Loaded baked potatoes are the Swiss Army knife of comfort food—versatile, satisfying, and so darn easy to make. There’s nothing quite like cracking open a baked potato, still steaming, its crispy skin giving way to tender, fluffy insides. Toss on some chili, cheddar cheese, and sour cream, and suddenly, you’ve elevated a humble spud into a next-level side dish—or heck, even the star of the show. But before you dive into this loaded baked potato recipe, let’s talk about what makes a baked potato perfect and why CA GROWN Russet potatoes are the golden standard.

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What Makes California Russet Potatoes So Special?

If you’ve ever wondered what gives California Russet potatoes their edge, here’s the scoop. The Central Valley of California is a potato paradise, thanks to its rich, loamy soil and Mediterranean climate. These spuds aren’t just grown—they’re crafted by expert farmers who know a thing or two about producing tender potatoes with flawless, creamy potato flesh and crispy, golden potato skins.

California’s Russets boast a slightly nutty flavor and ideal starch content, making them the perfect choice for baking. With over 200 varieties cultivated across the state, Russets from the Golden State deliver consistent quality, whether you’re whipping up a potato recipe for a weeknight dinner or a show-stopping holiday feast. Buying CA GROWN produce supports agriculture in the Golden State and ensures your potatoes are fresh and sustainably sourced.

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How to Nail the Perfect Baked Potato Every Time

So, what’s the secret to a good baked potato? It’s all about technique, my friend. You’ve got to go all-in on the details—from choosing the right spud to perfecting that crispy skin. Here’s how you do it:

1. Pick the Best Potatoes: Hit the grocery store and look for medium-to-large California Russet potatoes. Avoid any with blemishes or sprouts.
2. Prep Like a Pro: Set the oven temperature to 450°F. Scrub your potatoes clean, and pierce them all over with a fork. Pop them in the oven for their first 20-minute bake session before coating them with olive oil, coarse kosher salt, and black pepper before their second round of baking in the oven. This step is key for that next-level crispy skin.
3. Use Your Oven Wisely: For an even bake, place your potatoes on a wire rack over a baking sheet lined with foil. Give the potatoes the time they need—about 50 minutes total, split into two baking periods. Whatever you do, don’t rush it; depending on the size of the potatoes you purchased, they may require a bit more baking time. Tender potatoes don’t happen in a flash.
4. Slice and Fluff: Once baked, cut a slit lengthwise across the top and gently press the ends. Use a fork to fluff up the potato flesh, creating the perfect base for your toppings.

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Loaded Baked Potatoes: So Many Ways to Fill Them!

Ready to take your baked potato to the next level? Here are four loaded baked potato ideas that’ll have you scraping your plate clean.

1. Loaded Baked Potato with Slow Cooker Chili

Nothing screams cozy like a baked potato piled high with hearty chili. Grab a ladle of our slow cooker chili (find the recipe here), then top with shredded white cheddar cheese, green onions, sour cream, and a few slices of creamy avocado. This combo is absolutely irresistible.

2. Loaded Baked Potato with Broccoli and Cheddar

For a slightly lighter yet still indulgent option, pair your baked potato with steamed broccoli and shredded sharp cheddar cheese. Add a pat of butter and watch the cheese melt into the broccoli florets. This one’s a classic side dish turned main event.

3. Loaded Baked Potato with Classic Toppings

Sometimes, you just want the OG toppings. Think butter, chopped bacon, cherry tomatoes, green onions, shredded white cheddar, sour cream, and, yes, a few more slices of avocado for good measure. It’s comfort food at its finest.

4. Make Magic with Leftovers: The Loaded Baked Potato Way

Loaded baked potatoes are the ultimate blank canvas for giving new life to leftovers lurking in your fridge. Got some roasted veggies from last night’s dinner? Toss ‘em on. That last handful of shredded cheese or the final dollop of sour cream? Don’t let them go to waste. Even random odds and ends like wilted greens, onion jam, or crumbled sausage can transform your loaded baked potato into a flavor-packed masterpiece.

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Pro Tips for Next-Level Loaded Potatoes

If you’ve got a few extra minutes, take your baked potatoes from good to unforgettable with these tips:

• Go Ultra-Crispy: Want potato skins that practically crackle? Bake them directly on the oven rack with a foil-lined baking sheet underneath to catch drippings.
• Don’t Skimp on Salt: Generously coat your spuds with olive oil, kosher salt, and freshly cracked black pepper before the second baking period. This creates a flavorful crust that’s impossible to resist.
• Customize Your Toppings: Experiment with unexpected combinations, such as goat cheese and caramelized onions or pulled pork and BBQ sauce. The possibilities are endless.

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Why Loaded Baked Potatoes are the Ultimate Side Dish

Loaded baked potatoes aren’t just a recipe—they’re a canvas for creativity. Whether you’re hosting a backyard BBQ, prepping a quick dinner, or looking for a crowd-pleasing recipe for a get-together, these spuds fit the bill. Their crispy skin and fluffy insides make them the perfect base for any topping, from simple butter and sour cream to gourmet options like flavor-infused olive oils and Havarti cheese.

Plus, they’re easy to make, budget-friendly, and downright fun to eat. Serve them as a side dish with grilled chicken or steak, or let them shine as the main course. Either way, you can’t go wrong.

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At the end of the day, a loaded baked potato is more than just food—it’s a comfort food classic. It’s the crackle of crispy skin, the steam rising from fluffy potato flesh and the joy of customizing every bite. So, head to the grocery store, grab some California Russet potatoes, and get baking. Whether you’re keeping it classic or experimenting with bold new toppings, you’re in for a treat.

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