These Loaded Baked Potatoes with Bacon and Cheese are the ultimate comfort food. Fluffy baked potatoes are topped with crispy bacon, melted cheese, and your favorite fixings for a truly satisfying meal. Perfect as a side dish or a main course!
Author:Lora Lopez
Prep Time:15 minutes
Cook Time:1 hour (including baking potatoes and bacon)
Total Time:1 hour 15 minutes
Yield:Servings: 4
Category:Dinner
Cuisine:American
Ingredients
Scale
Potatoes:
4 large Russet or Idaho potatoes
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 teaspoon salt
Bacon:
8 slices bacon
Cheese:
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (or Monterey Jack, or a blend)
Toppings (Optional):
Sour cream
Green onions, chopped
Butter
Salt and pepper
Chili
Jalapeños, sliced
Salsa
Guacamole
Broccoli florets, steamed
And more!
Instructions
Prepare the Potatoes: Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C). Wash and scrub potatoes thoroughly. Pierce each potato several times with a fork. Rub potatoes with olive oil and sprinkle with salt.
Bake the Potatoes: Place potatoes directly on the oven rack or on a baking sheet. Bake for 45-60 minutes, or until a fork easily pierces the flesh.
Cook the Bacon: While potatoes are baking, cook the bacon until crispy. You can bake it alongside the potatoes on a separate baking sheet (lined with parchment paper for easy cleanup), fry it in a skillet, or use an air fryer. Once cooked, drain on paper towels and crumble.
Prepare Toppings: While the potatoes and bacon are cooking, prepare any desired toppings (chop green onions, shred cheese, etc.).
Assemble the Loaded Potatoes: Once the potatoes are cooked, remove them from the oven. Carefully cut a slit lengthwise in the top of each potato and fluff the inside with a fork.
Add Toppings: Top each potato with butter (if desired), shredded cheese, crumbled bacon, and any other toppings you like.
Serve: Serve immediately while the cheese is melted and the potatoes are hot.
Notes
Potato Variety: Russet and Idaho potatoes are ideal for baking due to their starchy texture.
Baking Time: Baking time may vary depending on the size of your potatoes. They are done when a fork easily pierces the center.
Bacon Cooking: Baking bacon is a less messy method than frying.
Cheese Options: Cheddar is a classic choice, but feel free to experiment with other cheeses like Monterey Jack, Colby, or a blend.
Topping Variations: The possibilities are endless! Get creative with your toppings and customize your loaded potatoes to your liking.
Microwave Option: For a quicker method, you can microwave the potatoes for 5-7 minutes per potato (pierced first!), then finish them in the oven or under the broiler for a few minutes to crisp up the skin.
Air Fryer Option: You can also bake the potatoes in an air fryer at 400°F (200°C) for about 35-40 minutes, turning halfway through.