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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.
Prepare and Bake the Potatoes
Prepare the Toppings
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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.
This american recipe takes 75 minutes to prepare and yields 4 servings. At 690.9 calories per serving with 19.15g of protein, it's a beginner-friendly recipe perfect for lunch or dinner or side.
Assemble the Potatoes
Load and Serve
Omit the bacon and top with sautéed mushrooms, caramelized onions, or vegetarian bacon bits for a savory, meat-free version.
Substitute sour cream with plain Greek yogurt for a protein boost, use turkey bacon, and opt for a reduced-fat cheddar cheese.
Add some heat by using pepper jack cheese, a sprinkle of cayenne pepper in the filling, or topping with sliced jalapeños.
Turn it into a complete meal by adding a scoop of chili con carne, pulled pork, or steamed broccoli on top.
Potatoes are an excellent source of potassium, an essential mineral and electrolyte that helps regulate fluid balance, muscle contractions, and nerve signals.
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.
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.
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.
While delicious, a classic loaded baked potato is a high-calorie, high-fat comfort food. The potato itself is nutritious, offering fiber and potassium. However, the toppings like butter, cheese, bacon, and sour cream add significant fat and calories. For a healthier version, consider using Greek yogurt, turkey bacon, and reduced-fat cheese.
Russet potatoes are ideal for baking. Their high starch content and thick skin result in a fluffy, light interior and a crispy, sturdy exterior that holds up well to toppings.
Poking holes allows steam to escape from the potato as it bakes. This prevents a buildup of pressure inside the potato, which could cause it to burst in the oven.
Yes, you can bake the potatoes up to 2 days in advance. Let them cool completely and store them in the refrigerator. When ready to serve, reheat the plain potatoes in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 15-20 minutes until heated through, then add the toppings.