Loaded Baked Potatoes with Bacon and Cheese
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!
Ingredients
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.