Easy recipe for Stuffed Baked Potato Extravaganza: 7 Ideas
Craving a Stuffed Baked Potato Extravaganza? Our easy, cheesy, loaded recipe is the ultimate comfort food dinner. Learn how to make it
Ingredients
- 4 large Russet potatoes about 1.5-2 lbs total
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp sea salt for potato skin
- ½ tsp black pepper for potato skin
- ½ cup unsalted butter softened
- 1 cup sour cream plus extra for serving
- 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 8 slices bacon cooked crisp and crumbled
- ¼ cup fresh chives chopped
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Wash potatoes thoroughly and pat dry. Pierce each potato 5-6 times with a fork.
- For quicker cooking, microwave each potato for 5-7 minutes, or until slightly softened. This will significantly reduce oven baking time and allow it to fit within the total time.
- Rub potatoes with olive oil, then sprinkle generously with sea salt and black pepper. Place directly on an oven rack or on a foil-lined baking sheet. Bake for 20-25 minutes (if microwaved) or 45-60 minutes (if not microwaved), or until fork-tender.
- While potatoes bake, cook bacon until crisp. Drain on paper towels, then crumble. Chop fresh chives. Prepare any other desired toppings.
- Once potatoes are done, carefully remove from oven. Using oven mitts, slice each potato lengthwise down the middle, being careful not to cut all the way through the bottom.
- Fluff the potato flesh with a fork. Add 1-2 tablespoons of softened butter, a dollop of sour cream, and a handful of shredded cheddar cheese into each potato. Mix gently with the fork to combine with the hot potato flesh, allowing the cheese to melt.
- Top generously with crumbled bacon and chopped chives. Serve immediately with extra sour cream or other desired toppings on the side.
Notes
7 Stuffed Baked Potato Extravaganza Ideas:
- Classic Loaded: Butter, sour cream, cheddar, bacon, chives (as in this recipe).
- Broccoli Cheddar: Steamed broccoli florets, sharp cheddar cheese sauce, a sprinkle of hot sauce.
- Chili Cheese: Warm chili (beef or vegetarian), shredded Monterey Jack cheese, a dollop of sour cream.
- Philly Cheesesteak: Sautéed thinly sliced steak, bell peppers, onions, and provolone cheese.
- Taco Style: Seasoned ground beef or black beans, salsa, shredded lettuce, cojita cheese, and a drizzle of lime crema.
- Pizza Potato: Marinara sauce, mozzarella cheese, mini pepperoni, and a sprinkle of oregano.
- Mediterranean: Feta cheese, Kalamata olives, sun-dried tomatoes, spinach, and a drizzle of olive oil.
