The Ultimate Loaded Baked Potato

Q: Can I cook this baked spud recipe in the microwave?

You certainly *can* cook a potato in the microwave, but the results won't be quite the same. Microwaving is much faster, but you'll miss out on the crispy skin and fluffy interior that oven-baking provides. If you're short on time, poke holes in the potato and microwave on high for 5-8 minutes, flipping halfway through. For a bit more crispiness, you can finish it off under the broiler after microwaving.

My go-to baked spud recipe! Fluffy potatoes piled high with your faves. Easy, customisable, and better than the pub. Crispy Parmesan Smashed Potatoes? Yes, please! Get the recipe!

Ultimate Loaded baked spud recipe: Comfort Food Bliss!

June 5, 2025
By Aidan Rivers.

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Right then, let's dive into this baked spud recipe ! ever had one of those days where only pure comfort food will do? honestly, a perfectly baked potato piled high hits the spot every single time.

The Ultimate Loaded Baked Potato: A Hug in a Spud

This isn't just any baked potato. we're talking a proper masterpiece. a blank canvas for all sorts of tasty things.

The loaded baked spud recipe is a british classic, but let's face it, loads of cultures have versions of this.

It's that good! this recipe will give you a flavour bon appetit.

Making this is easy peasy. about an hour and a half, most of that is just the potato cooking away in the oven.

This recipe makes four huge potatoes, enough for a family dinner. leftovers? not in my house!

Benefits That'll Make You Grin

One of the best things? you're getting a good dose of potassium. did you know a medium baked potato has more potassium than a banana? plus, it's the perfect excuse to pile on delicious toppings.

Imagine serving these up on a cold winter's night. oh my gosh , cosy vibes all around! or maybe you want a quick and easy crispy parmesan smashed potatoes type of treat.

This is where it's at.

The Ultimate Loaded Baked Potato presentation

What You'll Need To Make This Delicious Meal

Time to grab the ingredients!

Four big russet potatoes, the kind you get for baking.
A glug of olive oil
Salt and pepper.
Then, for toppings: cheese, sour cream, bacon, green onions, butter. You get the idea!

Don't be afraid to try crispy smashed potatoes . this can be a fun and quick alternative! speaking of fun, i once tried making twice baked smashed red potatoes with a friend.

It was... an experience. let's just say the kitchen was a bit of a mess.

Honestly? Just remember the key ingredients, and you're already halfway there.

Right then, let's dive into what you'll need for this baked spud recipe . Trust me, it's simpler than ordering a takeaway. We're going for proper comfort food here.

The Nitty-Gritty: Ingredients

Main Ingredients: The Potato Story

You'll need 4 large russet potatoes . aim for about 8-10 ounces each ( 225-285g for you metric folks). what to look for? avoid spuds with green patches or sprouts.

A good baking potato should feel firm and heavy for its size. honestly , a floury potato like a maris piper will also work great if you can't find russets.

And don't even think about using new potatoes! they will not work for this baked spud recipe.

We also need 2 tablespoons of olive oil ( 30 ml ), 1 teaspoon of kosher salt ( 5g ), and 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper ( 2.5g ).

Topping Time: What Makes it Bon Appetit?

Oh my gosh , this is where the magic happens. for a classic loaded baked potato, i reckon you'll want 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese ( 100g ), 1/2 cup of sour cream ( 120ml ), 4 slices of cooked and crumbled bacon ( 50g ).

A 1/4 cup of chopped green onions ( 20g ) adds a nice fresh kick. don't forget 2 tablespoons of butter ( 30g ) to melt inside.

Seasoning Notes: The Spice is Right

Salt and pepper are your base. but don't be afraid to experiment! a dash of smoked paprika adds a lovely warmth, and garlic powder is always a winner.

Crispy parmesan smashed potatoes style is super delicious!

Quick tip: if you don't have sour cream, plain greek yogurt is a decent substitute. for that umami depth, a splash of worcestershire sauce does wonders.

