Transform simple potatoes into a mouthwatering meal with these six irresistible baked potato recipes.
From classic toppings to innovative flavor combinations, you’ll discover new ways to elevate this humble spud into a satisfying main course.
Whether you’re craving something traditional like sour cream and chives or ready to experiment with gourmet ingredients, these recipes will help you perfect your baked potato game.
Get ready to explore loaded bacon and cheese, Mediterranean-style, BBQ pulled pork, broccoli cheddar, and Mexican-inspired variations that will revolutionize your dinner routine.
Classic Loaded Baked Potato with Sour Cream and Chives
Experience the ultimate comfort food with this Classic Loaded Baked Potato recipe.
This hearty dish combines a perfectly crispy skin with a fluffy interior, topped with classic favorites like melted butter, sour cream, chives, and crispy bacon – making it a satisfying meal or impressive side dish.
Ingredients:
• 4 large russet potatoes
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon sea salt
• 1/2 cup sour cream
• 4 tablespoons butter
• 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 4 strips bacon, cooked and crumbled
• 2 tablespoons fresh chives, finely chopped
• Salt and black pepper to taste
Cooking Instructions:
Step 1: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
Step 2: Wash potatoes thoroughly and pat dry. Pierce several times with a fork.
Step 3: Rub potatoes with olive oil and sprinkle with sea salt.
Step 4: Place directly on the middle oven rack and bake for 50-60 minutes until skin is crispy and inside is tender.
Step 5: Remove from oven and let cool for 5 minutes.
Step 6: Cut potatoes lengthwise and fluff the interior with a fork.
Step 7: Top each potato with butter, allowing it to melt into the hot potato.
Step 8: Add shredded cheese, sour cream, crumbled bacon, and chopped chives.
Step 9: Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Pro Tip: For the crispiest skin, avoid wrapping potatoes in foil while baking. Instead, rub them with oil and salt, and place them directly on the oven rack. This method ensures a deliciously crispy exterior while maintaining a fluffy interior.
Twice-Baked Cheesy Broccoli Potato
Indulge in the ultimate comfort food with these Twice-Baked Cheesy Broccoli Potatoes.
This hearty dish combines crispy potato skins filled with creamy mashed potatoes, tender broccoli, and melted cheese, creating a perfect side dish or main course that your whole family will love.
Ingredients:
• 4 large russet potatoes
• 2 cups broccoli florets, chopped
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1/2 cup sour cream
• 1/4 cup milk
• 4 tablespoons butter
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1/4 cup green onions, chopped (for garnish)
Cooking Instructions:
Step 1: Preheat your oven to 400°F and wash potatoes thoroughly.
Step 2: Pierce potatoes with a fork and bake for 1 hour or until tender.
Step 3: Steam broccoli florets until crisp-tender, about 5 minutes.
Step 4: Cut potatoes in half lengthwise and scoop out the inside, leaving a 1/4-inch shell.
Step 5: Mash potato filling with butter, sour cream, milk, garlic, salt, and pepper until smooth.
Step 6: Fold in steamed broccoli and half of the cheese into the mashed mixture.
Step 7: Spoon the filling back into potato shells and top with remaining cheese.
Step 8: Return to oven for 15-20 minutes until cheese is melted and golden.
Step 9: Garnish with green onions and serve hot.
Pro Tip: For extra-crispy skins, rub the potato skins with olive oil and sprinkle with salt before the first baking. This will create a delicious contrast with the creamy filling while adding another layer of texture to your dish.
Mediterranean-Style Baked Potato with Feta and Olives
Transform your regular baked potato into a Mediterranean delight with this fresh and flavorful recipe.
This dish combines the creamy texture of a perfectly baked potato with the tangy punch of feta cheese, briny olives, and aromatic herbs for a satisfying meal that’ll transport you to the sunny Mediterranean coast.
Ingredients:
• 4 medium-sized russet potatoes
• 1 cup crumbled feta cheese
• 1/2 cup Kalamata olives, pitted and chopped
• 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon fresh oregano, chopped
• 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary, chopped
• 1 tablespoon lemon zest
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• Optional: fresh parsley for garnish
Cooking Instructions:
Step 1: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
Step 2: Wash and dry the potatoes thoroughly, then pierce them several times with a fork.
Step 3: Rub the potatoes with 1 tablespoon of olive oil and sprinkle with salt.
Step 4: Place potatoes directly on the oven rack and bake for 45-60 minutes until tender.
Step 5: Mix feta, olives, minced garlic, herbs, and remaining olive oil in a bowl.
Step 6: Cut the baked potatoes lengthwise and fluff the inside with a fork.
Step 7: Top each potato with the feta-olive mixture and sprinkle with lemon zest.
Step 8: Garnish with fresh parsley if desired.
Pro Tip: For the crispiest potato skin, avoid wrapping your potatoes in foil while baking. Instead, rub them with olive oil and salt before placing them directly on the oven rack. This technique ensures a crispy exterior while maintaining a fluffy interior.
Buffalo Chicken Stuffed Baked Potato
Buffalo Chicken Stuffed Baked Potato combines the zesty kick of buffalo chicken with creamy, tender baked potatoes for a hearty and satisfying meal.
This crowd-pleasing dish brings together the best of comfort food with a spicy twist that’ll make your taste buds dance.
