Baking Cheesy Potato Bacon: The Perfect Comfort Food

Baked potatoes stuffed with cheese and bacon are a hearty and indulgent meal. The cooking time varies depending on the recipe, but you can expect to bake the potatoes for around an hour, and then add another 15 minutes or so to melt the cheese and cook the bacon. Some recipes call for a second baking stage to ensure the cheese is melted and the potatoes are heated through.

How to make a loaded baked potato

Ingredients:

• 4 large Russet potatoes
• Extra virgin olive oil, for drizzling
• 8 slices of bacon
• 1 cup of shredded Cheddar cheese, divided
• 4 tablespoons of butter
• 1/2 cup of sour cream
• 1/2 cup of milk
• 8 scallions, thinly sliced, white and green parts separated
• Chives, to taste
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Method:

First, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Prick the potatoes all over with a fork and drizzle with olive oil. Wrap the potatoes tightly in foil and place them in the oven to bake for about 1 hour, or until tender throughout.

While the potatoes are baking, cook the bacon. Spread the bacon strips on a large rimmed baking sheet and place in the cold oven. Set the temperature to 400°F (200°C) and set a timer for 16 minutes. Check the bacon and remove it from the oven when it is crisp. Transfer the bacon to a paper towel-lined plate to drain, leaving about 2-3 tablespoons of bacon grease on the sheet pan.

Once the potatoes are baked, remove them from the oven and turn the oven temperature down to 350°F (175°C). Unwrap the potatoes and cut a slit in the top of each one, being careful not to cut all the way through. Carefully scoop out the flesh into a medium bowl, leaving about 1/4" of flesh attached to the skins so they hold together.

To the bowl of potato flesh, add the sour cream, milk, butter, salt, pepper, white scallion parts, chives, and half of the cheddar and bacon. Stir to combine.

Spoon the filling back into the potato skins, mounding it on top. Sprinkle with the remaining cheese and return the potatoes to the oven. Bake for about 15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and the potatoes are heated through.

Finally, top the potatoes with the green scallion parts and the remaining bacon. Serve and enjoy!

Twice-baked potatoes recipe

Ingredients:

• 4 large baking potatoes
• 4 tablespoons butter
• 1 cup shredded Cheddar cheese, divided
• 8 green onions, sliced, divided
• Bacon bits or slices
• Sour cream
• Salt and pepper

Method:

• Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
• Prick the potatoes all over with a fork and wrap them tightly in foil.
• Bake the potatoes for about an hour or until tender.
• While the potatoes are baking, cook the bacon in a separate pan on the stove or in the oven until crispy. Drain the bacon on a paper towel and crumble or chop it into small pieces.
• Once the potatoes are cool enough to handle, cut them in half lengthwise and scoop out the flesh into a large bowl, leaving about a 1/4-inch layer of flesh attached to the skins so they hold their shape.
• To the bowl of potato flesh, add butter, sour cream, salt, pepper, half of the green onions, half of the cheese, and half of the bacon. Mix until well combined and creamy.
• Spoon the mixture back into the potato skins, mounding it on top.
• Top the potatoes with the remaining cheese and bacon.
• Return the potatoes to the oven and bake for an additional 15 minutes, or until the cheese has melted and the potatoes are heated through.
• Top with the remaining green onions and serve hot.

Tips and Variations:

• For a creamier filling, use a potato masher to mash the potatoes thoroughly before mixing in the other ingredients.
• You can also add other ingredients to the filling, such as ranch seasoning powder, heavy cream, or cream cheese.
• If you're short on time, you can microwave the potatoes instead of baking them. Poke holes in the potatoes, wrap them in cling wrap, and microwave for about 5 minutes on each side or until tender.
• To make this recipe in an air fryer, cook the bacon first, then add the potatoes and cook for about 20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until tender. Add the cheese and bacon, and cook for a few more minutes until the cheese has melted.

Cheesy bacon potatoes cooking time

There are a few different ways to cook cheesy bacon potatoes, and cooking times will vary depending on the method and the desired texture. Here is a step-by-step guide to three different methods, including cooking times:

Method 1: Baked Cheesy Bacon Potato Rounds

• Preheat your oven to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C).
• Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
• Slice 4 medium baking potatoes into 1/2-inch-thick rounds.
• Brush both sides of the potato slices with butter and place them on the prepared baking sheet.
• Bake for 30-40 minutes, flipping the slices halfway through, until they are lightly browned and tender when pierced with a knife.
• Sprinkle the potatoes with shredded Cheddar cheese, crumbled cooked bacon, and chopped green onions.
• Return to the oven and bake for an additional 3-5 minutes, until the cheese has melted.

Method 2: Crispy Cheesy Bacon Potatoes

• Place bacon strips on a large rimmed baking sheet and put it in a cold oven.
• Set the temperature to 400 degrees F and set a timer for 16 minutes. Check the bacon and remove it from the oven when it is as crispy as you like.
• While the bacon is cooking, peel and chop 3 extra-large russet potatoes into 1/2- to 3/4-inch pieces.
• Transfer the cooked bacon to a paper towel-lined plate to drain, leaving 2-3 tablespoons of bacon grease on the sheet pan.
• Put the potatoes on the pan and toss to coat them in the bacon grease. Sprinkle with salt and pepper.
• Spread the potatoes in a single layer and bake for 20 minutes. Stir and bake for an additional 20 minutes.
• Stir the potatoes again, ensuring none are sticking to the tray, and bake for another 15 minutes.
• Chop the bacon into small pieces.
• Remove the potatoes from the oven and sprinkle generously with shredded cheese and chopped bacon.
• Return the tray to the oven and bake for an additional 2-3 minutes, until the cheese has melted.
• Top with sliced green onions just before serving.

