Loaded Baked Potato
Fluffy baked potatoes with a crispy, salty skin, split open and piled high with melted cheddar cheese, crispy bacon, cool sour cream, and fresh chives. The ultimate comfort food side dish or a satisfying meal on its own.
For 4 servings
4 steps. 60 minutes total.
- 1
Step 1
- a.Prepare and Bake the Potatoes
- b.Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- c.Scrub the potatoes thoroughly under cool running water and pat them completely dry with a kitchen towel.
- d.Using a fork, prick each potato 8-10 times all over. This crucial step allows steam to escape, preventing the potatoes from bursting in the oven.
- e.Rub each potato with olive oil, ensuring an even coat. Sprinkle generously with coarse sea salt.
- f.Place the potatoes directly on the middle oven rack. Bake for 60 minutes, or until the skin is crisp and the interior is tender (an internal temperature of 210°F or 99°C is perfect).
- 2
Step 2
- a.Prepare the Toppings
- b.While the potatoes are baking, place the bacon slices in a large skillet over medium heat.
- c.Cook for 10-15 minutes, flipping occasionally, until the bacon is brown and crispy.
- d.Transfer the cooked bacon to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess grease. Once cool enough to handle, crumble or chop it into small pieces.
- e.If not already done, shred the cheddar cheese and finely chop the fresh chives.
- 3
Step 3
- a.Assemble the Potatoes
- b.Carefully remove the hot potatoes from the oven using tongs or oven mitts.
- c.Make a deep slit lengthwise down the center of each potato, but be careful not to cut all the way through.
- d.Gently squeeze the ends of the potato towards the center to open it up and expose the fluffy interior.
- e.Using a fork, fluff the potato flesh inside the skin to create a light, airy texture.
- f.Add 1 tablespoon of butter to each potato, along with a pinch of salt and black pepper. Use the fork to mix it into the fluffy interior until the butter is fully melted and combined.
- 4
Step 4
- a.Load and Serve
- b.Divide the shredded cheddar cheese among the four potatoes, piling it into the center. The heat from the potato will melt the cheese.
- c.Add a generous dollop of sour cream to each potato.
- d.Sprinkle the crumbled bacon over the sour cream, followed by the finely chopped chives.
- e.Serve immediately while hot for the best experience.
What to keep in mind.
6 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1Russet potatoes are the gold standard for baking due to their high starch content, which yields a light, fluffy interior.
- 2For the crispiest skin, always bake potatoes directly on the oven rack. Placing them on a baking sheet can steam the bottom, making it soft.
- 3Avoid wrapping potatoes in foil. This traps moisture and steams the potato, resulting in a soft, soggy skin instead of a crispy one.
- 4To save time, you can microwave the potatoes for 5-8 minutes before baking. This can reduce the oven time by 15-20 minutes.
- 5For extra gooey cheese, pop the cheese-topped potatoes back in the oven for 1-2 minutes to melt before adding the cold toppings.
- 6You can bake the potatoes ahead of time. Let them cool completely, then store in the fridge. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 15-20 minutes before loading.
Adapt it for your goals.
Vegetarian
Omit the bacon and top with sautéed mushrooms, caramelized onions, or vegetarian bacon bits for a savory, meat-free version.
Healthier OptionHealthier Option
Substitute sour cream with plain Greek yogurt for a protein boost, use turkey bacon, and opt for a reduced-fat cheddar cheese.
Spicy KickSpicy Kick
Add some heat by using pepper jack cheese, a sprinkle of cayenne pepper in the filling, or topping with sliced jalapeños.
Meal in OneMeal-in-One
Turn it into a complete meal by adding a scoop of chili con carne, pulled pork, or steamed broccoli on top.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Rich in Potassium
Potatoes are an excellent source of potassium, an essential mineral and electrolyte that helps regulate fluid balance, muscle contractions, and nerve signals.
Good Source of Fiber
The skin of the potato is particularly high in dietary fiber. Fiber aids in digestion, promotes a feeling of fullness, and helps maintain stable blood sugar levels.
Energy-Boosting Carbohydrates
Potatoes provide complex carbohydrates, which are the body's primary source of fuel. This makes a baked potato a filling and satisfying food that provides sustained energy.
Frequently asked questions
A single loaded baked potato, as prepared in this recipe, contains approximately 800-850 calories. The exact number can vary based on the size of the potato and the precise amount of toppings used.