Description
The Ultimate Loaded Potato Bake is the coziest comfort dish around—featuring crispy-skinned russet potatoes filled with a buttery mash and topped with gooey cheese, fresh herbs, and optional meat or plant-based toppings. Perfect as a hearty side or a main course.
Ingredients
4 large russet potatoes (about 12 ounces each)
Vegetable or olive oil, for rubbing
½ cup unsalted butter, diced
Kosher salt, to taste
Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Optional toppings: shredded cheddar cheese, chopped chives, sliced green onions, sour cream, or plant-based bacon-style bits
Instructions
1. Preheat your oven to 375°F. Using a fork or small knife, poke each potato several times to allow steam to escape during baking.
2. Lightly coat the potatoes with oil and place them directly on the oven rack or on a rack set over a baking sheet. Bake for about 60 minutes, or until a fork slides easily into the center.
3. Remove the potatoes from the oven and let them rest for 5 minutes so they’re easier to handle.
4. Slice each potato lengthwise. Carefully scoop out the fluffy interior into a mixing bowl, leaving the skins mostly intact.
5. Add the butter, salt, and pepper to the potato flesh. Gently mash until the butter melts and the mixture is creamy but still slightly chunky.
6. Spoon the mashed potato back into the skins. You can refill all four for classic portions or pile the filling into two skins for extra-hearty potatoes. Shape them gently with your hands.
7. Add your favorite toppings. If using cheese, return the potatoes to the oven for about 1 minute, just until the cheese melts.
8. Serve immediately while hot and comforting.
Notes
To keep skins from tearing, let baked potatoes rest for 5 minutes before slicing. Customize the filling with meat, veggies, or dairy-free alternatives.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 60 minutes
- Category: Comfort Food
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American