Ah, the humble baked potato. It’s a comfort food classic that never goes out of style. Whether you top it with simple yet satisfying ingredients like butter and salt or get creative with cheese, bacon, and chives, there’s no denying the allure of a perfectly cooked baked potato. And while the basics are always delicious, why settle for just one way to enjoy this versatile spud? In this article, we’ll take you on a culinary journey through 20 mouthwatering baked potato recipes that will elevate your snack game and impress your friends.
From classic loaded toppings to international twists and bold flavors, these recipes showcase the incredible diversity of the baked potato. Whether you’re in the mood for something comforting and familiar or adventurous and exciting, we’ve got you covered. So grab a fork, get cozy, and let’s dive into the world of irresistibly delicious baked potatoes!
Classic Loaded Baked Potato
A simple yet satisfying side dish that’s perfect for any meal. This classic recipe combines the natural sweetness of a baked potato with savory toppings.
Ingredients:
– 1-2 large baking potatoes
– 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese (divided)
– 1/2 cup sour cream
– 1 tablespoon chopped fresh chives or scallions (optional)
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Scrub the potatoes clean and poke some holes in them with a fork.
3. Rub the potatoes with butter, then sprinkle with salt.
4. Bake for 45-60 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender when pierced with a fork.
5. While the potatoes are baking, mix together 1/2 cup of shredded cheese, sour cream, and chopped chives (if using).
6. Remove the potatoes from the oven and top each one with the cheese mixture.
7. Return to the oven for an additional 5-10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Cooking Time: 60-75 minutes
Cheesy Bacon Ranch Baked Potato
A creamy, savory, and utterly delicious twist on the classic baked potato. This recipe combines the richness of cheese, the smokiness of bacon, and the tanginess of ranch seasoning to create a mouth-watering side dish or main course.
Ingredients:
– 2-3 large baking potatoes
– 6 slices of cooked bacon, crumbled
– 1/4 cup grated cheddar cheese
– 1/4 cup ranch seasoning mix
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Optional toppings: sour cream, chives, or scallions
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Scrub the potatoes clean and dry them with a paper towel.
3. Poke some holes in each potato using a fork to allow steam to escape.
4. Rub the potatoes with olive oil and sprinkle with salt and pepper.
5. Bake the potatoes for 45-50 minutes, or until they’re tender when pierced with a fork.
6. While the potatoes are baking, mix together the crumbled bacon and grated cheese.
7. Remove the potatoes from the oven and top each one with the bacon-cheese mixture and ranch seasoning.
8. Return the potatoes to the oven for an additional 5-10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Cooking Time: 50-60 minutes
Garlic Butter Baked Potato
Elevate your baked potato game with the simplicity of garlic butter! This flavorful twist on a classic side dish is sure to please even the pickiest eaters.
Ingredients:
– 2-3 large baking potatoes
– 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Optional: shredded cheddar cheese, sour cream, or chives for topping
Instructions:
1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Scrub the potatoes clean and poke some holes in each with a fork.
3. Rub the softened butter all over the potatoes, making sure they’re evenly coated.
4. Sprinkle the minced garlic over the buttered potatoes.
5. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Place the potatoes directly on the middle rack of the oven.
7. Bake for 45-60 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender when pierced with a fork.
8. Remove from the oven and top with shredded cheese, sour cream, or chives if desired.
Cooking Time: 45-60 minutes
Broccoli Cheddar Stuffed Baked Potato
A creamy, cheesy twist on the classic baked potato, packed with nutritious broccoli and cheddar goodness.
Ingredients:
– 2-3 large baking potatoes
– 1 head of broccoli, steamed and chopped
– 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
– 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Optional: sour cream, bacon bits, or chives for added flavor
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Scrub the potatoes clean and poke some holes in each with a fork.
3. Rub the potatoes with butter and season with salt and pepper.
4. Bake the potatoes for 45-60 minutes, or until they’re tender when pierced with a fork.
5. While the potatoes are baking, mix the chopped broccoli with the shredded cheddar cheese.
6. Remove the potatoes from the oven and slice them in half lengthwise.
7. Stuff each potato with the broccoli-cheddar mixture and season to taste.
8. Serve hot, garnished with optional toppings if desired.
Cooking Time: 1 hour (45 minutes for baking the potatoes + 15 minutes for assembling and serving)
Spicy Buffalo Chicken Baked Potato
Elevate your baked potato game with this spicy and savory recipe! This Spicy Buffalo Chicken Baked Potato is a mouth-watering combination of crispy chicken, creamy buffalo sauce, and fluffy baked potato.
Ingredients:
– 1 large baking potato
– 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
– 1/4 cup Frank’s RedHot Buffalo Wing Sauce
– 2 tbsp ranch dressing
– 1 tsp garlic powder
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Shredded cheddar cheese (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Scrub the potato clean and poke some holes in it with a fork.
