Sep 02 2026
RestaurantsSmokehouse Social BarbecueLoaded Baked Potato Recipe

Loaded Baked Potato Recipe

Time1h 15m
Serves4

Make Loaded Baked Potato Recipe in just 1h 15m. Get the full recipe with step-by-step instructions at pekinthechef.com.

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Ingredients

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Potatoes

Optional add-ins

Method

Potatoes

  1. 1

    Preheat and prepare

    Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Wash and scrub the russet potatoes thoroughly to remove dirt. Pat them dry with a towel.

  2. 2

    Season

    Prick each potato 6–8 times with a fork to allow steam to escape. Rub each potato all over with olive oil, then sprinkle evenly with kosher salt and black pepper.

  3. 3

    Bake

    Place the potatoes directly on the oven rack or on a baking sheet lined with foil. Bake at 425°F (220°C) for 45–60 minutes, until skins are crisp and a paring knife or skewer slides into the center with little resistance. Cooking time depends on potato size.

Toppings

  1. 4

    Prepare toppings

    While potatoes bake, cook the bacon until crisp (pan-fry, bake on a sheet at 400°F for 15–20 minutes, or microwave), then drain and crumble. Shred the cheddar cheese if not pre-shredded. Slice green onions thinly and chop chives if using. Measure out sour cream and butter so they're ready to use.

  2. 5

    Split and fluff

    When potatoes are done, remove from oven and let rest 5 minutes. Using a sharp knife, make a lengthwise slit across the top of each potato, pressing the ends gently to open. Add 1 tablespoon butter into each potato and use a fork to fluff the interior slightly, mixing butter into the flesh.

  3. 6

    Assemble

    Divide shredded cheddar cheese evenly among the potatoes (about 3 tablespoons per potato). Spoon about 2 tablespoons sour cream onto each. Sprinkle crumbled bacon (about 1–1.5 slices per potato), then top with sliced green onions and chives if using. Season each potato with a light pinch of salt and a grind of black pepper to taste.

  4. 7

    Melt and finish (optional)

    If you prefer melted cheese, place assembled potatoes on a baking sheet and return to the oven set to broil for 1–2 minutes, watching closely until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Remove immediately to avoid burning.

  5. 8

    Serve

    Serve the loaded baked potatoes hot, with optional add-ins (sautéed mushrooms, broccoli, or a drizzle of hot sauce) available for guests to customize.

Optional add-ins

  1. 9

    If using optional add-ins, prepare them while potatoes bake: sauté mushrooms in 1 teaspoon oil over medium-high heat until browned (about 5–7 minutes). Steam broccoli until tender (2–3 minutes) and chop. Warm hot sauce and offer on the side. Add these to potatoes when assembling.

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