It’s good for crispy smashed potatoes bon appetit .

Kit Out Your Kitchen: Equipment

Essential Gear: Keep it Simple

All you really need is a baking sheet, a fork, and an oven. we can make some flat potato recipes using these simple tools.

No fancy gadgets needed here! if you want the skins to be extra crispy, a metal baking sheet is preferable to one with a nonstick coating, but use whatever you have.

Handy alternative: if you don't have a baking sheet, you can bake the potatoes directly on the oven rack. just make sure to place a baking sheet underneath to catch any drips.

You can also prep twice baked smashed red potatoes with this simple equipment. it's all about working with what you've got, innit? honestly, it’s easy! we even make smash roasted potatoes with this simple set up.

Alright, let's get this baked spud recipe sorted! this is gonna be proper tasty. forget those dry, sad jacket potatoes, we're making loaded monsters.

Honestly, a good baked potato is like a hug on a plate.

Prep Like a Pro: Mise en Place Magic

First, the essentials. wash those spuds! really give 'em a scrub. then, grab your olive oil, salt, and pepper. i like to have my cheese grated and bacon crumbled before i even turn the oven on.

It saves time, you know? for safety, don't be a numpty; keep your fingers away from the grater!

The Baked Spud Recipe: Step-by-Step Gorgeousness

Right, here's the easy bit.

Heat your oven to 400° F ( 200° C) . Get that oven nice and toasty.
Prick those potatoes! Use a fork and give 'em a good stabbing all over. This lets the steam out.
Rub 'em down! Olive oil, salt, and pepper all over. Don't be shy.
Bake those beauties. Pop 'em straight onto the baking sheet. Bake for 60- 90 minutes.
Toppings time! Chop your green onions, crumble your bacon, and get the sour cream ready.
Slice and fluff. Once the potatoes are soft enough to pierce with a fork, slice them open and fluff up the inside with a fork.
Load 'em up! Add butter, cheese, sour cream, bacon, green onions, whatever your heart desires.

Pro Tips for Potato Perfection and Crispy Smashed Potatoes Bon Appetit

Want next-level spuds? drizzle with garlic-infused oil before baking. huge flavour boost. avoid over-baking. trust me, mushy potatoes are no fun.

You can make the toppings ahead. cook the bacon, grate the cheese – sorted!

If you are looking for something similar to a baked spud recipe why not check out something a bit more flat? Like Flat Potato Recipes , I've even made those with broccoli for a tasty Smashed Potatoes And Broccoli option! For the cheese ensoiasts, Garlic Parm Smash Potatoes are an absolute must-try, delivering that delightful Crispy Parmesan Smashed Potatoes taste!

Get Smashed, I mean Crispy, with your Oven Baked Smashed Potatoes

Fancy a twice baked smashed red potatoes sort of thing? once baked, gently smash roasted potatoes , top with cheese and a bit more oil, and pop them back in the oven for a few minutes until golden.

Also, try using small smashed white potatoes for something a bit different, it's a guaranteed win.

Honestly, this baked spud recipe is so easy, it's practically foolproof. it's a great base for loads of different meals.

Don't be afraid to experiment with your toppings! now, get cooking and enjoy! i remember once, i tried to bake a potato without pricking it.

Let me tell you, that was a mess . potato everywhere! learn from my mistakes, eh?

Alright, let's dive into some handy notes for your ultimate baked spud recipe ! honestly, these tips are like the secret sauce.

They'll take your humble potato from good to bon appetit level amazing!

Recipe Notes: Elevating Your Baked Spud

Serving Up Style: Plating & Presentation

Think beyond just plopping a potato on a plate, yeah? get a bit fancy! a swirl of sour cream, a sprinkle of fresh herbs.

Honestly, it's all about the visual appeal. a sprig of parsley? why not? even better , a small bowl of coleslaw to compliment the potato.

Storage Secrets: Keeping It Fresh

Leftovers? no worries! wrap them in foil and pop them in the fridge. they'll keep for about 3 days. for reheating, a quick zap in the microwave works fine.

