Easy Loaded Baked Potato Recipe

Name: Easy Loaded Baked Potato Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 1 h
Total time: 1 h 10 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 4 large russet potatoes; 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese; 1/2 cup sour cream; 1/4 cup chopped green onions; 4 slices of cooked bacon, crumbled; Salt and pepper to taste; Butter (optional)

Highlighted under: Comfort Food

Created by

Callie Morgan

Last updated on 2025-12-30T00:25:22.062Z

Loaded baked potatoes are a classic comfort food that everyone loves. This easy recipe takes minimal effort while delivering maximum flavor. Perfect for a cozy dinner or a gathering with friends!

        Why You'll Love This Recipe
        Hearty and satisfying with a perfect blend of toppings
Versatile – customize with your favorite ingredients
A crowd-pleaser that’s perfect for any occasion

      

The Perfect Comfort Food

Loaded baked potatoes are the ultimate comfort food, combining simple ingredients to create a hearty and satisfying meal. With their crispy skins and fluffy interiors, these potatoes serve as the perfect canvas for a variety of toppings. Whether you're enjoying them as a main dish or a side, they promise to fill you up while tantalizing your taste buds.

What makes this recipe even more appealing is its versatility. You can easily customize your loaded baked potatoes to suit your preferences or dietary needs. From adding sautéed vegetables for extra nutrition to swapping out cheese varieties, the possibilities are endless. This adaptability not only makes it a family favorite but also a great option for entertaining guests.

A Recipe for Any Occasion

Easy loaded baked potatoes are perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a casual family dinner, a game day gathering, or a festive holiday meal. Their simplicity allows you to prepare them quickly while still providing a dish that feels special. Plus, they can be made ahead of time and reheated, making them a practical choice for busy weeknights.

Moreover, these baked potatoes can serve as a base for a variety of themes. For a Tex-Mex twist, top them with spicy salsa, jalapeños, and avocado. For a Mediterranean flair, consider adding feta cheese, olives, and diced tomatoes. This adaptability ensures that your loaded baked potatoes can satisfy a range of tastes and occasions.

Ingredients

Gather the following ingredients for your loaded baked potatoes:

Ingredients

4 large russet potatoes
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1/2 cup sour cream
1/4 cup chopped green onions
4 slices of cooked bacon, crumbled
Salt and pepper to taste
Butter (optional)

Once you have all your ingredients, you're ready to start cooking!

Instructions

Follow these simple steps to make your loaded baked potatoes:

Prepare the Potatoes

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Scrub the russet potatoes under cold water and pat them dry. Prick each potato several times with a fork to allow steam to escape while baking.

Bake the Potatoes

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. A fork should easily pierce through.

Load the Potatoes

Once baked, carefully remove the potatoes from the oven. Allow them to cool for a few minutes. Cut a slit down the center of each potato and gently squeeze the ends to fluff the insides.

Add Toppings

Top each potato with butter, shredded cheese, sour cream, crumbled bacon, and chopped green onions. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Serve hot and enjoy your delicious loaded baked potatoes!

Tips for Perfect Baked Potatoes

To achieve the crispiest skin on your baked potatoes, it's essential to preheat your oven thoroughly. A temperature of 400°F (200°C) is ideal, as it allows the skins to become crisp while the insides cook perfectly. Additionally, pricking the potatoes with a fork helps to release steam during baking, preventing them from bursting in the oven.

For an even more flavorful experience, consider rubbing the skins with olive oil and sprinkling them with coarse salt before baking. This adds an extra layer of taste and enhances the overall texture of the potato. Remember to choose large, evenly shaped russet potatoes for the best results, as they provide ample room for loading toppings.

Storing and Reheating Leftovers

If you find yourself with leftover loaded baked potatoes, don’t worry! They can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To keep the toppings fresh, consider separating any perishable items like sour cream and green onions before storing.

When it comes to reheating, the best method is to use the oven. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C), wrap the potatoes in aluminum foil, and heat for about 20-30 minutes, or until warmed through. This method helps maintain the crispy skin and fluffy interior. Alternatively, you can microwave them on a microwave-safe plate, but be aware that this may result in a softer skin.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I make these potatoes in the microwave?

Yes, you can microwave the potatoes for about 10-12 minutes, turning halfway through. However, the skin may not be as crispy.

→ What other toppings can I use?

You can use toppings like diced tomatoes, olives, shredded chicken, or even chili for a different twist.

→ How do I store leftovers?

Store leftover loaded baked potatoes in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or oven.

→ Are loaded baked potatoes healthy?

They can be a healthy choice depending on the toppings you choose. Opt for lighter toppings like Greek yogurt instead of sour cream.