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December 10, 2024
If you’re looking for a comforting and filling dish, a loaded baked potato is the perfect choice. It’s a classic recipe that is loved by many for its delicious combination of fluffy potato, savory toppings, and creamy textures. Whether you’re cooking for a crowd or just want a satisfying meal for yourself, this guide will help you create a mouthwatering loaded baked potato that will leave everyone wanting more.
First, you’ll need to start with a russet potato, which is the best variety for baking. Make sure to scrub it clean and pat it dry before cooking. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and pierce the potato several times with a fork to allow steam to escape during baking. This will prevent the potato from exploding.
Next, you’ll want to rub the potato with a bit of olive oil and sprinkle it with salt. This will help create a crisp and flavorful skin. Place the potato directly on the oven rack and bake for about 45 minutes to an hour, or until the skin is crispy and the inside is tender when pierced with a fork.
While the potato is baking, you can prepare your toppings. Classic loaded baked potato toppings include shredded cheese, sour cream, bacon bits, green onions, and chives. Feel free to get creative and add any other toppings you like, such as guacamole, salsa, or even chili. The possibilities are endless!
Once the potato is cooked, remove it from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. Use a sharp knife to make a lengthwise cut in the top of the potato, creating a pocket for the toppings. Be careful not to cut all the way through. Push the ends of the potato toward the center to open it up and fluff the inside with a fork.
Now comes the fun part – loading up your baked potato with your desired toppings. Sprinkle on the shredded cheese, dollop on the sour cream, and sprinkle on the bacon bits, green onions, and chives. Don’t be afraid to pile on the toppings – the more, the merrier! Once you’ve added all your toppings, your loaded baked potato is ready to enjoy.
Whether you’re serving it as a main dish or a side, a loaded baked potato is a satisfying and versatile meal that can be customized to your liking. So go ahead and have fun experimenting with different toppings and flavors. Your taste buds will thank you!
Preparation
To prepare a loaded baked potato, you will need the following ingredients:
- 4 large baking potatoes
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 4 slices cooked bacon, crumbled
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 2 green onions, sliced
- Salt and pepper
Start by preheating your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit (200 degrees Celsius).
Scrub the potatoes clean under running water and pat them dry with a paper towel. Use a fork to poke several holes in each potato to prevent them from bursting while cooking.
Place the potatoes directly on the oven rack and bake for about an hour, or until the skins are crispy and the insides are soft. To check if they are done, insert a fork or skewer into a potato – if it slides in easily, they are ready.
Gather the ingredients
Before you start cooking the loaded baked potato, make sure you have all the necessary ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need:
Ingredients:
- Potatoes: 4 large russet potatoes
- Bacon: 8 slices cooked and crumbled
- Cheddar cheese: 1 cup shredded
- Sour cream: 1/2 cup
- Green onions: 1/4 cup chopped
- Salt: to taste
- Black pepper: to taste
Once you have gathered all these ingredients, you’re ready to move on to the next step of preparing the loaded baked potato.
Wash and scrub the potatoes
Before starting, make sure to wash and scrub the potatoes thoroughly. This will help remove any dirt or debris that may be on the skin.
Running the potatoes under cold water and using a vegetable brush can help ensure they are clean and ready to cook.
Poke the potatoes
Before baking the potatoes, you need to poke them with a fork to allow steam to escape during the cooking process. This helps prevent the potatoes from exploding in the oven.
To poke the potatoes, take a fork and gently pierce each potato several times, making sure to penetrate the skin. The holes should be about 1/4 inch deep to allow for an even release of steam.
Poking the potatoes not only prevents them from bursting, but it also helps them cook more evenly. The steam will escape through the holes, resulting in fluffy and tender potatoes.
Once you have poked all the potatoes, they are ready to be baked. Continue with the next step of the recipe to learn how to bake the loaded potatoes.
Cooking the potatoes
To make loaded baked potatoes, you first need to cook the potatoes properly. Follow these steps:
Step 1: Choose the right potatoes
Start by selecting potatoes suitable for baking. Russet potatoes work best for loaded baked potatoes, as they have a fluffy texture that holds the toppings well.
Step 2: Prep the potatoes
Wash the potatoes thoroughly under running water to remove any dirt. Pat them dry with a clean towel and prick each potato several times with a fork.
Step 3: Bake the potatoes
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Place the potatoes directly on the oven rack, ensuring there is enough space between each potato for air circulation. Bake for about 45-60 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender when pierced with a fork.