Method 3: Twice-Baked Cheesy Bacon Potatoes

• Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
• Poke a few holes in 2 large baking potatoes using a toothpick or fork.
• Bake the potatoes in the preheated oven for about 1 hour, or until tender.
• Allow the potatoes to cool for about 15 minutes, then cut a thin slice from one side of each potato and scoop out the flesh into a bowl. Discard the skins.
• Mix the potato flesh with shredded mild Cheddar cheese, sour cream, milk, melted butter, dried chives, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
• Spread the potato mixture into a greased 9x13-inch casserole dish.
• Top with additional shredded cheese and crumbled cooked bacon.
• Bake for 10-15 minutes, until just bubbling.
• Allow to cool for at least 5 minutes before serving.

Baked potato toppings

Baked potatoes are a versatile dish that can be loaded with various toppings to elevate the classic side. Here are some topping ideas to transform your baked potatoes into a delicious and satisfying meal:

Classic Toppings

The traditional baked potato toppings include a combination of butter, sour cream, chives or green onions, shredded cheddar cheese, and crispy bacon bits. These toppings create a perfect balance of flavours and textures, with the butter and sour cream providing a creamy base, the chives or green onions adding a mild onion taste, the cheddar cheese bringing sharpness, and the bacon adding a salty, savoury element.

Tex-Mex Toppings

For a spicy and colourful option, top your baked potato with cool guacamole, hot pico de gallo, sour cream, shredded cheddar cheese, and crushed tortilla chips for added crunch. If you want to take it up a notch, add some Mexican chorizo to the mix. This combination offers a delightful contrast of flavours and textures, making it a fun and tasty option.

New York Bagel Toppings

This topping combination is inspired by the classic New York bagel and includes smoked salmon, sour cream or cream cheese, sliced green onions, capers, and dill. The salty, smoky salmon pairs well with the tanginess of the sour cream or cream cheese, while the green onions, capers, and dill add a refreshing flavour and aroma.

Hearty Toppings

For a more substantial meal, load your baked potato with hearty toppings such as ground beef, chilli, or shredded chicken. You can also add some BBQ sauce, ranch dressing, or pesto to enhance the flavour. These toppings will turn your baked potato into a filling and comforting dish.

Vegetarian Toppings

For a vegetarian-friendly option, top your baked potato with black beans, corn, sour cream, and salsa. This combination provides a good balance of protein, fibre, and flavour. You can also add some sliced avocado or guacamole for a creamy texture and healthy fats.

When preparing your baked potatoes, remember to preheat your oven, prick the potatoes with a fork, and drizzle them with olive oil before baking to achieve a crispy skin. Get creative with your toppings and don't be afraid to experiment with different combinations to find your favourite!

How to cook potatoes faster

Cooking potatoes can be time-consuming, but there are several ways to speed up the process. Here are some tips to help you get fluffy, tender potatoes in less time:

Steam the potatoes

Steaming is a great way to cook potatoes faster. Place the potatoes in a pot with a steamer insert and add enough water to reach the bottom of the potatoes. Cover the pot with a lid and turn the heat to medium-high. The steam gets hotter than boiling water, reducing the cooking time. In about 15-20 minutes, your potatoes should be fork-tender and ready for mashing.

Microwave the potatoes

If you're short on time, microwaving potatoes is a quick and convenient option. Wash the potatoes and place them in a microwave-safe container. Add just enough water to cover the bottom of the container. Microwave for 2-3 minutes, depending on the quantity of potatoes. You'll get evenly cooked potatoes in a fraction of the time it takes to boil them on the stove.

Boil water in an electric kettle

As suggested by British chef Anna Jones in her book 'A Modern Way to Cook', you can quickly boil water in an electric kettle and pour it over diced potatoes in a saucepan. Set the pan over a hot flame to keep the potatoes cooking. They'll be tender in just 5-10 minutes, depending on their size.

Cut the potatoes into cubes

Before boiling potatoes, peel and cut them into cubes. Cubed potatoes will cook much faster than whole unpeeled potatoes. If you're in a hurry, this is a great way to shorten the cooking time.

Pre-cook the potatoes

If you're making dishes like fries, mashed potatoes, or roasted potatoes, you can cut and soak the potatoes in water up to two days in advance. Soaking the potatoes in cold water helps remove excess starch, improving the texture and mouthfeel of your final dish.

Use the oven efficiently

If you're making a dish like baked potatoes with bacon and cheese, you can save time by cooking the bacon and potatoes together in the oven. Place the bacon strips on a baking sheet and set the oven temperature to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. After about 16 minutes, remove the bacon and drain the excess grease, leaving about 2-3 tablespoons on the sheet. Add the potatoes to the sheet, coating them with the bacon grease, and bake for 20 minutes. Stir the potatoes and bake for another 20 minutes. Finally, add the cheese and bacon bits, and bake for an additional 2-3 minutes until the cheese melts.

Frequently asked questions