Baked potatoes are a timeless comfort food, beloved for their simplicity and versatility. A Loaded Baked Potato takes this classic dish to a whole new level, transforming it into a hearty meal that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re hosting a casual dinner party or looking for a satisfying weeknight meal, this easy loaded baked potato recipe is sure to impress. Let’s dive into the origins, ingredients, instructions, and some delicious variations of this best loaded baked potato recipe.
Ingredients
For this easy loaded baked potato recipe, you will need the following ingredients:
- 4 large russet potatoes
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup cooked bacon, crumbled
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1/2 cup chopped green onions
- 1/2 cup butter
- 1 cup cooked ground beef (optional for a loaded baked potato with meat)
- 1 cup steamed broccoli florets (optional)
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (optional)
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Potatoes
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Scrub the potatoes thoroughly under running water and pat them dry with a paper towel.
- Pierce each potato several times with a fork to allow steam to escape during baking.
- Rub the potatoes with olive oil and sprinkle with salt and pepper.
- Place the potatoes directly on the oven rack and bake for 50-60 minutes, or until they are tender when pierced with a fork.
Step 2: Prepare the Fillings
While the potatoes are baking, you can prepare the fillings:
- Cook the Bacon: In a skillet over medium heat, cook the bacon until crispy. Remove from the skillet and drain on paper towels. Once cooled, crumble the bacon.
- Cook the Ground Beef (optional): In the same skillet, cook the ground beef until browned. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Drain any excess fat.
- Steam the Broccoli (optional): Steam the broccoli florets until tender. Set aside.
Step 3: Assemble the Loaded Baked Potatoes
- Once the potatoes are done baking, remove them from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes.
- Slice each potato lengthwise and gently press the ends together to open up the potato.
- Fluff the potato flesh with a fork and add a pat of butter to each potato.
- Add the Cheese: Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese over the fluffed potato flesh. If you like extra cheesy potatoes, add some mozzarella cheese as well.
- Add the Toppings: Top the potatoes with crumbled bacon, ground beef, steamed broccoli, and chopped green onions.
- Finish with Sour Cream: Add a generous dollop of sour cream on top of each loaded baked potato.
Tips and Variations
- Twice Baked Potatoes: For the best ever twice baked potatoes, scoop out the potato flesh after the initial baking and mix it with butter, sour cream, cheese, and your favorite seasonings. Spoon the mixture back into the potato skins and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes.
- Stuffed Potatoes with Bacon: Bacon is a classic topping, but you can also add other meats like ham or sausage for a different twist.
- Vegetarian Option: Skip the meat and load up your potatoes with veggies like bell peppers, mushrooms, and spinach.
- Loaded Baked Potato Soup Recipe: Turn this recipe into a comforting soup by scooping out the potato flesh and mixing it with broth, cream, cheese, and your favorite toppings.
- What Goes Well on a Loaded Baked Potato?: Other great toppings include jalapeños, salsa, avocado, and shredded chicken.
Nutritional Information
Here is the basic nutritional information per serving for this loaded baked potato recipe:
- Calories: 450
- Protein: 18g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fat: 25g
- Fiber: 5g
- Sodium: 600mg
(Note: Nutritional values may vary based on the specific ingredients and quantities used.)
Conclusion
This loaded baked potato recipe is the epitome of comfort food, combining fluffy potatoes with a variety of delicious toppings. Whether you prefer a classic combination of cheese and bacon or want to get creative with different fillings, this recipe is incredibly versatile. Try it out and make it your own! Don’t forget to share your creations and experiences in the comments below, and subscribe to our newsletter for more delicious recipes.