Imagine sinking your fork into a perfectly baked potato, crispy on the outside, fluffy on the inside, and loaded with melted cheese and a tantalizing chipotle ranch drizzle that will make your taste buds dance! These Loaded Potatoes aren't just a side dish - they're a culinary experience that transforms the humble potato into a mouthwatering masterpiece that'll have everyone at your table begging for seconds. Whether you're looking for a crowd-pleasing appetizer, a hearty side, or a show-stopping game day treat, 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 russet potatoes
- 1 cup shredded cheese
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 2 tablespoons chipotle sauce
- 1/4 cup green onions, sliced
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 425°F (218°C). Wash the russet potatoes thoroughly, scrubbing away any dirt.
- Pat the potatoes dry with a clean kitchen towel. Using a fork, puncture several holes around each potato to allow steam to escape during baking.
- Rub each potato with olive oil and sprinkle generously with salt and pepper. Place potatoes directly on the middle oven rack.
- Bake potatoes for 45-50 minutes, or until they are tender when pierced with a fork. The skin should be crisp and golden brown.
- While potatoes are baking, prepare the chipotle ranch drizzle by mixing sour cream with chipotle sauce until well combined.
- Once potatoes are done, remove from oven and let rest for 5 minutes. Carefully slice each potato lengthwise, creating a slight opening.
- Gently fluff the interior of each potato with a fork, then top with shredded cheese.
- Return potatoes to oven for 2-3 minutes to melt the cheese.
- Remove from oven and garnish with sliced green onions.
- Drizzle chipotle ranch sauce over the loaded potatoes just before serving.
Tips
- • Choose large, uniform russet potatoes for the best texture and even cooking • Don't skip the olive oil and salt rub - it creates that irresistible crispy skin • Make sure to puncture holes in the potatoes to prevent potential steam buildup • Let potatoes rest for a few minutes after baking to allow even heat distribution • For extra crispy skin, you can briefly broil the potatoes at the end • Experiment with different cheese blends for unique flavor variations • Prepare the chipotle ranch drizzle while potatoes are baking to save time • Serve immediately after adding cheese and drizzle for the best taste and texture
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 505kcal
Carbohydrates: 77g
Protein: 15g
Fat: 14g
Saturated Fat: 9g
Cholesterol: 45mg
