Ah, loaded sliced baked potatoes! Honestly, these beauties are like a hug on a plate. I remember the first time I made them; I had a bunch of friends over for game night, and I wanted something comforting yet impressive. The moment those fluffy potato rounds came out of the oven, draped in gooey cheese and topped with dollops of sour cream, I knew I had struck gold! They’re so versatile, too—whether you want to go classic with cheese and bacon or get a little wild with jalapeños and guacamole, the options are endless. Plus, they’re such a crowd-pleaser; who can resist that crispy skin and soft, cheesy center? Trust me, you’ll want to keep this recipe on hand for all your gatherings!
Ingredients for Loaded Sliced Baked Potatoes
Gather these simple yet essential ingredients to create the most delicious loaded sliced baked potatoes. You’ll need 4 large baking potatoes, perfect for holding all those tasty toppings. Then, grab a 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese for that melty goodness we all crave. Don’t forget 1/2 cup of sour cream to add a creamy tang. A sprinkle of 1/4 cup chopped chives brings a fresh flavor, while 1/4 cup cooked bacon bits adds that irresistible crunch. Finally, season with salt and pepper to taste. These ingredients will ensure your potatoes are loaded with flavor!
How to Prepare Loaded Sliced Baked Potatoes
Now, let’s dive into making these loaded sliced baked potatoes! It’s super simple, and I promise you’ll feel like a kitchen rockstar by the end.
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
First things first, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). This step is crucial because you want your potatoes to bake evenly and get that lovely crispy exterior we all adore. So, while the oven warms up, you can get everything else ready!
Step 2: Prepare the Potatoes
Next, wash and dry your potatoes thoroughly. I like to give them a good scrub to get rid of any dirt. Once they’re clean, slice them into thick rounds, but be careful—don’t cut all the way through! You want to create those delicious, loaded pockets, so leave about a quarter inch at the bottom intact. This way, they’ll hold up beautifully and let all that cheesy goodness seep in.
Step 3: Season and Bake
Now, place your sliced potatoes on a baking sheet. Drizzle them with olive oil and sprinkle generously with salt and pepper. This is your chance to season them well! Bake those beauties in your preheated oven for about 40-45 minutes. You’ll know they’re done when they’re fork-tender and have that lovely golden color. It’s okay if they look a little crispy—that’s just more flavor!
Step 4: Add Cheese and Finish
Once your potatoes are ready, it’s time to sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese on top! Pop them back in the oven for another 5 minutes, just until the cheese melts into gooey perfection. When they come out, finish them off with dollops of sour cream, a sprinkle of chives, and those crispy bacon bits. And there you have it, your loaded sliced baked potatoes are ready to impress!
Tips for Success
To nail these loaded sliced baked potatoes, here are a few handy tips! First, when slicing, use a sharp knife and make sure your cuts are even—this helps them cook uniformly. If you find your potatoes are browning too quickly, cover them loosely with aluminum foil for the last 15 minutes of baking. Also, if you’re short on time, you can parboil the potatoes for about 10 minutes before slicing and baking; this cuts down the overall cooking time! Lastly, feel free to mix up your toppings based on what you love or have on hand—this dish is all about your personal touch!
Nutritional Information for Loaded Sliced Baked Potatoes
When it comes to nutrition, keep in mind that these numbers can vary based on the specific ingredients and brands you use. For a serving size of one loaded sliced baked potato, you’re looking at approximately 350 calories, with 15g of fat, 10g of protein, and 45g of carbohydrates. It’s a delicious treat, but always feel free to customize it to fit your dietary needs!
Serving Suggestions
When it comes to serving loaded sliced baked potatoes, I love to keep things simple yet delightful! These potatoes make a fantastic side dish for grilled meats or roasted chicken. Pair them with a fresh garden salad tossed in a tangy vinaigrette to balance the richness. If you’re feeling a bit more indulgent, serve them alongside a hearty chili or a warm, creamy soup—talk about comfort food! And let’s not forget about drinks; a crisp, cold beer or a glass of sparkling lemonade complements these cheesy wonders perfectly. Trust me, your taste buds will thank you!
Variations of Loaded Sliced Baked Potatoes
The fun really begins when it comes to customizing your loaded sliced baked potatoes! If you’re in the mood for a little heat, add some sliced jalapeños or a drizzle of spicy sriracha. For a Tex-Mex twist, top them with guacamole and a sprinkle of taco seasoning. Feeling fancy? How about a dollop of crème fraîche with some smoked salmon on top? You can even switch up the cheese—try using pepper jack for a spicy kick or feta for a tangy flavor. The possibilities are endless, so let your creativity run wild and make them your own!
FAQ About Loaded Sliced Baked Potatoes
Got questions about these loaded sliced baked potatoes? Don’t worry; I’ve got answers! One common question is, Can I use any type of potato? Absolutely! While I love using baking potatoes for their fluffiness, you can also use Yukon Gold or even sweet potatoes for a twist. Another popular query is, How do I store leftovers? Just pop them in an airtight container and keep them in the fridge for up to three days. To reheat, a quick zap in the microwave works, but I recommend using the oven to keep that crispy texture. Lastly, Can I prep these ahead of time? Yes! You can slice the potatoes and store them in water in the fridge to prevent browning. Just make sure to dry them thoroughly before baking!
Drucken
Loaded Sliced Baked Potatoes: 4 Cheesy Comfort Delights
- Gesamtzeit: 1 hour
- Ertrag: 4 servings 1x
- Ernährung: Vegetarisch
Beschreibung
Loaded sliced baked potatoes topped with cheese, sour cream, and chives.
Zutaten
- 4 large baking potatoes
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/4 cup chopped chives
- 1/4 cup cooked bacon bits
- Salt and pepper to taste
Anweisungen
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Wash and dry the potatoes.
- Slice potatoes into thick rounds without cutting all the way through.
- Place potatoes on a baking sheet.
- Brush with olive oil and season with salt and pepper.
- Bake for 40-45 minutes or until tender.
- Remove from oven and sprinkle cheese on top.
- Return to oven for 5 minutes until cheese melts.
- Top with sour cream, chives, and bacon bits before serving.
Notes
- Feel free to add more toppings like jalapeños or avocado.
- Use different types of cheese for variety.
- Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Kochen Zeit: 45 minutes
- Kategorie: Side Dish
- Methode: Baking
- Küche: American
Ernährung
- Portionsgröße: 1 potato
- Kalorien: 350
- Zucker: 2g
- Natrium: 500mg
- Fett: 15g
- Gesättigte Fettsäuren: 7g
- Ungesättigte Fette: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Kohlenhydrate: 45g
- Faser: 5g
- Protein: 10g
- Cholesterin: 25mg
Keywords: loaded sliced baked potatoes, baked potatoes, cheesy potatoes
