Description
Delicious loaded baked potatoes topped with sour cream, cheddar cheese, bacon, and chives.
Ingredients
Scale
- 4 large russet potatoes
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup cooked bacon, crumbled
- 1/2 cup chives, chopped
- 1/2 cup butter, softened
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Olive oil (for coating)
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Prepare the Potatoes:
- Scrub the potatoes clean and pat them dry.
- Pierce each potato several times with a fork.
- Rub the potatoes with olive oil and sprinkle them with salt.
- Bake the Potatoes:
- Place the potatoes directly on the oven rack and bake for about 45-60 minutes, until tender when pierced with a fork.
- Prepare the Toppings:
- While the potatoes are baking, prepare your toppings.
- Cook the bacon until crispy and crumble it.
- Chop the chives.
- Assemble the Loaded Potatoes:
- Once the potatoes are done, remove them from the oven and let cool slightly.
- Cut a slit in the top of each potato and scoop out a portion of the insides into a bowl.
- Mash the scooped potato with butter, sour cream, and half of the cheddar cheese.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Refill each potato with the mashed mixture.
- Finish with Toppings:
- Sprinkle the remaining cheese on top of the potatoes.
- Add bacon crumbles and a dollop of sour cream.
- Finish with a generous sprinkle of chives.
Notes
- For extra crispiness, return the filled potatoes to the oven for an additional 10 minutes after adding the cheese.
- Customize your toppings with extras like jalapeños or sautéed mushrooms for additional flavors.
- Use a potato masher or fork to achieve a smooth mashed potato consistency.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 60 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 potato