tender.
4. Let cool slightly. Slice lengthwise and fluff the insides with a fork.
5. Add a pat of butter to each potato, allowing it to melt in.
6. Top with sour cream, shredded cheddar, bacon bits, and chives. Serve hot!
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 60 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 loaded potato
- Calories: 430
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 570mg
- Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 11g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 9g
- Cholesterol: 45mg
Keywords: loaded baked potato, oven baked potatoes, cheesy baked potato, easy side dish