There’s truly nothing cozier or more crowd-pleasing than Loaded Baked Potatoes. Whether you’re looking for a comforting side or a satisfying main dish, these classic potatoes deliver an irresistibly crispy skin, fluffy interior, a melty handful of cheddar, tangy sour cream, plenty of crispy bacon, and bright green onions—all in one perfect package. Each bite brings together layers of flavor and texture, making it a guaranteed favorite for family dinners, game nights, or anytime you crave a warm bite of comfort food.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These Loaded Baked Potatoes keep things simple, yet every ingredient is chosen for maximum flavor and texture. Each plays a starring role, from creating the ultimate potato “jacket” to providing pops of color and delicious toppings. Here’s what you’ll need:
- Russet potatoes: The classic large russet potato is your best friend here as it bakes up fluffy inside and crispy outside every time.
- Olive oil: Rubbing each potato with olive oil helps the skin crisp and take on a gorgeous golden hue.
- Salt: A sprinkle before baking seasons the skin and amps up every other flavor.
- Black pepper: Adds just the right amount of warmth and depth.
- Shredded cheddar cheese: Melted cheddar is the signature gooey, golden element you can’t skip.
- Sour cream: Classic for its creamy, tangy finish—absolutely essential for that loaded experience.
- Bacon: Crispy crumbled bacon brings saltiness and savory crunch in every bite.
- Green onions: For a fresh pop of color and a gentle punch of flavor.
- Butter: Sinking a pat of butter into the fluffy potato makes everything even more rich and luxurious.
- Optional toppings: Get creative with chopped chives, extra cheese, or a dash of hot sauce for personalized flair.
How to Make Loaded Baked Potatoes
Step 1: Prep the Potatoes
Start by giving your russet potatoes a good scrub to remove any dirt—no one wants grit in their spuds! Pat them dry, then rub them all over with olive oil. This not only helps the skins bake up crispy and delicious but also adds beautiful color. Lastly, sprinkle each potato with salt and pepper, and prick them a few times with a fork to let steam escape as they bake.
Step 2: Bake Until Perfect
Place the prepared potatoes directly onto the oven rack (no foil needed!). This direct heat ensures that much-coveted crispy skin. Bake in a preheated 400°F oven for 45 to 60 minutes. They’re ready when you can easily pierce them with a fork—the insides should feel soft and yielding.
Step 3: Fluff and Butter
Once your potatoes are cool enough to handle (but still piping hot), use a sharp knife to slice them open lengthwise. Carefully fluff the insides with a fork, making room for all those toppings. Drop a generous pat of butter into each potato so it melts into every nook and cranny.
Step 4: Load Them Up
This is where the magic happens! Add a handful of shredded cheddar cheese to each steamy potato, letting the heat work its melty magic. Follow up with a dollop of sour cream, a generous scatter of crispy bacon, and a sprinkle of green onions. Don’t be shy—the more heft, the better!
Step 5: Add Your Finishing Touches
Bring your Loaded Baked Potatoes to life with any bonus toppings you love, such as extra cheese, chopped chives, or a splash of hot sauce for some kick. Serve them up while they’re gloriously hot and melty.
How to Serve Loaded Baked Potatoes
Garnishes
Garnishing these beauties is half the fun! After loading up with the classic fixings, you can add a little extra shredded cheese, extra crispy bacon bits, a handful of chopped chives, freshly ground black pepper, or a drizzle of hot sauce. These colorful, flavorful touches make each potato look as good as it tastes.
Side Dishes
Loaded Baked Potatoes are hearty enough to stand alone, but they’re also fantastic alongside a crisp green salad, grilled chicken, or BBQ pulled pork. For a cozy dinner spread, pair them with roasted vegetables or a pot of chili for a comforting, satisfying meal.
Creative Ways to Present
Let your imagination run wild! Serve your Loaded Baked Potatoes at a build-your-own potato bar, setting out bowls of toppings so everyone can customize. Or try slicing baked potatoes into thick rounds and topping each like mini bites for parties. For a family night, serve them right from the oven on a big platter with a variety of sides to mix and match.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Loaded Baked Potatoes are a gift for future meals! Let them cool completely before wrapping tightly in foil or placing in an airtight container. They’ll keep in the refrigerator for 3 to 4 days without losing their flavor or texture.
Freezing
If you want to meal-prep, you can freeze baked potatoes before adding the toppings. Wrap cooled, unadorned potatoes individually in foil, then place them in a freezer bag. They’ll keep for up to 2 months. When ready to eat, thaw in the refrigerator, then reheat and finish with your favorite toppings.
Reheating
To bring your Loaded Baked Potatoes back to life, bake them in a 350°F oven for about 15 minutes until heated through and cheese is bubbly. If you’re short on time, a microwave works too—simply unwrap, cover with a damp paper towel, and heat in 1-minute intervals. Add a fresh dollop of sour cream and green onions for a just-made taste!
FAQs
Can I make Loaded Baked Potatoes vegetarian?
Absolutely! Just skip the bacon or use your favorite plant-based bacon alternative. You could also get creative with crispy chickpeas or sautéed mushrooms for extra flavor and texture.
What’s the best way to keep the potato skins crispy?
Baking the potatoes directly on the oven rack and rubbing them with olive oil are the two secrets to perfectly crispy skins. Avoid wrapping them in foil unless you prefer a softer skin.
Can I prepare Loaded Baked Potatoes ahead for a party?
Definitely! You can bake the potatoes in advance and store them in the fridge. Reheat before serving, then set up a toppings bar so everyone can load their own potatoes just the way they like.
Which potatoes are best for this recipe?
Russet potatoes are the go-to for Loaded Baked Potatoes because their thick skin crisps up beautifully and the inside becomes wonderfully fluffy after baking.
Can I use other cheeses besides cheddar?
Yes! Try Monterey Jack, pepper jack, mozzarella, or a combination of your favorite melting cheeses. They all bring their own unique flavors and melt beautifully over hot potatoes.
Final Thoughts
It’s amazing how something as humble as a potato can become the centerpiece of an unforgettable meal. I hope you give these Loaded Baked Potatoes a whirl—whether you keep them classic or pile them high with your own favorite toppings, they’re sure to steal the show and bring a whole lot of joy to your table.
Print
Loaded Baked Potatoes Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 55 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course or Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in these irresistible Loaded Baked Potatoes for a hearty and satisfying meal. Crispy on the outside, fluffy on the inside, and topped with a medley of savory ingredients, these potatoes are a crowd-pleaser.
Ingredients
Potatoes:
- 4 large russet potatoes, scrubbed clean
Seasoning:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Toppings:
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 4 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
- 2 green onions, thinly sliced
- 2 tablespoons butter
- Optional: chopped chives, extra cheese, hot sauce
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 400°F.
- Prepare the potatoes: Rub the potatoes with olive oil, sprinkle with salt and pepper, and prick them with a fork. Bake for 45–60 minutes until tender.
- Assemble the toppings: Slice open the potatoes, fluff the insides, add butter, cheese, sour cream, bacon, and green onions. Add extra toppings if desired.
- Serve: Serve the loaded potatoes hot and enjoy!
Notes
- Make it vegetarian by omitting or replacing bacon with a plant-based alternative.
- Use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream for a healthier option.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 potato
- Calories: 430
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 620mg
- Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 11g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 42g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 13g
- Cholesterol: 45mg
