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loaded baked potatoes

Loaded Baked Potatoes Piled High With Toppings

loaded baked potatoes loaded potato dinner delivers quick comfort food with ease. Try now! (Count: 90 characters. Wait, this is under 140. Hmm. Maybe adjust:...
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings: 4
Course: Side Dishes

Ingredients
  

  • 4 large russet potatoes
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1/2 cup sour cream
  • 1/4 cup diced smoked turkey strips
  • 1/4 cup sliced black olives
  • 1/4 cup diced tomatoes
  • 2 tbsp chopped fresh cilantro
  • 1/2 cup cooked black beans
  • 1 tbsp chopped jalapenos
  • 1 tbsp chopped fresh parsley

Method
 

  1. Preheat your oven to 400°F and get a baking sheet ready. Wash all four potatoes under cold running water and dry them completely with a paper towel. This step matters more than you'd think because wet potatoes won't crisp up right. Prick each potato several times with a fork so steam can escape while they bake.
  2. Rub each potato all over with olive oil, then sprinkle generously with salt and black pepper on all sides. Place them directly on the oven rack with a baking sheet on the rack below to catch any drips. You'll hear them start crackling after about fifteen minutes, which is totally normal and means you're doing it right.
  3. Bake for exactly 50 to 60 minutes until the skin is crispy and golden brown. Test for doneness by squeezing gently with an oven mitt—the potato should give a little when pressed. If it's still rock hard, give it another five minutes and check again. Don't panic if they take the full hour; bigger potatoes need that time.
  4. While the potatoes finish cooking, prepare your topping stations in small bowls. Dice your tomatoes, chop the cilantro and parsley, and measure out the black olives and jalapenos. Mix your cooked black beans in a separate bowl so they're ready to go. This is where I personally get my kids involved because everyone wants different toppings anyway.
  5. Once the potatoes are done, let them cool for about three minutes so you don't burn your hands. Cut each potato in half lengthwise and fluff the insides with a fork. This helps the sour cream and cheese soak in better and makes them taste incredible.
  6. Start building your loaded baked potatoes recipe masterpiece by adding sour cream to each half first. This creates a creamy base that everything sticks to perfectly. Sprinkle the shredded cheese while the potatoes are still hot so it melts beautifully.
  7. Layer on your smoked turkey strips, black beans, tomatoes, olives, and jalapenos in whatever order makes you happy. Finish with fresh cilantro and parsley for brightness. Serve immediately while everything's warm and the cheese is still melty.