Are you looking for an easy loaded potatoes recipe? Look no further than these baked potatoes with bacon and cheese!
This is a mouthwatering combination that takes the classic spud to a whole new level of deliciousness.
These loaded potatoes, stuffed with crispy bacon bits, gooey melted cheese, and a variety of tasty toppings, are the ultimate comfort food we all love. Once your baked potatoes are done, the rest is a breeze.
Loaded baked potatoes with bacon and cheese
Loaded baked potato definitely reminds me of twice baked mashed potatoes just that these are cooked in a potato jacket not a casserole dish.
These spuds, generously topped with a blend of your favorite toppings is what comfort food is made of.
Whenever we're hosting a casual gathering or want a satisfying meal, this tried-and-true recipe is one of our go-tos and is always, always a hit! I mean it's baked potatoes!
Recipe Highlights
Crowd pleaser: These fluffy potatoes with their irresistible toppings are a surefire hit with both kids and adults alike. They're a crowd-pleasing dish that's perfect for gatherings, potlucks, or even a cozy night in.
Comfort food: There's something incredibly satisfying about digging into a piping hot baked potato loaded with melted cheese, crispy bacon and sour cream. It's the ultimate comfort food that warms the soul.
Super Easy to Prepare: With just a few simple ingredients and a little bit of time, you can create a restaurant-worthy dish right in your own kitchen.
Ingredients
- Russet potatoes
- Black pepper
- Salt
- Oil
Toppings
- Bacon bits
- Sour cream
- Cheddar cheese
- Butter
- Green onions
* Need to print out this recipe? You’ll find a printable recipe card at the end of this post. Enjoy!
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Baking sheet
Parchment paper
How to make it
Wash and scrub potatoes. Pat dry with paper towels, then poke holes all over the spuds with a fork.
Brush the potatoes with oil. Sprinkle with salt and pepper then bake in a preheated oven for 50 to 60 mins or until potatoes are fork tender.
While the potatoes are baking cook the bacon in the air fryer or on the stovetop till crispy. Let the bacon cool before chopping them up.
When the potatoes are fully cooked, let them cool for about 5 mins so that it's easier to handle. Next cut potatoes lengthwise with a knife and gently pull open.
Fluff the inside a fork, then add the butter, mix it into the potatoes before adding the cheese and bacon bits.
Return to the oven for about 5 mins to melt the cheese. Bring out the potatoes and top with the rest of the toppings (Sour cream and green onions)
What to serve with this recipe
There are many tasty options to serve with loaded potatoes besides the toppings. Below are some of them:
Grilled or roasted meats like steak and chicken.
Sautéed or roasted vegetables like broccoli, green beans, Brussel sprouts.
How to store
Leftover loaded baked potatoes can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
To reheat, simply place them in a preheated oven or microwave until heated through.
For best results, you may want to add a little extra cheese or bacon on top before reheating to restore their fresh, melty goodness.
Helpful Tips
- Choose the right potato: Russet potatoes are the ideal choice for loaded baked potatoes due to their fluffy texture and ability to hold toppings well.
- Prick the potatoes: Before baking, be sure to prick the potatoes with a fork to allow steam to escape and prevent bursting.
- Bake until tender: Check for doneness by inserting a fork into the potato. It should slide in easily when the potato is fully cooked.
FAQs
Baking times can vary depending on the size of the potato, but generally, it takes about 40 to 50 mins at 425°F (205°C) for a medium- large sized potato.
Absolutely! Feel free to use different cheese varieties like Monterey Jack, Pepper Jack, or even a blend of cheeses to find your favorite combination.
Yes, you can prepare the toppings like cooked bacon, shredded cheese, and chopped vegetables in advance to save time when assembling the loaded baked potatoes.
More potatoes recipes to try
- Baked sweet potatoes
- Air fryer crinkle cut fries
- Potato salad with pickles
- Check out all our Home Cooked Recipes
Loaded baked potatoes with bacon and cheese are delightful and will leave you craving for more. With the fluffy interiors, crispy skins, and decadent toppings, these spuds are sure to become a staple in your household.
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Loaded baked potatoes with bacon and cheese
Equipment
- Large baking sheet
Ingredients
- 5 large Russet potatoes
- 1 tablespoon avocado oil
- ½ teaspoon Salt (or to taste)
- ¼ teaspoon Black pepper
Toppings:
- Butter
- ½ cup Shredded cheddar cheese
- ¼ cup Sour cream
- Green onions
- 2 to 4 strips Bacon (or ¼ to ½ cup cup bacon crumbles depending on how much you want in your baked potatoes)
Instructions
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and set it aside, then preheat the oven to 425°F.
- Wash and scrub potatoes, then pat them dry with paper towels.
- Prick holes around each potato with a fork then arrange them on the prepared baking sheet.
- Brush oil all over the each potato before seasoning with salt and pepper. You can add other spices, such as garlic powder, paprika, or cayenne if you prefer.
- Bake the potatoes for 50-60 minutes, until internal temperature reaches 205°F (96°C) or until a fork tender. Feel free to add more time as needed.
- While potatoes are cooking, cook bacon on the stove top or air fryer till crispy. Let it cool before chopping it up. Set aside for when you are ready to add the toppings.
- Once potatoes are fully cooked, remove baking sheet from oven, let it rest for 5 mins then use a knife to cut each potato lengthwise and gently pull it open. (Be careful cos it will be steaming hot)
- Push the ends towards each other and use a fork to fluff up the inside.
- Add the butter to the fluffed insides of the potatoes, then top with shredded cheese, and bacon bits. Return the potatoes back to the oven for 5 mins to melt the cheese.
- Bring of the potatoes then top with sour cream and green onions or chives. Serve warm.
Notes
- Foil can be used instead of parchment to line the baking sheet.
- Pricking holes in the potatoes helps vent steam and prevent the potatoes from exploding.
- Choose potatoes of uniform size for even cooking.
- If the potatoes are hot enough to melt the cheese. No need to pop it back in the oven. Just finish off with the toppings and serve.
- Top with your favorite extras like guacamole, salsa, hot sauce, jalapeños, red pepper flakes, etc.
- You can use store bought or homemade bacon bits.
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