Loaded Baked Potato Classic (Printable)
Hearty baked potato with crispy bacon, melted cheese, sour cream, and chives for a flavorful meal or side.
# What You'll Need:
→ Potatoes
01 - 4 large russet potatoes, scrubbed
02 - 2 tablespoons olive oil
03 - 1 teaspoon kosher salt
→ Toppings
04 - 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
05 - 4 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
06 - 1/2 cup sour cream
07 - 1/4 cup chopped chives
08 - 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
09 - Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
# How to Make It:
01 - Set the oven to 425°F and line a baking sheet with aluminum foil.
02 - Prick each potato several times with a fork. Rub them evenly with olive oil and sprinkle with kosher salt.
03 - Arrange the potatoes on the prepared sheet and bake for 50 to 60 minutes, until the skin is crisp and a fork pierces easily.
04 - Remove from oven and allow to cool slightly. Slice each potato lengthwise and gently squeeze ends to open. Fluff the interior with a fork.
05 - Place a small pat of unsalted butter inside each potato.
06 - Sprinkle shredded cheddar over each potato and return to the oven for 3 to 5 minutes until melted.
07 - Top with crumbled bacon, a dollop of sour cream, chopped chives, and freshly ground black pepper. Serve immediately.
# Expert Hacks:
01 -
- It's foolproof and forgiving—even if you slightly overcook the potato, it still tastes amazing with all those delicious toppings.
- Everyone at the table gets to customize their own creation, which feels special and personal instead of being served something fixed.
- The contrast between the crispy potato skin and fluffy insides, topped with cool sour cream and salty bacon, is genuinely crave-worthy.
02 -
- Don't skip pricking the potatoes—I made this mistake once and had a potato actually burst in the oven. It's a small step that prevents a real mess and ensures even cooking.
- The second bake for the cheese is crucial. It only takes minutes, but it transforms shredded cheese into actual melted deliciousness rather than having it just sit on top.
03 -
- Quality of toppings matters more than quantity—good sharp cheddar, thick-cut crispy bacon, and real sour cream are worth the extra cost.
- Have all your toppings prepped and ready before the potatoes come out of the oven, so you can assemble and serve immediately while everything is at its best temperature.