Loaded Country-Style Potatoes (Full Detailed Recipe)

Big, fluffy russet potatoes stuffed and loaded with melty cheese, crispy bacon, and creamy toppings—pure comfort food and perfect as a hearty meal or crowd-pleasing side.

 Ingredients (Serves 4)

Potatoes

• 4 large russet potatoes
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp salt
• ½ tsp black pepper

Filling

• 1½ cups shredded cheddar cheese (sharp preferred)
• 6–8 slices bacon, cooked & crumbled
• ½ cup sour cream
• 4 tbsp butter, melted
• ½ tsp garlic powder
• ½ tsp paprika (optional)
• Salt & pepper to taste

Toppings (Optional but Recommended)

• Chopped green onions or chives
• Extra cheese
• Extra bacon
• Ranch drizzle or hot sauce

 Instructions

1️⃣ Bake the Potatoes

1. Preheat oven to 400°F / 200°C.
2. Scrub potatoes clean and pat dry.
3. Pierce each potato 3–4 times with a fork.
4. Rub with olive oil, salt, and pepper.
5. Place directly on oven rack or baking tray.
6. Bake 55–65 minutes until skin is crisp and inside is fluffy.

2️⃣ Prepare the Filling

1. Let potatoes cool slightly.
2. Slice off the top third of each potato lengthwise.
3. Scoop out the inside into a bowl, leaving a sturdy shell.
4. Add butter, sour cream, garlic powder, paprika, salt & pepper.
5. Mash until creamy.
6. Fold in most of the cheese and bacon (save some for topping).

3️⃣ Stuff & Bake Again

1. Spoon filling back into potato skins.
2. Top with remaining cheese and bacon.
3. Return to oven and bake 12–15 minutes, until cheese is melted and bubbly.

4️⃣ Finish & Serve

• Top with green onions, extra sour cream, or ranch.
• Serve hot and enjoy immediately 🧀🥓

 Nutrition Info (Approx. per potato)

• Calories: 520–560
• Protein: 18 g
• Fat: 32 g
• Carbs: 42 g
• Fiber: 4 g

(Values vary by toppings and cheese type)

 Q & A

Q: Can I make these ahead of time?
A: Yes. Assemble, cover, and refrigerate up to 24 hours. Bake when ready.

Q: Can I air fry them?
A: Yes! Bake potatoes first, stuff them, then air fry at 375°F / 190°C for 8–10 minutes.

Q: What cheese works best?
A: Cheddar, Colby-Jack, Monterey Jack, or a blend.

Q: Can I make them vegetarian?
A: Skip bacon and add sautéed mushrooms, onions, or broccoli.

Q: How do I store leftovers?
A: Refrigerate in an airtight container up to 3 days. Reheat in oven or air fryer.

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Sara Mitchell

Sara Mitchell is an expert restaurant content creator who writes easy-to-read guides about CAVA and other Mediterranean fast-casual chains in the United States. She covers locations, menus, prices, and hours, making it simple for visitors to find nearby restaurants and what to order quickly.

With years of experience in restaurant research and local SEO, Sara creates accurate, user-friendly guides that work for both people and search engines. Her goal is to help users go from search results to their nearest restaurant or menu choice with as few clicks as possible.

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