If you're feeling fancy, pop them back in the oven to crisp up the skin, just don't leave it in there too long!.

Freezing? not really recommended, the texture changes, you know?

Swaps & Changes

Adapting Your Spud: Dietary Tweaks

Want a lighter version? Ditch the sour cream and load up on roasted veggies, like Smashed Potatoes And Broccoli . Swap the cheddar for a low-fat cheese. Easy peasy!

Seasonal Swaps: Keeping It Fresh

Summer spud? Top with grilled corn and black bean salsa. Autumn bake? Think roasted butternut squash and a sprinkle of sage. Let the season guide your toppings!

Getting Down To Brass Tacks

Nutrition Nuggets: Health Benefits in a Bite

Potatoes get a bad rap. They're actually packed with vitamin C and fibre. Just go easy on the cheese and bacon, alright? It can become quite high in calories and fat.

Oven Baked Smashed Potatoes or a Crispy Smashed Potatoes Bon Appetit meal?

Want to change it to an oven baked smashed potatoes style. lightly boil the potato for about 10- 15 minutes until it is soft when poked with a fork.

Then smash it on the baking sheet, drizzle with oil and bake. for the ultimate flavour profile, brush with garlic butter and sprinkle with parmesan to create garlic parm smash potatoes or crispy parmesan smashed potatoes .

So there you have it! a few little nuggets of wisdom to take your baked spud recipe to the next level.

Don't be afraid to experiment, alright? that's the fun of cooking. enjoy, and go on and get that potato baked!

Crispy Parmesan Smashed Potatoes baked spud recipe: Ultimate Comfort Food

Frequently Asked Questions

How long should I bake a potato for the perfect baked spud recipe?

Baking time depends on the size of your potatoes, but generally, a large russet potato will take 60-90 minutes at 400°F (200°C). The best way to check is to pierce it with a fork – if it goes in easily, it's ready! Remember, patience is a virtue, especially when striving for fluffy insides and crispy skin.

Can I prepare the baked potatoes in advance? What's the best way to store leftover baked spuds?

Absolutely! Baked potatoes can be cooked ahead of time. Let them cool completely, then wrap them individually in foil or plastic wrap and store them in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days. When you're ready to eat, reheat them in the oven, microwave, or even an air fryer. Just remember, they might not be quite as fluffy as freshly baked, but still tasty!

What are some tasty topping ideas for my loaded baked spud recipe, beyond the usual cheese and bacon?

The sky's the limit when it comes to toppings! Think Tex-Mex with chili, salsa, and guacamole. Or go Mediterranean with hummus, feta, and olives. Roasted vegetables like broccoli and peppers are also a winner. Get creative and use whatever you have in the fridge! A bit of pulled pork or even leftover curry can transform your baked potato into a proper feast.

Is a baked potato healthy? What are the nutritional benefits of this baked spud recipe?

Baked potatoes can be a healthy and satisfying part of a balanced diet. They're a good source of potassium, vitamin C, and fiber, especially if you eat the skin! However, the health factor really depends on your toppings. Opt for lighter choices like Greek yogurt instead of sour cream, load up on veggies, and be mindful of the amount of cheese and bacon. Moderation is key, as the saying goes.

My baked potatoes always seem to explode in the oven! What am I doing wrong?

Don't worry, potato explosions happen! The key is to prick the potatoes thoroughly with a fork before baking. This allows steam to escape and prevents pressure from building up inside. A good 5-6 pokes should do the trick. Also, ensure your oven temperature isn't too high, as this can also contribute to explosions.

Can I cook this baked spud recipe in the microwave?

You certainly can cook a potato in the microwave, but the results won't be quite the same. Microwaving is much faster, but you'll miss out on the crispy skin and fluffy interior that oven-baking provides. If you're short on time, poke holes in the potato and microwave on high for 5-8 minutes, flipping halfway through. For a bit more crispiness, you can finish it off under the broiler after microwaving.