Get ready to transform humble spuds into an irresistible comfort food masterpiece with these *Loaded Baked Potatoes*! Perfectly baked Russet potatoes provide a crispy, golden skin and fluffy interior, creating the ideal base for a medley of indulgent toppings. Each potato is loaded with melted cheddar cheese, crispy bacon crumbles, rich sour cream, and a dab of creamy butter, then finished with fresh, aromatic chives for an extra burst of flavor. With only 15 minutes of prep and a little over an hour to make, this recipe is an easy crowd-pleaser that's perfect as a hearty side dish or a satisfying main course. Whether you're hosting a casual dinner gathering or looking for a cozy weeknight meal, these loaded baked potatoes are sure to steal the spotlight. Keywords: baked potatoes, loaded potatoes, comfort food, easy dinner ideas, cheesy potatoes recipe.
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
Wash the potatoes thoroughly under running water to remove any dirt. Pat them dry with a paper towel.
Poke each potato a few times with a fork to allow steam to escape during baking.
Rub each potato with olive oil, ensuring all sides are coated, and then sprinkle with salt and a bit of black pepper.
Place the potatoes directly on the middle rack of the preheated oven and bake for 50-60 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender when pierced with a fork.
While the potatoes are baking, cook the bacon in a skillet over medium heat until crisp. Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate to drain and cool, then crumble into small pieces.
Remove the baked potatoes from the oven and let them cool slightly. Using a sharp knife, slice each potato lengthwise down the center without cutting all the way through.
Carefully push the potato ends inward to open the potatoes slightly. Gently fluff the interior with a fork.
Place a tablespoon of butter into each potato, letting it melt into the fluffed insides.
Top each potato with an equal amount of shredded cheddar cheese, crumbled bacon, and a dollop of sour cream.
Garnish with chopped chives and a sprinkle of black pepper to taste.
Serve the loaded baked potatoes warm. Enjoy as a side dish or on their own as a delicious main course.
Calories |
2791 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 155.8 g | 200% | |
| Saturated Fat | 80.7 g | 404% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 6.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 370 mg | 123% | |
| Sodium | 4204 mg | 183% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 284.4 g | 103% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 23.1 g | 82% | |
| Total Sugars | 25.7 g | ||
| Protein | 81.9 g | 164% | |
| Vitamin D | 1.0 mcg | 5% | |
| Calcium | 1290 mg | 99% | |
| Iron | 17.5 mg | 97% | |
| Potassium | 7189 mg | 153% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.