Nothing is more versatile than a potato. You can have it baked, mashed, roasted, scalloped and lets not forget french fries. They can even be eaten in salad form. Let’s face it, potatoes do make a great side dish to any meal. How about we turn the potato into the main dish of our meal?
I love baked potatoes, but sometimes, they can get boring. So why not shake things up! What can be good on top of a baked potato? Sour Cream with chives or green onions is a classic. Sprinkling some shredded cheese is also a winner. Why not put all of these things together and while we are at it, throw in some bacon (yes, bacon is popular at my house).
For these loaded potatoes you will need:
- 3 potatoes
- 1 1/2 cup of shredded Cheddar (you can use sharp of mild)
- 1/2 cup of Sour Cream
- 3/4 cup of Bacon (1/2 cup & 1/4 cup)
- 2 full green onions + 1 ends of green onions (for topping)
- 1 Tbsp of butter
- 1/4 cup of milk
- Salt
- Pepper
First, bake your potatoes in a 400° F oven for about an hour. You will know that your potatoes will be ready when you are able to insert a knife through easily. Using a knife, slit open the potatoes in the middle and using spoon, scoop out the cooked potato flesh into bowl, being careful not to burn your fingers.
Once you have pulled all of the potato flesh out, mash them has you would prepare mashed potatoes adding butter and milk. Then add your 1/2 cup of bacon, 1 cup of the cheddar cheese, the 2 chopped green onions, the sour cream, the salt and pepper. Mix everything together.
Stuff your potatoes with the mashed mixture. Using the extra cheese and bacon, top off with cheese and sprinkle with bacon. Do not over stuff them. Don’t worry with the fact that you will be left over with some potato filling. We’ll take care of that!
Put back in the oven at 400° F for 25 minutes
While your potatoes are baking again, put the extra potato mixture into a small oven safe bowl. Top off with the remaining cheese and bacon. Cover and put in fridge.
This will be a great side dish to serve with a small steak, hamburger patties or chicken breast. Simply pop in the oven for 30 minutes to get them golden and get that cheese bubbly.
Nothing says comfort like a baked potato. Nothing says main dish like a Loaded Baked Potato. Serve with a side vegetables and you have yourself a main dish. Believe me, they are good and will satisfy your family’s taste buds!
