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Cozy Loaded Baked Potato Bar

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A customizable and comforting loaded baked potato bar featuring fluffy russet potatoes with a variety of creamy, crunchy, and fresh toppings. Perfect for casual dinners, gatherings, or a cozy solo meal.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 large russet potatoes (about 10–12 ounces / 280–340 grams each)
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon salt (kosher or sea salt preferred), plus extra for seasoning
  • Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 cup sour cream
  • ½ cup small-curd cottage cheese (optional)
  • 1½ cups shredded cheddar cheese (sharp or mild)
  • 6 slices bacon, cooked crisp and crumbled
  • 4 stalks green onions, thinly sliced
  • 1 cup steamed broccoli florets
  • 1 cup chopped tomatoes, seeded
  • Optional toppings: sliced jalapeños, diced avocado, black olives, chives

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
  2. Clean and dry the russet potatoes thoroughly.
  3. Prick each potato several times with a fork to allow steam to escape.
  4. Rub the potatoes all over with olive oil and sprinkle with 1 teaspoon salt evenly.
  5. Place the potatoes directly on the oven rack or on a baking sheet lined with foil.
  6. Bake for 50-60 minutes, turning once halfway through for even cooking.
  7. Check doneness by inserting a skewer or fork; it should slide in easily. If not done, bake 5-10 minutes longer.
  8. While potatoes bake, cook bacon in a skillet over medium heat until crisp, about 8-10 minutes. Drain on paper towels and crumble once cool.
  9. Prepare toppings: shred cheddar cheese, slice green onions, chop tomatoes, and steam broccoli until tender-crisp (3-4 minutes).
  10. Combine sour cream and cottage cheese in a bowl; add black pepper and smoked paprika if desired.
  11. Once potatoes are done, slice a cross on top and gently press the ends to fluff the inside.
  12. Add a tablespoon of butter immediately to each hot potato to melt inside.
  13. Set up the loaded baked potato bar buffet-style with potatoes and toppings for guests to build their own.

Notes

For crispy skins, do not wrap potatoes in foil. Flip potatoes halfway through baking for even cooking. Microwave potatoes for 6-8 minutes before baking to reduce cooking time. Substitute Greek yogurt for sour cream or vegan cheese and omit bacon for plant-based versions. Keep toppings chilled but not ice-cold for best flavor.

Nutrition

Keywords: loaded baked potato, baked potato bar, comfort food, easy dinner, customizable meal, russet potatoes, crowd-pleaser

Find it online: https://hungermind.com/cozy-loaded-baked-potato-bar-recipe-easy-ultimate-comfort-meal-ideas/