If you adore comfort food that’s loaded with flavor, oozing with cheese, and boasts perfectly crisped skins, you are going to fall hard for The Ultimate Stuffed Baked Potatoes Recipe. These twice-baked beauties are everything you crave in a hearty side or a stand-alone meal: tender russet potatoes filled with a dreamy mash-up of buttery potato, sharp cheddar, creamy sour cream, crispy bacon, and fresh green onions. Whether you’re impressing guests or treating yourself, this is the can’t-miss potato experience that turns a humble spud into an absolute superstar.

The Ultimate Stuffed Baked Potatoes Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

There’s no need to overcomplicate things when every ingredient in The Ultimate Stuffed Baked Potatoes Recipe serves a clear, delicious purpose. These simple staples create a memorable blend of flavors and textures in every bite. Here’s what you’ll need to make these potatoes sing:

4 large russet potatoes: The starchy classic that becomes fluffy inside and crisp outside, perfect for stuffing.
2 tablespoons olive oil: Rubbing the skins ensures a gorgeous, crispy finish in the oven.
Salt and black pepper to taste: Essential for seasoning both the skins and creamy filling.
4 tablespoons unsalted butter: Adds rich flavor and irresistible moisture to the mashed potato filling.
1/2 cup sour cream: Brings tangy creaminess and makes the filling extra luscious.
1/4 cup milk: Helps thin out the mash just enough for maximum creaminess.
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder: Adds a mellow, garlicky undertone for depth of flavor.
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (divided): Half gets melty inside, the rest bubbles on top for that classic loaded potato vibe.
1/2 cup cooked bacon (chopped): Smoky, savory, crisp bites make every forkful a celebration.
1/4 cup chopped green onions: For a fresh pop of color and mild onion zing to balance the richness.
Optional: extra sour cream, butter, or toppings for serving: Customizing at the table is half the fun—choose your finishing touches!

How to Make The Ultimate Stuffed Baked Potatoes Recipe

Step 1: Bake the Potatoes

Start by preheating your oven to 400°F—hot enough to get those skins nice and crispy! Give your russet potatoes a good scrub, pat them dry, and pierce them all over with a fork so steam can escape. Rub each potato with olive oil and season generously with salt. Nestle them directly on the oven rack and bake for 50 to 60 minutes, until you can easily slide a knife into the center and feel that telltale fluffy softness. That’s your cue they’re ready!

Step 2: Prepare the Potato Shells

Once your potatoes have cooled just enough to handle, slice each one lengthwise. With a gentle touch (so you don’t tear the skins), scoop out most of the fluffy potato, leaving a sturdy quarter-inch border inside each shell. You want them strong enough to stand up to round two in the oven, and all that tasty filling to come!

Step 3: Mix the Filling

This is where The Ultimate Stuffed Baked Potatoes Recipe becomes truly irresistible. In a large bowl, mash together the potato you just scooped out with butter, sour cream, milk, garlic powder, and plenty of salt and pepper. Aim for a smooth, creamy mash that still holds its shape—add a touch more milk as you go if needed. Fold in half the cheddar cheese, all your crispy bacon, and green onions. Every spoonful of this filling should make your mouth water!

Step 4: Stuff and Top

Spoon that rich, flavorful filling right back into your potato shells. Don’t be shy—let them mound up with pride! Sprinkle the remaining cheddar cheese over the top of each, ensuring a gooey, golden finish that everyone will fight over. If you accidentally overfill and make a mess, congratulations: you’re doing it right.

Step 5: Twice-Bake to Perfection

Place your filled potatoes on a baking sheet and slide them back into the oven. Bake for another 15 to 20 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the tops have just begun to brown. The aroma alone will let you know The Ultimate Stuffed Baked Potatoes Recipe is about to become a new household staple. Serve these hot, with extra toppings to pile on as desired!

How to Serve The Ultimate Stuffed Baked Potatoes Recipe

Garnishes

The finishing touches are what can transform a great baked potato into a restaurant-worthy experience. Try a dollop of extra sour cream, a pat of butter, a dusting of fresh chives, or even a sprinkle of flaky sea salt. For a spicy kick, sliced jalapeños or a drizzle of hot sauce add excitement to every bite.

Side Dishes

While The Ultimate Stuffed Baked Potatoes Recipe can absolutely shine solo, it plays well with others, too. Pair it with simple grilled chicken, a light green salad, or roasted seasonal vegetables for a balanced meal. If you’re serving a crowd, they’re a guaranteed hit alongside barbecue or steak for the ultimate comfort feast.

