Ultimate Loaded Baked Potatoes Recipe – Easy & Delicious

Loaded baked potatoes are the perfect comfort food, combining crispy potato skins with fluffy interiors topped with delicious, savory ingredients. This dish is a fantastic option for a hearty meal, a side dish, or even a party appetizer. The beauty of loaded baked potatoes lies in their versatility—you can customize the toppings to suit your taste, whether you prefer classic bacon and cheese or healthier alternatives like Greek yogurt and avocado.

With this easy-to-follow Loaded Baked Potatoes Recipe, you’ll learn how to achieve the perfect balance of crispiness and softness in your potatoes while layering them with the best toppings for a mouthwatering experience.

Recipe Details

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Active Time: 1 hour
• Resting Time: 5 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
• Cuisines: American
• Course: Main Course, Side Dish
• Servings: 4
• Calories: Approximately 450 kcal per serving

Equipment Needed

• Baking sheet
• Aluminum foil (optional)
• Fork
• Knife
• Mixing bowls
• Cheese grater
• Oven mitts

Ingredients

For the Baked Potatoes:

• 4 large Russet potatoes
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper

For the Toppings:

• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• ½ cup sour cream
• 4 slices cooked bacon, crumbled
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• ¼ cup chopped green onions (scallions)
• ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
• ¼ teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
• ½ teaspoon salt (or to taste)
• ½ teaspoon black pepper

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil if desired to catch any drips.

Step 2: Prepare the Potatoes

1. Scrub the potatoes thoroughly under running water and pat them dry with a clean towel.
2. Use a fork to poke holes all over each potato to allow steam to escape while baking.
3. Rub each potato with olive oil and sprinkle evenly with kosher salt and black pepper.
4. Place the potatoes directly on the baking sheet.

Step 3: Bake the Potatoes

1. Bake for 50-60 minutes until the skins are crispy and the inside is fork-tender.
2. Check doneness by inserting a fork into the center of a potato; it should glide in easily.

Step 4: Prepare the Toppings

1. While the potatoes are baking, cook the bacon in a skillet over medium heat until crispy. Drain on paper towels and crumble.
2. Grate the cheddar cheese and set it aside.
3. Chop the green onions.
4. Mix sour cream with garlic powder and smoked paprika for extra flavor (optional).

Step 5: Slice & Fluff the Potatoes

1. Remove the potatoes from the oven and let them rest for 5 minutes.
2. Slice each potato lengthwise but not all the way through.
3. Gently press the ends towards the center to open the potato, revealing the fluffy inside.
4. Use a fork to fluff the inside of each potato, adding a small pat of butter for extra richness.

Step 6: Add the Toppings

1. Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese over the hot potato so it melts.
2. Add a dollop of seasoned sour cream.
3. Sprinkle crumbled bacon and chopped green onions on top.
4. Finish with a little extra salt, black pepper, and smoked paprika if desired.

Step 7: Serve & Enjoy!

Serve immediately while warm. These loaded baked potatoes pair well with grilled meats, salads, or even as a standalone dish.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

• Calories: ~450 kcal
• Carbohydrates: 45g
• Protein: 12g
• Fat: 25g
• Saturated Fat: 10g
• Fiber: 4g
• Sodium: 750mg

Tips for the Best Loaded Baked Potatoes

• Use Russet potatoes: They have the best texture for baking.
• Bake directly on the oven rack: This helps crisp up the skin even more.
• Don’t wrap in foil: Foil traps moisture and prevents crispy skin.
• Get creative with toppings: Try sautéed mushrooms, pulled pork, or guacamole for a unique twist.

Final Thoughts

This Loaded Baked Potatoes Recipe is a delicious and easy-to-make dish that satisfies every craving. Whether serving them as a side dish or a full meal, these baked potatoes are always a hit. Try different toppings to make them your own and enjoy the comforting flavors of this classic dish!