Irresistible Loaded Baked Potato Recipe You’ll Love

There’s something magical about a loaded baked potato. Imagine fluffy, tender potatoes bursting with flavor, smothered in creamy goodness and topped with crispy bits of bacon. The aroma wafts through the air, irresistible and mouthwatering. Every bite is a delightful explosion of textures and tastes that gets your taste buds dancing.

I remember the first time I hosted a dinner party where loaded baked potatoes stole the show. Friends gathered around, their eyes gleaming with anticipation as they customized their spuds with toppings galore. It was one of those unforgettable evenings filled with laughter, stories, and a shared love for good food. Whether it’s game night, a holiday gathering, or just a cozy weeknight dinner, loaded baked potatoes always bring joy to the table.

I still chuckle when I think about how my friend accidentally overloaded his potato with nearly every topping available; he created a mountain of delicious chaos that left everyone in stitches.

Essential Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

• Large Baking Potatoes: Choose firm potatoes—Russets are ideal for their fluffy interior when baked.

• Olive Oil: A drizzle will help crisp up the potato skin while baking.

• Salt: Essential for seasoning the outside; it enhances the flavor of the skin.

• Butter: Adds richness and creaminess to your potato once it’s baked.

• Sour Cream: The tangy touch that takes your potato from good to extraordinary.

• Shredded Cheese: Cheddar brings an irresistible sharpness that melds perfectly with other toppings.

• Bacon Bits: Crispy bacon adds texture and savory depth to each bite.

• Chives or Green Onions: Fresh herbs provide color and a mild oniony kick as a finishing touch.

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

Let’s Make it Together

Preheat Your Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 425°F (220°C). This temperature ensures that your potatoes bake evenly and develop that gorgeous golden skin everyone loves.

Prepare the Potatoes: Give each potato a good scrub under running water. Pat them dry before piercing several times with a fork; this prevents steam build-up during baking.

Season Your Potatoes: Rub olive oil all over each potato and sprinkle generously with salt. This gives them flavor while helping achieve that crunchy exterior we all crave.

Bake Until Perfectly Fluffy: Place the seasoned potatoes directly on the oven rack (no baking tray needed) and bake for 45-60 minutes until they’re tender when pierced with a fork.

Add Delicious Toppings: Once they’re out of the oven, slice them open and fluff up the insides with a fork. Add butter first—let it melt blissfully—then spoon on sour cream, sprinkle cheese, add bacon bits, and finish off with chives or green onions.

Strongly resist diving in too quickly; let everything settle for just a moment before indulging in this creamy masterpiece!

Enjoying loaded baked potatoes isn’t just about filling your belly; it’s about creating memories around the table with loved ones. Now roll up those sleeves and get ready to enjoy some serious comfort food!

Perfecting the Cooking Process

Start by baking the potatoes at 400°F for about an hour, flipping halfway for even cooking. While they bake, prepare your toppings to save time and ensure everything is ready to serve together.

Add Your Touch

Feel free to swap out classic toppings like sour cream for Greek yogurt or add spicy jalapeños for a kick. You can also experiment with different cheeses or herbs to create your signature loaded baked potato.

Storing & Reheating

Store leftover loaded baked potatoes in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat in the microwave or oven until warmed through, ensuring the skin stays crispy.

Sometimes I think my friends come over just for these loaded baked potatoes. One time, my buddy declared it was the best thing he’d ever eaten—no pressure there!

FAQ

What type of potato is best for loaded baked potatoes?

Russet potatoes are ideal due to their fluffy texture when baked.

Can I make loaded baked potatoes ahead of time?

Yes, you can prep and bake them earlier; just reheat before serving.

What are some creative topping ideas for loaded baked potatoes?

Try BBQ pulled pork, buffalo chicken, or even taco toppings for unique flavors!

Print

Loaded Baked Potatoes

Print Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

No reviews

Experience the ultimate comfort food with loaded baked potatoes, featuring fluffy Russet potatoes topped with creamy butter, tangy sour cream, sharp cheddar cheese, crispy bacon bits, and fresh chives. Perfect for gatherings or cozy nights in, these customizable spuds are a crowd favorite that brings joy and delightful flavors to every meal.

• Author: Ethan Carter
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 60 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
• Yield: Serves 4
• Category: Main
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 4 large Russet baking potatoes
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp kosher salt
• 4 tbsp butter
• 1 cup sour cream
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• ½ cup bacon bits
• ¼ cup chopped chives or green onions

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
2. Scrub and dry each potato. Pierce several times with a fork.
3. Rub the potatoes with olive oil and sprinkle with salt.
4. Bake directly on the oven rack for 45-60 minutes until tender.
5. Slice open each potato, fluff the insides, and add butter until melted.
6. Top with sour cream, cheddar cheese, bacon bits, and chives before serving.

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 potato (250g)
• Calories: 520
• Sugar: 3g
• Sodium: 790mg
• Fat: 27g
• Saturated Fat: 13g
• Unsaturated Fat: 9g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 61g
• Fiber: 7g
• Protein: 14g
• Cholesterol: 40mg