3. Bake the potato for 45-50 minutes, or until tender when pierced with a fork.
4. Meanwhile, cook the chicken pieces in a skillet with a little oil until browned and cooked through.
5. In a small bowl, whisk together buffalo sauce and ranch dressing. Add garlic powder to taste.
6. Top the baked potato with the cooked chicken, buffalo-ranch sauce, salt, and pepper.
7. Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese on top (if using).
8. Return the potato to the oven for an additional 5-10 minutes, or until cheese is melted and bubbly.
Cooking Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
Pulled Pork Loaded Baked Potato
Transform a classic baked potato into a hearty, comforting dish loaded with tender pulled pork and creamy toppings.
Ingredients:
– 2 large baking potatoes
– 1 cup pulled pork (homemade or store-bought)
– 1/4 cup shredded cheddar cheese
– 1 tablespoon sour cream
– 1 tablespoon chopped fresh scallions
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Scrub the potatoes clean and poke some holes in them with a fork.
3. Bake the potatoes for 45-50 minutes, or until they’re cooked through and tender.
4. While the potatoes are baking, heat the pulled pork in a saucepan over low heat.
5. When the potatoes are done, slice them open lengthwise and top each one with the heated pulled pork, shredded cheese, sour cream, and scallions.
6. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Cooking Time: 50-60 minutes
Sour Cream and Chive Baked Potato
Elevate your baked potato game with this creamy and flavorful recipe, perfect for a comforting side dish or satisfying snack.
Ingredients:
– 2-3 large baking potatoes
– 1/4 cup sour cream
– 1 tablespoon chopped chives
– 1 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Scrub the potatoes clean and dry with a paper towel.
3. Poke some holes in each potato with a fork to allow steam to escape.
4. Rub the potatoes with salt and pepper.
5. Bake the potatoes directly on the middle rack of the oven for 45-60 minutes, or until they’re tender when pierced with a fork.
6. Remove the potatoes from the oven and let them cool for 5-10 minutes.
7. Slit each potato lengthwise and top with sour cream, chives, and additional salt and pepper if desired.
Cooking Time: 45-60 minutes
Twice-Baked Potatoes with Cheddar
A classic comfort food gets a boost of flavor and texture from this simple recipe. Crispy on the outside, fluffy on the inside, and oozing with melted cheddar cheese.
Ingredients:
– 2-3 large baking potatoes
– 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 1/2 cup grated cheddar cheese
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
– Optional: chopped scallions or chives for garnish
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Scrub the potatoes clean and poke some holes in each with a fork.
3. Bake the potatoes directly on the middle rack of the oven for 45-50 minutes, or until they’re tender when pierced with a fork.
4. Remove the potatoes from the oven and let them cool slightly.
5. Scoop out most of the potato flesh, leaving about 1/8 inch around the edges.
6. In a bowl, mix together the butter, cheddar cheese, salt, and pepper.
7. Stuff each potato with the cheese mixture, mounding it slightly.
8. Place the stuffed potatoes on a baking sheet and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Cooking Time: About 1 hour 15 minutes
Mediterranean Stuffed Baked Potato
This recipe combines the comfort of a baked potato with the flavors of the Mediterranean, featuring feta cheese, Kalamata olives, and sun-dried tomatoes.
Ingredients:
– 2-3 large baking potatoes
– 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese
– 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
– 1/4 cup pitted and sliced Kalamata olives
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 tablespoon lemon juice
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 1/4 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Scrub the potatoes clean and poke some holes in each.
3. Bake the potatoes for 45-50 minutes, or until soft when pierced with a fork.
4. While the potatoes are baking, mix together feta cheese, parsley, olives, olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and pepper in a bowl.
5. When the potatoes are done, slice them open lengthwise and fluff the flesh with a fork.
6. Stuff each potato with the Mediterranean mixture, then top with chopped sun-dried tomatoes.
Cooking Time: 45-50 minutes
BBQ Beef Baked Potato
Elevate your baked potato game with this mouthwatering BBQ beef baked potato recipe! Tender beef, crispy bacon, and creamy cheese come together to create a flavor explosion.
Ingredients:
– 2 large baking potatoes
– 1 lb ground beef
– 1/4 cup BBQ sauce
– 6 slices of cooked bacon, crumbled
– 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
– 1 tablespoon brown sugar
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Wash and poke some holes in the potatoes, then bake for 45-50 minutes or until tender.
3. While the potatoes are baking, cook the ground beef in a pan over medium-high heat until browned, breaking it up into small pieces as it cooks.
4. Add BBQ sauce to the beef and stir to combine. Simmer for 5 minutes.
5. Once the potatoes are done, top each with a spoonful of the BBQ beef mixture, crumbled bacon, shredded cheese, and a sprinkle of brown sugar.