Ingredients:
• 4 large russet potatoes
• 2 cups shredded cooked chicken
• 1/2 cup buffalo sauce
• 4 oz cream cheese, softened
• 1/4 cup ranch dressing
• 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 2 green onions, chopped
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
Cooking Instructions:
Step 1: Preheat your oven to 400°F. Wash potatoes and prick with a fork several times.
Step 2: Rub potatoes with olive oil and salt, then bake for 1 hour or until tender.
Step 3: While potatoes bake, mix shredded chicken with buffalo sauce in a bowl.
Step 4: In another bowl, combine softened cream cheese and ranch dressing.
Step 5: Once potatoes are done, cut them in half lengthwise and scoop out the middle, leaving a thin shell.
Step 6: Mix the potato filling with the cream cheese mixture.
Step 7: Layer the buffalo chicken into the potato shells.
Step 8: Top with the potato-cream cheese mixture and shredded cheddar.
Step 9: Return to oven for 10-15 minutes until cheese melts.
Step 10: Garnish with green onions and serve hot.
Pro Tip: For extra crispy potato skins, brush the outside with olive oil and return to the oven for 5 minutes after scooping out the filling. This creates a delightful contrast between the crispy exterior and creamy filling.
Bacon and Caramelized Onion Russet Supreme
Experience the ultimate comfort food with this Bacon and Caramelized Onion Russet Supreme.
This hearty dish combines crispy bacon, sweet caramelized onions, and perfectly baked russet potatoes for a satisfying meal that’ll impress your family or dinner guests.
Ingredients:
• 4 large russet potatoes
• 8 strips bacon, diced
• 2 large onions, thinly sliced
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1/2 cup sour cream
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• 2 tablespoons fresh chives, chopped
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
Cooking Instructions:
Step 1: Preheat your oven to 400°F. Wash potatoes and prick with a fork. Rub with olive oil and salt.
Step 2: Bake potatoes for 1 hour or until tender when pierced with a fork.
Step 3: While potatoes bake, cook diced bacon in a large skillet until crispy. Remove and set aside.
Step 4: In the same skillet, add butter and sliced onions. Cook on medium-low heat for 25-30 minutes, stirring occasionally until golden brown and caramelized.
Step 5: Cut baked potatoes in half lengthwise, fluff the inside with a fork.
Step 6: Top each potato half with caramelized onions, bacon, cheese, and a dollop of sour cream.
Step 7: Garnish with fresh chives and serve hot.
Pro Tip: For the perfect caramelized onions, don’t rush the process – low and slow is key. If onions start sticking to the pan, add a splash of water to deglaze and continue cooking. This prevents burning and builds deeper flavor.
Southwest Black Bean and Corn Loaded Potato
Transform your regular baked potato into a vibrant Southwest-inspired meal!
This loaded potato combines the creaminess of a perfectly baked spud with zesty black beans, sweet corn, and Mexican-inspired seasonings for a satisfying vegetarian dish that’s both nutritious and flavorful.
Ingredients:
• 4 large russet potatoes
• 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 cup corn kernels (fresh or frozen)
• 1 red bell pepper, diced
• 1/2 red onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1/4 cup sour cream
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp chili powder
• 1 tsp ground cumin
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Optional toppings: cilantro, jalapeños, lime wedges
Cooking Instructions:
Step 1: Preheat your oven to 425°F. Wash potatoes and prick with a fork several times.
Step 2: Rub potatoes with olive oil and salt, then bake for 45-60 minutes until tender.
Step 3: In a skillet, sauté onion and garlic until fragrant (about 3 minutes).
Step 4: Add bell pepper, corn, black beans, chili powder, and cumin. Cook for 5-7 minutes.
Step 5: Split baked potatoes lengthwise and fluff the inside with a fork.
Step 6: Top with the bean-corn mixture and cheese.
Step 7: Return to oven for 5 minutes until cheese melts.
Step 8: Finish with sour cream and your chosen toppings.
Pro Tip: For the crispiest potato skin, rub the potatoes with olive oil and coarse salt before baking. This creates a delicious, crispy exterior that contrasts beautifully with the fluffy interior.
Frequently Asked Questions
What’s the key to getting a perfectly crispy potato skin?
Rub olive oil and sea salt on the potato skin before baking, then bake at 425°F (218°C). This combination creates that sought-after crispy exterior while keeping the inside fluffy.
How long should you bake a potato for the best results?
Bake large potatoes for 50-60 minutes at 425°F, until you can easily pierce them with a fork. Cooking time may vary depending on potato size and oven temperature.
Which potato variety works best for baking?
Choose Russet potatoes for their high starch content and thick skins. Their starchy flesh creates a fluffy interior while maintaining shape during the baking process.
Should you wrap potatoes in foil before baking?
Skip the foil for crispier skins. Wrapping potatoes in foil steams them instead of baking, resulting in softer skins and a different texture.
What are the most popular toppings for a loaded baked potato?
Top your potato with butter, sour cream, chives, bacon bits, and shredded cheddar cheese. You can also add black pepper and green onions for extra flavor.
Final Thoughts
Now you’re equipped with six delicious ways to elevate your baked potato game.
Remember, the key to perfection lies in choosing the right potato, thoroughly cleaning the skin, and being patient with the baking time.
Whether you prefer the classic butter-and-chives combo or want to experiment with loaded toppings, these recipes will deliver that sought-after fluffy interior and crispy skin.
Don’t forget to pierce your potatoes before baking, and always let them rest for a few minutes after cooking for the best texture.
