Loaded Baked Potatoes

Name: Loaded Baked Potatoes
Prep time: 20 min
Total time: 1 h 10 min
Yield: 4 serving(s)
Ingredients: 4 large baking potatoes (such as russets); 1 1/2 tbsp. vegetable or canola oil; 1 1/2 tsp. kosher salt; 6 slices bacon; 4 tbsp. salted butter; 1/2 tsp. black pepper; 1 c. shredded sharp cheddar cheese (about 4 ounces); 1/4 c. sour cream; 2 tbsp. chopped chives

Bring on the fixin's: bacon, cheddar, and lots of buttah.

By Ree DrummondPublished: Jan 21, 2025

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the pioneer woman's loaded baked potatoes recipe

Will Dickey

Yields:

4 serving(s)

Prep Time:

20 mins

Total Time:

1 hr 10 mins

Today, we're talking all about loaded baked potatoes, which happen to be one of my favorite things in the world. If you've ever wondered how to bake potatoes so the center is light and fluffy and the skin is crisp, or what baked potato toppings make 'em even more magical, you've come to the right place. These go great with steak dinners, or you can have one for dinner all by itself. Let's get started!

What type of potatoes are best for baking?

I always stick with russet potatoes for baked potatoes because they're high in starch and low in moisture, so they bake up light and fluffy with good, crispy skin.

Is it better to wrap baked potatoes in foil or not?

Skip the foil: The foil causes the potatoes to steam, which results in soggy skin. For a crackly exterior, rub the potatoes with a little vegetable oil, sprinkle them with salt for added flavor, and bake until you can easily pierce the center with a fork.

What're the best toppings for loaded baked potatoes?

The sky's the limit! I like the classics (bacon, cheddar, sour cream, chives, and lots of buttah) in this recipe, but you can top your tater with this beef-and-bean chili, shredded Buffalo chicken, pulled pork, broccoli and cheese—anything your heart desires!

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Ingredients

Directions

1. Step 1Preheat the oven to 400°F. Place one oven rack on the upper third and another rack on the lower third. Scrub the potatoes clean, dry them, then prick them all over with a fork.
2. Step 2Place the potatoes on a baking sheet. Rub them all over with the oil, sprinkle with 1 teaspoon of the salt, and bake on the lower rack until thoroughly cooked and soft in the center, about 1 hour.
3. Step 3Meanwhile, line a baking sheet with foil. Spread the bacon in a single layer on the baking sheet and bake on the upper rack, flipping halfway through, until crispy, 15 to 20 minutes. Remove the bacon to a paper towel-lined plate and finely crumble when cool enough to handle.
4. Step 4Cut a slit lengthwise in the top of each potato and pinch it open. Add 1 tablespoon butter and some pepper to each potato. Divide the remaining 1/2 teaspoon salt evenly between the potatoes, and use a fork to mash the filling without breaking the skin shell.
5. Step 5Serve the potatoes with the cheddar, sour cream, bacon, and chives, for topping.