Loaded Baked Potatoes with Bacon and Cheese

Introduction

Welcome to the ultimate comfort food experience with our Loaded Baked Potatoes featuring crispy bacon and melty cheeses. These mouthwatering spuds are the perfect go-to dish for any occasion. Whether enjoyed as a side dish or a main event, the combination of fluffy potatoes, rich cheeses, and savory bacon will take your taste buds on a delightful journey. Let’s dive into this recipe that embodies warmth and indulgence.

Kitchen Equipment Required

• Oven
• Baking Sheet
• Large Mixing Bowl
• Potato Masher or Fork
• Cheese Grater
• Knife and Cutting Board
• Frying Pan
• Spoon

Cooking Time

Total estimated time: 1 hour 15 minutes

Loaded Baked Potatoes Recipe

Ingredients

• 4 large russet potatoes (approximately 1.5 kg / 3.3 lbs)
• 200g (1 cup) shredded cheddar cheese
• 100g (1/2 cup) shredded mozzarella cheese
• 150g (6 strips) bacon, cooked and crumbled
• 120g (1/2 cup) sour cream
• 50g (1/4 cup) unsalted butter
• 60ml (1/4 cup) whole milk
• 5g (1 tsp) garlic powder
• 5g (1 tsp) onion powder
• 5g (1 tsp) salt, plus extra to taste
• 2g (1/2 tsp) freshly cracked black pepper
• 2 tbsp chopped fresh chives, for garnish

Instructions

Step 1: Baking the Potatoes

Preheat your oven to 200°C (400°F). Wash and dry the potatoes thoroughly. Prick each potato a few times with a fork to allow steam to escape. Place them directly on the oven rack or on a baking sheet. Bake for approximately 60 minutes until they are tender when pierced with a fork.

Step 2: Preparing the Bacon

While the potatoes are baking, cook the bacon in a frying pan over medium heat until crispy. Remove from pan, drain on paper towels, and crumble into pieces.

Step 3: Creating the Filling

Once the potatoes are done, let them cool slightly for about 10 minutes. Slice the top off each potato, scoop the insides into a large mixing bowl, leaving a thin layer to support the potato shell. Add butter, milk, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper to the potato insides. Using a potato masher or fork, mash until smooth and creamy. Fold in sour cream, cheddar, mozzarella, and half of the crumbled bacon.

Step 4: Assembling and Baking the Potatoes

Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F). Spoon the potato mixture back into the potato skins, mounding it slightly. Arrange them on a baking sheet and sprinkle remaining bacon and extra cheese on top. Bake for an additional 15 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Step 5: Garnishing

Remove from oven and garnish with freshly chopped chives. Serve immediately while hot. Offer additional sour cream and chives on the side if desired.

Conclusion

Congratulations, you now have a tray of luscious Loaded Baked Potatoes ready to serve! This recipe brings the perfect blend of simplicity and decadence, ensuring every bite is packed with flavor. Whether you’re catering to a crowd at a gathering or simply enjoying a quiet night in, these loaded potatoes are a surefire way to win over any appetite. Try experimenting with additional toppings like green onions, jalapeños, or even a sprinkle of paprika for an extra punch of flavor. Enjoy this dish as a versatile comfort food classic!

Wyatt Travis Creator of AI MultiPrompter

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