Cooking Time: Approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes
Pesto and Parmesan Baked Potato
Elevate your potato game with this creamy and savory recipe. A flavorful pesto sauce and melted Parmesan cheese take a classic baked potato to the next level.
Ingredients:
– 1-2 large baking potatoes
– 1/4 cup pesto sauce
– 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– Salt, to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Scrub the potatoes clean and dry them with a paper towel.
3. Poke some holes in each potato with a fork to allow steam to escape.
4. Rub the potatoes with olive oil and sprinkle with salt.
5. Bake the potatoes for 45-60 minutes, or until they’re tender when pierced with a fork.
6. While the potatoes are baking, mix the pesto sauce and Parmesan cheese in a small bowl.
7. Remove the potatoes from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes.
8. Slit each potato open lengthwise and spoon the pesto-Parmesan mixture on top of each potato.
Cooking Time: 45-60 minutes
Jalapeño Popper Baked Potato
Elevate your baked potato game with this spicy and savory twist! A flavorful combination of creamy cheese, crispy bacon, and spicy jalapeños will become a new favorite.
Ingredients:
– 2-3 large baking potatoes
– 1/4 cup cream cheese, softened
– 1/4 cup shredded cheddar cheese
– 6 slices of cooked bacon, crumbled
– 2-3 jalapeño peppers, seeded and chopped
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Optional: sour cream, chives, or scallions for garnish
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Scrub the potatoes clean and poke some holes in them with a fork.
3. Bake the potatoes for 45-60 minutes, or until tender when pierced with a fork.
4. While the potatoes are baking, mix the softened cream cheese with shredded cheddar cheese and chopped jalapeños.
5. Once the potatoes are done, slice them open lengthwise and top each potato with the jalapeño popper mixture, crumbled bacon, and a pinch of salt and pepper.
6. Return the topped potatoes to the oven for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Cooking Time: 1 hour 5 minutes – 1 hour 20 minutes
Taco-Spiced Baked Potato
Transform your baked potato game with this flavorful and easy-to-make recipe that combines the spices of a taco with the comfort of a warm potato.
Ingredients:
– 1 large baking potato
– 2 tbsp olive oil
– 1 tsp cumin
– 1 tsp chili powder
– 1/2 tsp paprika
– Salt, to taste
– Optional toppings: shredded cheese, sour cream, diced tomatoes, cilantro
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Scrub the potato clean and poke some holes in it with a fork.
3. Rub the potato with olive oil and sprinkle with cumin, chili powder, and paprika.
4. Season with salt to taste.
5. Bake for 45-60 minutes, or until the potato is tender when pierced with a fork.
6. Remove from oven and let cool for a few minutes.
7. Top with your desired toppings and serve.
Cooking Time: 45-60 minutes
Herb-Roasted Garlic Baked Potato
This flavorful potato dish combines the richness of roasted garlic with the brightness of fresh herbs, perfect for a cozy evening meal or a side dish.
Ingredients:
– 2 large baking potatoes
– 3 cloves of garlic, peeled and separated into individual cloves
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– 1/4 cup chopped fresh rosemary leaves
– 1/4 cup chopped fresh thyme leaves
– Salt, to taste
– Optional: grated Parmesan cheese for serving
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C).
2. Scrub the potatoes clean and dry them with a paper towel.
3. In a small bowl, toss the garlic cloves with olive oil, rosemary leaves, thyme leaves, and salt until well combined.
4. Poke some holes in each potato with a fork and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
5. Roast the potatoes for 45-50 minutes or until tender when pierced with a fork.
6. During the last 10 minutes of cooking, place the garlic mixture on top of each potato and continue to roast.
7. Remove from oven and let cool for a few minutes before serving.
Cooking Time: 55-60 minutes
Baked Sweet Potato with Cinnamon Butter
Transform a humble sweet potato into a sweet and savory treat with this easy recipe.
Ingredients:
– 2-3 large sweet potatoes
– 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 2 tbsp brown sugar
– 1 tsp ground cinnamon
– Salt to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Scrub the sweet potatoes clean and poke some holes in them with a fork.
3. Rub the sweet potatoes with a little bit of oil and sprinkle with salt.
4. Bake the sweet potatoes for 45-60 minutes, or until they’re soft when pierced with a fork.
5. While the sweet potatoes are baking, mix together the softened butter, brown sugar, and ground cinnamon in a bowl.
6. Remove the sweet potatoes from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes.
7. Spread a tablespoon of the cinnamon butter on top of each sweet potato.
8. Serve warm and enjoy!
Cooking Time: 45-60 minutes
Baked Potato Soup
Satisfy your comfort food cravings with this creamy, cheesy Baked Potato Soup that’s perfect for a chilly evening.
