There’s something incredibly satisfying about a perfectly baked potato. It’s a blank canvas, ready to be transformed into a masterpiece of flavor and texture. And when you load it up with crispy bacon, sharp cheddar cheese, and creamy sour cream? Well, that’s just pure comfort food bliss. Today, we’re diving into my absolute favorite way to prepare this classic: Double-Loaded Bacon & Cheddar Baked Potatoes. This recipe isn’t just a side dish; it’s a hearty, satisfying meal in itself, perfect for a cozy night in or feeding a hungry crowd.

Why I Love This Recipe

I’ve always been a fan of dishes that are both simple to make and incredibly flavorful, and these double-loaded baked potatoes hit every single mark. What truly makes this recipe special is the “double-loaded” aspect. We’re not just topping the potatoes; we’re scooping out that fluffy interior, mashing it with all the good stuff, and then returning it to its crispy shell before a final, glorious bake. This ensures every single bite is packed with bacon, cheddar, and that creamy tang. It’s a game-changer! Plus, it’s incredibly versatile, allowing for easy swaps and additions to suit any taste.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to create these irresistible baked potatoes:

• 4 large baking potatoes (Russet or Idaho work best)
• 8 slices of bacon, cooked until crispy and crumbled
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (sharp cheddar is my preference for extra flavor)
• 1/2 cup sour cream
• 1/4 cup chopped green onions (scallions), plus more for garnish
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

Swaps and Notes

• Potatoes: While Russets are ideal for their fluffy interior, you can experiment with other large, starchy potatoes.
• Bacon: If you’re short on time, pre-cooked bacon bits can work, but nothing beats freshly cooked, crispy bacon. For a vegetarian option, you can omit the bacon or use a plant-based bacon alternative.
• Cheese: Feel free to swap cheddar for other good melting cheeses like Monterey Jack, Colby, or even a smoked gouda for a different flavor profile. A mix of cheeses also works wonderfully!
• Sour Cream: Plain Greek yogurt can be a lighter alternative, offering a similar tang and creaminess.
• Green Onions: Chives or even finely diced red onion can be used for a different oniony kick.
• Add-ins: Get creative! A sprinkle of garlic powder, a dash of paprika, or even some chopped jalapeños can elevate the flavor. Leftover cooked chicken or pulled pork would also be fantastic additions to make this even more of a complete meal.

Steps for the Recipe

1. Prep the Potatoes: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Scrub the potatoes clean under cold water and pat them thoroughly dry. Using a fork, pierce each potato several times all over. This helps steam escape and prevents them from bursting in the oven.
2. Bake the Potatoes: Place the pierced potatoes directly on the oven rack. Bake for 45-60 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender when squeezed or easily pierced with a fork. The baking time will vary depending on the size of your potatoes.
3. Cool and Scoop: Once baked, carefully remove the potatoes from the oven and let them cool slightly on a wire rack until they are comfortable to handle. Once cool enough, slice off the top lengthwise from each potato (about 1/4 to 1/2 inch thick). Gently scoop out the fluffy potato flesh into a medium mixing bowl, being careful to leave a thin shell of potato intact in the skin.
4. Mash and Mix: To the scooped-out potato flesh, add the sour cream, half of the crumbled bacon, half of the shredded cheddar cheese, and half of the chopped green onions. Using a fork or potato masher, mash the ingredients together until well combined and creamy. Season generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
5. Stuff and Top: Spoon the mashed potato mixture back into the empty potato skins, mounding it slightly. Top each stuffed potato with the remaining crumbled bacon, shredded cheddar cheese, and green onions.
6. Final Bake: Place the loaded potatoes back into the preheated oven for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and slightly golden.
7. Serve: Carefully remove from the oven. Serve hot and enjoy every delicious bite!

Tips for Success

• Don’t skip piercing: This simple step is crucial for even cooking and preventing potato explosions!
• Dry potatoes = crispy skin: Patting the potatoes dry before baking helps achieve that desirable crispy skin.
• Leave a good shell: When scooping, ensure you leave enough potato flesh in the skin to maintain its structure.
• Season generously: Potatoes love salt! Don’t be shy with the seasoning, especially after mashing.
• Cook bacon well: Crispy bacon is key here. Avoid chewy bacon for the best texture.

Serving Suggestions and Pairings

These Double-Loaded Bacon & Cheddar Baked Potatoes are incredibly versatile. They can be a fantastic main course on their own, especially if you’re looking for a hearty vegetarian (minus bacon, of course) or light meal. They also make an excellent side dish for grilled meats, roasted chicken, or even a simple green salad.

For drink pairings, a crisp lager or a full-bodied Cabernet Sauvignon would complement the richness of the potatoes. If you’re looking for other easy and delicious recipes to pair with these, consider:

• Sheet Pan Quesadillas: For another easy crowd-pleaser, check out these Sheet Pan Quesadillas.
• One Pan Breakfast Bake: If you love one-pan wonders, you might also enjoy this One Pan Breakfast Bake.
• Crockpot Nacho Dip: These potatoes would be amazing alongside a creamy Crockpot Nacho Dip for an ultimate comfort food spread.

Storage and Leftover Tips

Leftover double-loaded baked potatoes can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, the best method is to use an oven or air fryer at 350°F (175°C) until heated through and the cheese is re-melted and bubbly. Microwaving is an option, but the skins may not be as crispy.

More Recipes You Will Love

If you enjoyed these loaded potatoes, you’ll definitely want to explore more delicious recipes on Chef Maniac!

• For another cheesy, delightful appetizer, try this Baked Brie Appetizer.
• And if you’re in the mood for something sweet after all that savory goodness, you can’t go wrong with my favorite Chocolate Chip Banana Bread.

Final Thoughts

These Double-Loaded Bacon & Cheddar Baked Potatoes are more than just a recipe; they’re an experience in cozy, flavorful eating. They’re perfect for any occasion, from a simple weeknight dinner to a festive gathering. I hope you enjoy making (and devouring!) them as much as I do.

What are your favorite baked potato toppings? Share your thoughts and feedback in the comments below! Don’t forget to follow us on social media for more delicious recipes and cooking inspiration.