Get ready to transform ordinary baked potatoes into a flavor-packed culinary masterpiece that will have your taste buds dancing! These Cheesy BBQ Loaded Potatoes are not just a side dish – they're a complete flavor experience that combines crispy potato skins, melted cheese, and tangy BBQ sauce in one irresistible package. Whether you're looking for a crowd-pleasing appetizer or a hearty meal that screams comfort food, this recipe is about to become your new obsession!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 45 mins
Total Time: 55 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 4 large potatoes
- 1 cup shredded cheese
- 1/2 cup BBQ sauce
- 1/4 cup sour cream
- 2 green onions, chopped
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 425°F (218°C). Wash the potatoes thoroughly and pat them dry with a clean kitchen towel.
- Pierce each potato multiple times with a fork to allow steam to escape during baking. This prevents the potatoes from potentially exploding in the oven.
- Rub the potato skins with a light coating of olive oil and sprinkle with salt to enhance flavor and create a crispy exterior.
- Place the potatoes directly on the middle oven rack and bake for 45-50 minutes, or until they are completely tender when pierced with a fork. The skin should be crisp and golden brown.
- While potatoes are baking, prepare the toppings. Chop the green onions and set aside. Warm the BBQ sauce slightly to make it easier to drizzle.
- Once potatoes are done, remove from oven and let cool for 2-3 minutes. Carefully slice each potato lengthwise, gently pushing the ends to open and create a fluffy interior.
- Generously sprinkle shredded cheese inside and on top of each potato. Return to oven for 2-3 minutes to melt the cheese completely.
- Remove from oven and top with a drizzle of warm BBQ sauce, a dollop of sour cream, and sprinkle chopped green onions over each potato.
- Serve immediately while hot and cheese is melted, enjoying the combination of crispy potato skin, melted cheese, and tangy BBQ sauce.
Tips
- Choose the right potatoes: Large russet potatoes work best for this recipe, providing the perfect canvas for your toppings.
- Crispy skin secret: Rubbing the potatoes with olive oil and salt before baking ensures a perfectly crisp exterior that adds amazing texture.
- Fork piercing is crucial: Always pierce your potatoes multiple times to prevent them from potentially exploding in the oven.
- Cheese melting hack: For the ultimate cheese pull, return the potatoes to the oven for a quick 2-3 minute melt after adding the cheese.
- Serve immediately: These loaded potatoes are best enjoyed hot, with the cheese still gooey and the BBQ sauce warm.
- Customization tip: Feel free to add crispy bacon bits, jalapeños, or swap out the BBQ sauce for your favorite condiment to make this recipe your own!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 486kcal
Carbohydrates: 67g
Protein: g
Fat: 20g
Saturated Fat: 12g
Cholesterol: 60mg
