Loaded Baked Potatoes
Fluffy baked russet potatoes piled high with butter, sour cream, sharp cheddar, crispy bacon, and fresh chives.
Details
Ingredients
- 4 large russet potatoes
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Coarse salt
- 4 tbsp butter
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1.5 cups shredded sharp cheddar
- 8 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
- 3 tbsp fresh chives, sliced
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- 1
Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Scrub potatoes clean and poke several holes with a fork.
- 2
Rub each potato with olive oil and sprinkle generously with coarse salt. Place directly on the oven rack.
- 3
Bake 55-65 minutes until a knife slides easily through the center and the skin is crispy.
- 4
Cut a slit down the center of each potato. Squeeze the ends to push the flesh up. Fluff with a fork.
- 5
Add a tablespoon of butter and a generous dollop of sour cream to each potato.
- 6
Top with shredded cheddar, crumbled bacon, and fresh chives. Season with pepper.
About This Recipe
The humble baked potato, a global staple, transforms into a celebration of American comfort food when loaded to perfection. This quintessential dish, particularly popular in steakhouses and family gatherings across the United States, elevates a simple tuber into a hearty and satisfying meal. What makes the Loaded Baked Potato truly special is the harmonious interplay of textures and flavors: the irresistibly crisp, salty skin giving way to a cloud-like, steaming interior, generously enrobed in creamy butter and tangy sour cream, brightened by fresh chives, and punctuated by the salty crunch of bacon and the sharp, comforting bite of melted cheddar. The key technique lies in selecting large, starchy russet potatoes, which bake up remarkably fluffy, and a generous coating of olive oil and coarse salt to ensure an incredibly savory, crispy skin. Ingredient notes emphasize using sharp cheddar for robust flavor and full-fat dairy for lusciousness. While this classic iteration is beloved, common variations include adding chili, steamed broccoli, pulled pork, or different cheeses like Monterey Jack or smoked gouda. It serves beautifully as a substantial main course or a decadent side dish alongside grilled meats or a robust stew.
Tips & Tricks
- • For the crispiest skin, pierce potatoes thoroughly with a fork, rub generously with olive oil, and coat with coarse salt before baking directly on the oven rack. This allows steam to escape while the oil and salt create a delicious, savory crust.
- • Elevate the flavor profile by substituting some of the sharp cheddar with a smoky cheese like smoked gouda or a touch of crumbled blue cheese for a more complex, nuanced taste experience.
- • While best enjoyed fresh, if you have leftovers, store the baked potato and toppings separately. Reheat the potato in a 350°F (175°C) oven until warmed through, then add fresh toppings for the best texture.
- • This loaded potato makes a satisfying meal on its own, but it's also the quintessential accompaniment to grilled steak, barbecued ribs, or a hearty bowl of chili. Offer a simple green salad on the side to balance its richness.
Nutrition Facts
Per serving (approximate)