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Cozy Loaded Baked Potato Bar Recipe with 10 Easy Toppings Ideas

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A cozy, customizable loaded baked potato bar featuring crispy-skinned russet potatoes and a variety of easy, flavorful toppings perfect for casual gatherings or comforting weeknight meals.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 large russet potatoes (about 10–12 ounces / 280–340 grams each)
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil or vegetable oil
  • 1 tablespoon coarse sea salt or kosher salt
  • 1/2 cup sour cream (full-fat or light), plus additional for topping
  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
  • Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • 1 1/2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
  • 6 slices crispy cooked bacon bits
  • 1/3 cup chopped green onions or chives
  • 1 cup steamed broccoli florets
  • 1/2 cup black beans, rinsed and drained
  • 1/2 cup diced avocado or guacamole
  • 2 tablespoons pickled jalapeños
  • 1/2 cup caramelized onions
  • 1 cup shredded rotisserie chicken

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
  2. Rinse and scrub 4 large russet potatoes under cold water. Pat dry thoroughly.
  3. Poke 6-8 holes all over each potato using a fork or skewer.
  4. Rub each potato with about 1/2 tablespoon of olive or vegetable oil and sprinkle generously with coarse sea salt or kosher salt.
  5. Place potatoes directly on the oven rack or on a wire rack set over a baking sheet. Bake for 45-60 minutes, flipping halfway through at about 30 minutes, until skins are crispy and a skewer slides in easily.
  6. While potatoes bake, prepare toppings: cook bacon until crispy and chop, shred cheese, chop green onions, steam broccoli, and prep other toppings as desired.
  7. When potatoes are cool enough to handle (about 10 minutes after baking), cut each in half lengthwise.
  8. Carefully scoop out most of the fluffy potato flesh into a mixing bowl, leaving about 1/4 inch of potato attached to the skin.
  9. Add 4 tablespoons softened butter, 1/2 cup sour cream, and freshly ground black pepper to the potato flesh. Mash gently until creamy and well combined. Adjust seasoning if needed.
  10. Spoon the creamy potato mixture back into each skin half, mounding slightly.
  11. Top potatoes with a variety of toppings such as shredded cheddar, bacon bits, green onions, steamed broccoli, black beans, avocado, pickled jalapeños, caramelized onions, or shredded chicken.
  12. Optional: For melty cheese, place loaded potato halves under the broiler for 2-3 minutes, watching carefully to avoid burning.

Notes

Use russet potatoes for best fluffy interior and crispy skins. Coat potatoes with oil and salt before baking for extra crispiness. Poke holes in potatoes to prevent bursting. Prepare toppings while potatoes bake for efficiency. For melty cheese, broil loaded potatoes briefly. Avoid overmixing potato filling to keep it fluffy. Leftovers can be reheated in the oven to maintain crisp skins; avoid microwaving.

Nutrition

Keywords: loaded baked potato, baked potato bar, comfort food, easy dinner, customizable toppings, russet potatoes, cozy meal

Find it online: https://snappyspoon.com/cozy-loaded-baked-potato-bar-recipe-with-10-easy-toppings-ideas/