Creative Ways to Present

Kick your presentation up a notch by creating a “potato bar” with bowls of toppings: think chopped herbs, pickled onions, crispy fried shallots, or sautéed mushrooms. For a fancier occasion, serve the potatoes sliced in halves or quarters as appetizer bites, each topped with unique finishing flavors. The Ultimate Stuffed Baked Potatoes Recipe is endlessly adaptable and always a crowd-pleaser.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you’re lucky enough to have extras, transfer your cooled, stuffed baked potatoes to an airtight container or wrap each individually in foil. They’ll keep well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, making them an ideal meal-prep favorite.

Freezing

Yes! You can freeze The Ultimate Stuffed Baked Potatoes Recipe after the second bake. Let them cool completely, then wrap tightly in plastic wrap and foil. They’ll keep well in the freezer for up to two months. When ready to eat, thaw overnight in the fridge for best results.

Reheating

For crispy skins and melty centers, reheat potatoes in a 350°F oven for about 20 minutes until hot throughout. You can also zap them in the microwave in a pinch, but the oven really restores that perfect texture. Add a fresh sprinkle of cheese or an extra spoonful of sour cream, and they’ll taste as good as new!

FAQs

Can I make The Ultimate Stuffed Baked Potatoes Recipe vegetarian?

Absolutely! Simply skip the bacon and consider adding sautéed mushrooms, caramelized onions, or steamed broccoli for an equally delicious, meat-free version.

What’s the best way to scoop out the potatoes without tearing the skins?

Use a small spoon and work carefully, leaving about a quarter inch of potato attached to the skin for support. Scooping while the potatoes are still warm (but not too hot!) makes the process much smoother.

Can I prepare the potatoes in advance?

Definitely! Stuffed potatoes can be fully assembled, minus the final cheese topping, and refrigerated a day ahead. When you’re ready to serve, add the cheese and bake until hot and bubbly.

Are there other cheeses that work well with The Ultimate Stuffed Baked Potatoes Recipe?

Yes! While cheddar is classic, try Swiss, Gruyère, Monterey Jack, or even a spicy pepper jack for a new flavor twist. Mixing two cheeses adds even more depth.

How do I keep the potato skins crispy?

Baking the potatoes directly on the oven rack during the first bake lets the heat circulate for extra crispness. Also, a brush of olive oil helps achieve that irresistible, crackly skin!

Final Thoughts

If you’re craving the ultimate comfort food or hunting for a stellar crowd-pleaser, there’s just nothing quite like gathering around a table with The Ultimate Stuffed Baked Potatoes Recipe. Whether you enjoy them as a cozy main or an extra-special side, these potatoes are a guaranteed hit that you’ll want to make again and again. Go ahead—give them a try, and get ready for second helpings!

The Ultimate Stuffed Baked Potatoes Recipe

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4.7 from 14 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

Indulge in the ultimate comfort food with these loaded stuffed baked potatoes. Crispy potato skins are filled with a creamy, cheesy mixture of mashed potatoes, bacon, and green onions, then baked to perfection. It’s a hearty and satisfying dish that’s perfect as a side or main course.

Ingredients

Scale

Potatoes:

4 large russet potatoes
2 tablespoons olive oil
salt and black pepper to taste

Filling:

4 tablespoons unsalted butter
1/2 cup sour cream
1/4 cup milk
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (divided)
1/2 cup cooked bacon (chopped)
1/4 cup chopped green onions
optional: extra sour cream, butter, or toppings for serving

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Instructions

Preheat oven: Heat the oven to 400°F.
Prepare potatoes: Scrub, dry, prick, rub with oil, season with salt. Bake for 50–60 mins.
Prepare filling: Scoop out potato insides, mix with butter, sour cream, milk, garlic powder, salt, pepper. Add half the cheese, bacon, green onions.
Stuff potatoes: Fill potato shells with mixture, top with remaining cheese.
Bake stuffed potatoes: Bake for 15–20 mins until heated through and cheese is melted.
Serve: Top with desired toppings and enjoy!

Notes

Customize with add-ins like broccoli, chicken, or caramelized onions.
For a vegetarian version, omit bacon and add sautéed mushrooms or roasted veggies.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
Category: Side Dish, Main Course
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American