Here’s a classic and satisfying Loaded Baked Potato recipe — crispy on the outside, fluffy on the inside, and fully loaded with all the best toppings.
Loaded Baked Potato
Ingredients (Serves 4):
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4 large russet potatoes (scrubbed and dried)
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2 tbsp olive oil or melted butter
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Salt (coarse kosher or sea salt preferred)
Toppings:
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1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
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1/2 cup cooked and crumbled bacon
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1/2 cup sour cream
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1/4 cup chopped green onions or chives
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2 tbsp butter (optional, for inside the potato)
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Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Instructions:
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Preheat oven:
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Set to 425°F (220°C).
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Prepare potatoes:
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Rub each potato with olive oil or butter.
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Sprinkle generously with salt.
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Prick each potato a few times with a fork to let steam escape.
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Bake:
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Place directly on the oven rack or on a baking sheet.
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Bake for 45–60 minutes, or until the skin is crisp and the inside is soft when pierced with a knife.
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Cut and fluff:
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Let potatoes cool for a few minutes.
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Slice each one open lengthwise and gently fluff the inside with a fork. Add a pat of butter if desired.
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Load it up:
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Top with shredded cheddar (it’ll melt with the heat), then bacon, sour cream, green onions, and pepper.
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Optional Add-ins:
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Steamed broccoli or sautéed mushrooms
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Chili (for a chili cheese potato)
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Jalapeños or hot sauce
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Pulled pork or shredded BBQ chicken
Would you like a microwave version, a sweet potato twist, or a way to make them into baked potato skins or casserole?