Ingredients:
– 2-3 large baking potatoes, peeled and diced
– 2 tablespoons butter
– 1 medium onion, chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 4 cups chicken broth
– 1 cup heavy cream or half-and-half
– 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
– Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Toss diced potatoes with butter, onion, and garlic on a baking sheet. Roast for 30-40 minutes or until tender.
3. In a large pot, combine roasted potato mixture, chicken broth, and heavy cream or half-and-half. Bring to a simmer over medium heat.
4. Reduce heat to low and stir in shredded cheddar cheese until melted. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Serve hot, garnished with chopped scallions or chives if desired.
Cooking Time: 45-50 minutes
Baked Potato Skins with Guacamole
Transform leftover baked potatoes into crispy, flavorful bites filled with creamy guacamole. Perfect as an appetizer or snack.
Ingredients:
– 2-3 leftover baked potato skins
– 1 ripe avocado, mashed
– 1/2 red onion, finely chopped
– 1 jalapeño pepper, seeded and finely chopped
– 1 lime, juiced
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Optional: sour cream, shredded cheese, or diced tomatoes for added flavor
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Slice the potato skins into 1-inch pieces.
3. In a bowl, mix together mashed avocado, chopped red onion, jalapeño pepper, and lime juice. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
4. Stuff each potato skin piece with about 1 tablespoon of guacamole mixture.
5. Place the stuffed potato skins on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
6. Bake for 15-20 minutes or until crispy and golden brown.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Baked Potato Wedges with Spicy Aioli
Elevate your snack game with these crispy baked potato wedges smothered in a tangy and spicy aioli sauce.
Ingredients:
– 2-3 large potatoes
– 1/4 cup olive oil
– Salt, to taste
– 1/2 cup mayonnaise
– 1 tablespoon sriracha sauce
– 1 clove garlic, minced
– Chopped fresh cilantro, for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C).
2. Cut potatoes into 1-inch wedges and place on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
3. Drizzle olive oil over the potato wedges and sprinkle with salt.
4. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until potatoes are crispy and golden brown.
5. While potatoes are baking, mix mayonnaise, sriracha sauce, and garlic in a bowl.
6. Once potatoes are done, remove from oven and let cool slightly.
7. Drizzle the spicy aioli sauce over the warm potato wedges and garnish with cilantro if desired.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Baked Potato Casserole with Gruyère
A creamy, cheesy twist on the classic baked potato, this casserole is perfect for a comforting weeknight dinner or a special occasion.
Ingredients:
– 3-4 large baking potatoes, peeled and thinly sliced
– 2 tablespoons butter
– 1 medium onion, chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 cup grated Gruyère cheese
– 1/2 cup heavy cream
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a large bowl, combine sliced potatoes, butter, onion, garlic, salt, and pepper. Toss until the potatoes are evenly coated.
3. In a separate bowl, mix Gruyère cheese and heavy cream until smooth.
4. Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or cooking spray.
5. Layer half of the potato mixture in the prepared dish, followed by the cheese sauce, then repeat the layers.
6. Top with additional grated Gruyère if desired.
7. Bake for 45-50 minutes or until the potatoes are tender and the top is golden brown.
Cooking Time: 45-50 minutes
Baked Potato Pizza with Crispy Skins
Transform a classic baked potato into a delicious pizza by topping it with your favorite ingredients and baking until crispy.
Ingredients:
– 2-3 large baking potatoes
– 1 cup tomato sauce
– 8 oz mozzarella cheese, shredded
– 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil
– 1/4 cup chopped pepperoni or your preferred toppings
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Olive oil for brushing
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C).
2. Wash the potatoes and poke some holes in them with a fork.
3. Rub the potatoes with olive oil and season with salt and pepper.
4. Bake the potatoes for 45-60 minutes, or until they’re tender when pierced with a fork.
5. Remove the potatoes from the oven and let them cool for 10 minutes.
6. Slice off the top third of each potato to create a “cup” shape.
7. Spread tomato sauce over the potatoes, leaving a small border around the edges.
8. Top with mozzarella cheese, basil, and pepperoni (or your preferred toppings).
9. Return the potatoes to the oven for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Cooking Time: Approximately 1 hour 15 minutes
Summary
Get ready to elevate your baked potato game! This article features 20 mouthwatering recipes that will take you on a culinary journey. From classic loaded potatoes to bold and adventurous twists, each recipe combines flavors and ingredients in unique ways. Try the Cheesy Bacon Ranch Baked Potato, Spicy Buffalo Chicken Baked Potato, or even the Mediterranean Stuffed Baked Potato for a taste of the Mediterranean. Whether you’re looking for comfort food or a flavorful twist on a classic, these recipes are sure to satisfy your cravings.
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