The BEST Loaded Baked Potatoes You’ve Ever Eaten

Get ready for a potato party like no other because we’re about to share the recipe for the BEST loaded baked potatoes you’ve ever eaten! 🥔🎉

Imagine sinking your teeth into a perfectly baked potato, fluffy and tender on the inside, with a crispy, golden skin on the outside. Now imagine it loaded with all your favorite toppings, like melted cheese, crispy bacon, tangy sour cream, and fresh chives. Hungry yet? We thought so!

Loaded baked potatoes are the ultimate comfort food, packed with flavor and customizable to suit your taste buds. They’re versatile enough to be served as a side dish or even as a main course for those potato lovers out there. Plus, they’re a crowd-pleaser at parties and gatherings. Who can resist the allure of a loaded spud?

A Perfectly Baked Canvas

The foundation of any loaded baked potato masterpiece is, of course, the potato itself. Choose large, starchy potatoes like Russets, which have a fluffy texture when baked. Scrub the potatoes clean, poke them a few times with a fork to vent steam, and rub them with a little oil and salt. This will ensure a crispy, flavorful skin that you’ll want to devour.

Now, it’s time to bake those beauties. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) and place the potatoes directly on the oven rack. Bake them for about 45-60 minutes, or until the skins are crispy and the insides are tender. You can also speed up the process by wrapping the potatoes in aluminum foil before baking.

Toppings Galore!

Once your potatoes are perfectly baked, it’s time to unleash your creativity and load them up with all the delicious toppings your heart desires. Here are some classic and tasty options:

• Melted cheese (cheddar, mozzarella, or your favorite cheese)
• Crispy bacon bits
• Tangy sour cream
• Chopped green onions or fresh chives
• Butter or margarine
• Salt and pepper

But don’t stop there! Feel free to get creative and add other toppings like salsa, guacamole, sautéed mushrooms, or even chili. The sky’s the limit when it comes to loaded baked potatoes.

To assemble your loaded baked potatoes, make a lengthwise slit on the top of each potato and gently squeeze the ends to create an opening. Fluff up the potato flesh with a fork, then add your desired toppings. Go ahead, pile them on generously. The more, the merrier!

Once your loaded baked potatoes are fully loaded and looking absolutely irresistible, serve them hot and watch as your friends and family’s eyes light up with joy. Dig in and enjoy the explosion of flavors and textures in every bite.

So, what are you waiting for? Gather your ingredients, preheat that oven, and get ready to experience the best loaded baked potatoes you’ve ever eaten. Your taste buds will thank you!

Loaded Baked Potatoes

Course: Dinner RecipesCuisine: American

Servings

4

servings

Prep time

15

minutes

Cook time

1

hour 

Total time

75

minutes

The best loaded baked potatoes you’ve ever tasted!

Ingredients

• 4 large Russet potatoes

• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

• 1/2 cup crispy bacon bits

• 1/2 cup sour cream

• 2 green onions, chopped

• 2 tablespoons butter

• Salt and pepper, to taste

Directions

• Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Scrub the potatoes clean, poke them a few times with a fork to vent steam, and rub them with a little oil and salt.
• Place the potatoes directly on the oven rack and bake for 45-60 minutes, or until the skins are crispy and the insides are tender.
• Remove the potatoes from the oven and make a lengthwise slit on the top of each potato. Gently squeeze the ends to create an opening.
• Fluff up the potato flesh with a fork. Add shredded cheddar cheese, crispy bacon bits, sour cream, chopped green onions, and a pat of butter to each potato.
• Season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve hot and enjoy!

Notes

• Feel free to add other toppings like salsa, guacamole, or sautéed mushrooms.
• You can also wrap the potatoes in aluminum foil before baking to speed up the cooking process.
• Adjust the toppings and quantities according to your preferences.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I use a different type of potato for loaded baked potatoes?

A: While Russet potatoes are the classic choice for loaded baked potatoes due to their fluffy texture, you can experiment with other varieties like Yukon Gold or sweet potatoes for a twist.

Q: Can I prepare the toppings in advance?

A: Absolutely! You can cook the bacon, shred the cheese, and chop the green onions ahead of time. Store them in separate containers in the refrigerator until you’re ready to assemble the loaded baked potatoes.

Q: Can I make loaded baked potatoes vegetarian?

A: Absolutely! Simply omit the bacon and add your favorite vegetarian toppings like sautéed vegetables, grilled corn, or even vegetarian chili.

Q: Can I make loaded baked potatoes ahead of time?

A: While loaded baked potatoes are best enjoyed fresh out of the oven, you can pre-bake the potatoes and refrigerate them. When ready to serve, reheat the potatoes in the oven, then add your toppings and enjoy!