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Easy Loaded Baked Potato Recipe

Loaded Baked Potato Recipe

Before we dive into the delightful sensation that is the loaded baked potato, let’s chat about what you can serve alongside this classic comfort dish. Think crispy salad, hearty steak, or even a hearty bowl of chili. 
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Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
Course: Side Dish
Cuisine: American
Keyword: Loaded Baked Potato Recipe
Servings: 8 Servings
Calories: 550kcal
Author: Bex Smith

Equipment

  • oven

Ingredients

  • 4 large russet potatoes ideal for baking
  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • ½ cup whole milk
  • 1 cup sour cream
  • ½ teaspoon sea salt
  • ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder enhances the savory flavor
  • 8 slices crispy bacon crumbled
  • 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese divided
  • 8 green onions thinly sliced, divided

Instructions

Step 1: Bake the Potatoes

  • Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Give your potatoes a good scrub under running water. Poke a few holes in them using a fork—this helps steam escape during baking. Place them directly on the oven rack and let them bake for about 45-60 minutes. You’ll know they’re ready when they feel tender when pierced with a fork.

Step 2: Prepare the Toppings

  • While the potatoes are baking, get your toppings ready. Cook the bacon in a pan until it’s crispy, then crumble it into bits. Chop the green onions and set everything aside.

Step 3: Scoop Out the Flesh

  • Once the potatoes are done, remove them from the oven and let them cool slightly. Carefully slice them open. With a fork, scoop out some of the potato flesh into a bowl, leaving some inside for structure.

Step 4: Mix the Filling

  • In the bowl with the potato flesh, add butter, milk, half of the sour cream, salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Mix until it’s creamy and smooth.

Step 5: Load It Up

  • Return the filling back into the potato skins. Top with cheese, bacon, and the remaining green onions. Finish with a dollop of the remaining sour cream piled high on top.

Step 6: Bake Again

  • Place the loaded potatoes back into the oven for an additional 10-15 minutes until everything is hot and the cheese has melted beautifully.

Notes

Choose the Right Potatoes: Russets are ideal due to their fluffy texture. Don’t settle for others; russets rule.
Don’t Skip Poking: Those holes prevent your potatoes from exploding. Nobody wants that.
Crispy Bacon: For the best crunch, cook your bacon to crispy perfection.
Serve Immediately: The longer they sit, the less appealing they become. They’re best served fresh.
Experiment: Feel free to try out different toppings. Cheese sauce, sautéed mushrooms, or even chili can elevate the experience, so have a blast getting creative!

Nutrition

Calories: 550kcal | Carbohydrates: 60g | Protein: 16g | Fat: 30g | Fiber: 6g
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!