Oh yeahhh—Baked Potato with Bacon and Cheese is a classic for a reason. Crispy skin, fluffy inside, melty cheese, salty bacon… it’s basically comfort food perfection in one steamy, loaded bite. Here’s how to make it just right:
🥔 Baked Potato with Bacon & Cheese
Crispy skin, melty center, loaded vibes.
Serves: 4
Prep Time: 10 min
Bake Time: 50–60 min (or faster if using microwave + oven combo)
🛒 Ingredients:
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4 large russet potatoes (scrubbed and dried)
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Olive oil or melted butter (for rubbing skins)
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Salt (coarse kosher salt is best)
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1 cup shredded cheddar or cheese blend
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6 slices bacon, cooked & crumbled
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½ cup sour cream or Greek yogurt
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2 tbsp chopped green onions or chives
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Optional: black pepper, hot sauce, or garlic powder
👩🍳 Directions:
1. Prep & bake the potatoes:
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Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C).
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Prick each potato a few times with a fork. Rub with olive oil or butter, sprinkle with salt.
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Place directly on the oven rack (for crisp skin!) or on a baking sheet.
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Bake 50–60 minutes until skins are crisp and insides are fork-tender.
Quick tip: In a rush? Microwave for 5–6 minutes per potato, then transfer to oven for 10–15 min to crisp up.
2. Make the toppings:
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Cook bacon until crispy, then crumble or chop.
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Shred cheese, slice green onions, prep sour cream.
3. Load ‘em up:
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Slice open each potato lengthwise. Fluff insides with a fork.
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Add a pat of butter if you’re feelin’ it, then top with cheese and bacon.
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Pop back in the oven for 5–7 minutes to melt the cheese.
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Finish with sour cream, green onions, and any extras.
🔁 Optional Add-Ons:
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Broccoli or sautéed mushrooms
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Chili or pulled pork (make it a meal!)
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Ranch drizzle or hot sauce
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Garlic herb butter inside the potato before loading
Want to turn this into a baked potato bar or casserole version for a group? I can set that up too.