You can also bake the potatoes in a microwave if you’re short on time. Just pierce the potatoes with a fork and place them on a microwave-safe plate. Microwave on high for about 5 minutes per potato, or until they are soft.
Step 4: Cool and slice the potatoes
Once the potatoes are cooked, remove them from the oven or microwave and let them cool slightly. Use a sharp knife to make a lengthwise slit across the top of each potato, but be careful not to cut all the way through.
Step 5: Fluff the insides
To ensure even cooking and a fluffy texture, use a fork to gently fluff the insides of the potatoes. Be careful not to tear the skin.
Now that your potatoes are cooked, cooled, and ready to go, it’s time to move on to the next step: loading them up with all your favorite toppings!
Bake the potatoes
To begin, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
Next, thoroughly wash and scrub the potatoes to remove any dirt or debris.
Using a fork, pierce each potato several times to allow steam to escape during the baking process.
Once the potatoes are prepared, place them directly on the oven rack or on a baking sheet.
Bake the potatoes for approximately 45-60 minutes, or until they are tender when pierced with a fork.
After they are cooked, remove the potatoes from the oven and allow them to cool for a few minutes.
Once they are cool enough to handle, slice each potato open lengthwise with a knife.
Use a fork to fluff the insides of the potatoes, creating a space for the toppings.
Now your baked potatoes are ready to be loaded with your favorite toppings!
Make the filling
To make the filling for your loaded baked potato, you will need the following ingredients:
- 4 large baking potatoes
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 6 slices cooked bacon, crumbled
- 2 tablespoons chopped chives
- Salt and pepper to taste
First, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Scrub the potatoes clean and then pierce them several times with a fork. This will allow steam to escape during the baking process.
Place the potatoes directly on the oven rack and bake for about 45-60 minutes, or until they are tender and easily pierced with a fork.
Remove the potatoes from the oven and let them cool slightly. Once they are cool enough to handle, cut a small slit lengthwise in the top of each potato and gently squeeze the ends to open them up.
In a bowl, mix together the sour cream, shredded cheddar cheese, crumbled bacon, chopped chives, salt, and pepper. Stir until well-combined.
Spoon the filling into each baked potato, making sure to fully stuff them. You can also sprinkle additional shredded cheddar cheese on top if desired.
Return the stuffed potatoes to the oven and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Once the loaded baked potatoes are finished baking, remove them from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes. Serve them while they are still warm and enjoy!
Adding the toppings
Once your baked potatoes are cooked and tender, it’s time to add the delicious toppings that will take them to the next level. Here are some classic loaded baked potato toppings you can try:
Cheese: Shred some cheddar or mozzarella cheese and sprinkle it generously over the top of each potato. Let the heat from the baked potato melt the cheese slightly.
Bacon: Cook some crispy bacon and crumble it into small pieces. Sprinkle the bacon over the cheese layer.
Sour cream: Add a dollop of sour cream on top of the bacon. It adds a creamy and tangy flavor to the potatoes.
Green onions: Finely chop some green onions and sprinkle them over the sour cream. They add a fresh and slightly spicy taste.
Butter: Add a pat of butter on top of the other toppings. It will further enhance the flavor and make it even more indulgent.
Feel free to experiment with other toppings like diced tomatoes, salsa, or even guacamole. The possibilities are endless when it comes to loaded baked potato toppings. Enjoy!
Q&A
What ingredients do I need to cook a loaded baked potato?
To cook a loaded baked potato, you will need potatoes, cheese, bacon, sour cream, green onions, and butter.
Can I use any type of potato to make loaded baked potatoes?
Yes, you can use any type of potato to make loaded baked potatoes. However, russet potatoes are often recommended due to their fluffy texture.
How long does it take to cook a loaded baked potato?
The cooking time for a loaded baked potato will depend on the size of the potato, but it typically takes around 1 hour to cook in the oven.
What is the best way to cook a loaded baked potato?
The best way to cook a loaded baked potato is to first bake the potato in the oven until it is tender. Then, slice it open and stuff it with your desired toppings. Lastly, return it to the oven or broiler to melt the cheese and crisp up the bacon.
Can I make loaded baked potatoes without using bacon?
Yes, you can make loaded baked potatoes without using bacon. Simply omit the bacon, or you can substitute it with other ingredients like sautéed mushrooms or caramelized onions for added flavor.