Best Loaded Baked Potatoes Recipe

How to Make the Best Loaded Baked Potatoes

Is there anything more satisfying than a perfectly baked potato, crispy on the outside and soft and fluffy on the inside? Yes—when it’s loaded up with all your favorite toppings! Loaded baked potatoes are the ultimate comfort food. They’re hearty, versatile, and deliciously indulgent, making them perfect for weeknight dinners, family gatherings, or even a fun baked potato bar for entertaining guests.

Table of Contents

This recipe will walk you through everything you need to know to whip up the most amazing loaded baked potatoes, complete with ideas for toppings, cooking tips, and nutritional information. By the end, you’ll have a go-to dish that’s sure to impress (and satisfy) everyone at the table. Are you ready? Let’s get baking!

Ingredients for Loaded Baked Potatoes

To make epic loaded baked potatoes, you need a few simple ingredients. Most are pantry staples, which means you can pull this dish together anytime!

The Basics:

4 large russet potatoes (perfect for baking due to their starchy texture)
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 teaspoon sea salt

For Toppings (Mix and Match!):

1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
4 strips of bacon, cooked and crumbled
1 cup sour cream or Greek yogurt
4 green onions, sliced
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
1 cup steamed broccoli
1 cup chili (optional, for a heartier meal)

Feel free to add anything else you love—there’s no wrong way to top a loaded baked potato!

Step-by-Step Instructions

Here’s the foolproof method to create perfectly baked potatoes and load them up with your favorite toppings.

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). This is the ideal temperature for potatoes to bake evenly and achieve their beloved crispy skin.

Step 2: Prep the Potatoes

While the oven heats:

Scrub the potatoes thoroughly under running water to remove any dirt. Dry them with a clean towel.
Pierce each potato about 4–5 times with a fork to allow steam to escape during baking.
Rub the potatoes with olive oil and sprinkle them generously with sea salt for a flavorful, crispy skin.

Step 3: Bake the Potatoes

Place your potatoes directly on the oven rack (or on a baking sheet lined with foil for easy cleanup). Bake for 50–60 minutes, or until you can easily pierce the center with a fork.

Step 4: Prepare Your Toppings

While the potatoes bake:

Cook and crumble the bacon.
Grate the cheese and chop up the green onions.
Warm up any additional toppings like chili or broccoli.

Step 5: Slice and Fluff

Once out of the oven, transfer the baked potatoes to a plate. Carefully slice each potato down the middle lengthwise (leave the ends intact to keep everything together). Use a fork to gently fluff the insides.

Step 6: Load It Up!

Here comes the fun part—add your toppings! Start with butter to give the fluffy potato insides a silky texture. Then layer on shredded cheese, sour cream, crispy bacon, or whatever toppings you fancy. The possibilities are endless!

Pro Tip: Serve the toppings buffet-style for a DIY baked potato bar. Kids and adults alike will have a blast customizing their spuds!

Creative Topping Ideas

Looking for inspiration? Here are some topping combos to elevate your loaded baked potatoes:

Classic Comfort: Butter, cheddar, crispy bacon, sour cream, and chives.
Broccoli & Cheese Bliss: Steamed broccoli, cheddar cheese, and a touch of garlic butter.
Tex-Mex Fiesta: Chili, jalapeños, shredded Monterey Jack cheese, and guacamole.
Breakfast Bake: Scrambled eggs, crumbled sausage, shredded cheese, and a drizzle of hot sauce.
Vegetarian Delight: Sautéed mushrooms, spinach, sun-dried tomatoes, feta cheese, and a drizzle of olive oil.

Tips & Tricks for the Perfect Baked Potato

Here are some helpful tips to make sure your potatoes turn out perfect every time:

Choose the Right Potato: Russet potatoes are the best choice for baking due to their high starch content, which makes them fluffy on the inside. Yukon Golds also work well for a creamier texture.
Don’t Skip the Oil: Rubbing your potatoes with olive oil ensures they develop a crisp, golden skin. You’ll thank yourself later.
Time Saver: Short on time? Start by microwaving your potatoes for about 5 minutes, then transfer them to the oven to crisp up.
Customize Cooking Time: If you’re baking smaller potatoes, reduce the baking time by around 10 minutes.

Nutritional Information (Per Potato with Classic Toppings)

If you’re curious about the nutritional breakdown, here’s an approximate guide for one loaded baked potato with butter, cheese, bacon, and sour cream:

Calories: 450–500
Protein: 15g
Fat: 20g
Carbohydrates: 50g

You can adjust this based on your chosen toppings. For a lighter option, use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream, or go heavy on veggies like broccoli and spinach.

Your Comfort Food Staple is Just Steps Away!

Here’s your comprehensive guide to creating irresistibly delicious loaded baked potatoes. This recipe is more than just a meal; it’s a celebration of comfort food at its finest. Whether you’re hosting a dinner, feeding your family, or treating yourself, these loaded baked potatoes will never disappoint.

What’s your favorite way to top a baked potato? Share your ideas in the comments below! And if you loved this recipe, don’t forget to bookmark it or share it with a fellow foodie. Happy baking!