The Best Loaded Baked Potato Recipe: Crispy, Fluffy, and Loaded With Toppings

Crispy on the outside, fluffy in the center, and piled high with melted cheese, crispy bacon, sour cream, and fresh green onions, these Loaded Baked Potatoes are the ultimate comfort food. They make an easy side dish, but with generous toppings, they are hearty enough to serve as a satisfying main course. The key is baking the potatoes properly so the skins become crisp while the centers stay light and tender.

Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 50–60 minutes
Total time: 1 hour 10 minutes
Servings: 4
Difficulty: Easy

Ingredients

• 4 large russet potatoes
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
• 6 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
• ½ cup sour cream
• 3 green onions, thinly sliced
• 2 tablespoons butter
• ½ teaspoon black pepper

The first step is getting the potatoes ready for the oven. Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C) and scrub the potatoes thoroughly, then dry them completely. Prick each potato several times with a fork, rub the skins with olive oil, and season generously with salt. Place them directly on the oven rack, with a baking sheet underneath if desired to catch any drips. Bake for 45–60 minutes, depending on their size, until the skins are crisp and a knife slides easily into the center.

While the potatoes are baking, prepare the toppings. Cook the bacon until crisp, drain it, and crumble it into small pieces. Shred the cheddar cheese and slice the green onions. Once the potatoes are tender, remove them from the oven and carefully cut a deep slit lengthwise through the top of each one. Gently squeeze the ends to open the potato, then use a fork to fluff the inside. Add ½ tablespoon of butter to each potato and season with a little black pepper.

Divide the shredded cheddar between the potatoes while they are still hot, allowing the cheese to melt into the fluffy centers. Top each potato with sour cream, crispy bacon, and sliced green onions. For an even more indulgent version, add extra cheese and return the potatoes to the oven for a few minutes until completely melted. You can also customize them with toppings such as pulled pork, chili, grilled chicken, jalapeños, or sautéed mushrooms.

For the best results, use russet potatoes and avoid wrapping them in foil, as foil traps steam and prevents the skins from becoming properly crisp. The potatoes are ready when the centers are completely tender and fluffy. Serve them immediately while the cheese is melted and the toppings are fresh. With minimal preparation and plenty of room for customization, these Loaded Baked Potatoes are an easy, budget-friendly recipe that turns a humble potato into a complete comfort-food favorite.