Ingredients:
- 4 large russet potatoes: Choose potatoes of similar size.
- Olive oil: For rubbing the potatoes.
- Salt and pepper: To season
- 4 strips bacon: Cooked until crispy.
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese: Or your preferred type of cheese.
- 1/4 cup chopped green onions (scallions): Adds freshness
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 2 tablespoons butter
Instructions:
Preheat the oven:
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
Prepare the potatoes:
- Wash and thoroughly scrub the potatoes to remove any dirt.
- Pierce each potato with a fork several times to allow for even cooking.
- Rub potatoes with olive oil and season generously with salt and pepper.
Bake the potatoes:
- Place potatoes directly on the oven rack (or on a baking sheet for easier cleanup).
- Bake for approximately 1 hour, or until they are easily pierced with a fork.
Cook the bacon:
- While the potatoes are baking, cook the bacon until crispy. You can do this in a pan on the stovetop, in the oven, or in the microwave.
- Crumble the bacon into small pieces once cooled.
Assemble the potatoes:
- Allow potatoes to cool slightly for easier handling.
- Slice off the top third of each potato lengthwise.
- Carefully scoop out most of the potato flesh, leaving a thin layer inside the skin to maintain structure.
- In a bowl, mash the removed potato flesh with butter, salt, and pepper.
Fill the potatoes:
- Evenly fill the potato skins with the mashed potato mixture.
- Top generously with shredded cheese, crumbled bacon, and chopped green onions (scallions).
Final bake:
- Return the filled potatoes to the oven and bake for 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Garnish and serve:
- Top each potato with a dollop of sour cream.
- Serve immediately while hot.
Tips:
- Potato variety: Russet potatoes are ideal for baking, but you can experiment with other types as well.
- Baking time: Adjust the baking time based on the size of your potatoes. Larger potatoes may take longer to cook through.
- Make it a meal: Serve your loaded baked potatoes alongside a salad or grilled protein for a complete meal.
Enjoy your restaurant-style loaded baked potatoes!
