Loaded Potato: Best Cheese Pairings For Maximum Flavor

Loaded potatoes are a versatile dish that can be served as a main course or a side. They are a great option for a hearty meal, a game-day snack, or a casual family gathering. The key to a delicious loaded potato is the combination of ingredients and the way they are prepared. While there are many ways to make loaded potatoes, a classic combination includes cheese, sour cream, and bacon.

When it comes to cheese, the type you choose can make a big difference. Sharp cheddar is a popular option for its bold flavour and melting capabilities. Other cheeses that work well include gouda, Swiss, provolone, and pepper jack. For the best results, it is recommended to shred the cheese yourself rather than using pre-shredded cheese, as this can affect the taste and melting consistency.

To prepare the potatoes, it is important to select the right type. Russet potatoes are ideal for loaded potatoes because they have a high starch content, which makes them fluffy and allows their skin to crisp up nicely. Baking the potatoes with a coating of olive oil also helps to achieve a crispy skin. Once the potatoes are baked, they can be loaded with your chosen ingredients and baked again briefly to melt the cheese and heat the filling.

Cheddar, Monterey Jack, and sour cream

For a loaded baked potato, russet potatoes are the best choice. Their high starch content means they bake up nice and fluffy, while their thick skin allows them to crisp up beautifully and resist tearing when you're scooping out the flesh.

To make the perfect loaded potato, start by pricking the potatoes all over with a fork to prevent them from exploding in the oven. Drizzle with olive oil and wrap tightly in foil. Bake the potatoes in a preheated oven until tender, about 1 hour.

Once the potatoes are baked, let them cool slightly before cutting a slit in the top and carefully scooping out the flesh into a bowl, leaving about a 1/4-inch layer of potato flesh in the skin. To add extra flavor, you can brush the potatoes with melted butter before broiling.

For the filling, mix the scooped-out potato flesh with sour cream, butter, chives, scallions, and half of the cheddar and bacon. Season with salt and pepper to taste. You can also add milk and garlic powder to the mixture for extra creaminess and flavor.

Spoon the filling back into the potato skins, mounding it on top. Sprinkle with the remaining cheddar and bake until the cheese is melted, about 5-8 minutes.

Finally, top the loaded potatoes with the remaining bacon and scallions, and a dollop of sour cream.

For an extra cheesy loaded potato, you can also sprinkle on some Monterey Jack cheese before baking. This will add a delicious, mild, and creamy flavor to the dish.

If you're looking for a more indulgent option, you can also add some crispy bacon bits on top of the sour cream. This will give the loaded potato a nice salty-savory element that complements the creamy and cheesy flavors.

With these steps, you'll have a delicious and indulgent loaded potato with the perfect combination of cheddar, Monterey Jack, and sour cream.

Goat cheese and onion jam

Ingredients

For the goat cheese and onion jam loaded potato, you will need:

• A large russet potato
• Olive oil
• Kosher salt
• Goat cheese
• Onion jam

Method

First, preheat your oven to 400ºF. Wash and scrub the potato. Prick the potato all over with a fork and rub with olive oil, then sprinkle with salt. Place the potato directly on the oven rack and bake until the skin is crisp and the flesh is tender, about 1 hour.

While the potato is baking, prepare your onion jam. Slice a yellow onion thinly and add to a pan with olive oil. Cook on medium heat until the onions are soft and starting to brown. Add in white wine, sugar, balsamic vinegar, ground sumac, ground coriander, and black pepper. Let the mixture boil, then reduce the heat and simmer until the onions are dry and starting to stick to the pan.

Once the potato is baked, remove it from the oven and let it cool slightly. Cut a slit lengthwise down the potato, being careful not to cut all the way through. Scoop out most of the potato flesh, leaving about a 1/4-inch layer of potato.

Now it's time to assemble your loaded potato! Spread the onion jam evenly over the potato, then sprinkle with goat cheese. You can also add in other ingredients like cooked bacon, chives, or scallions if desired.

Place the loaded potato back in the oven and bake until the cheese is melted, about 5-8 minutes. Enjoy your delicious and unique goat cheese and onion jam loaded potato!

Variations

If you're looking for some extra flavour, here are some variations to try:

• Add some crispy bacon bits on top of the goat cheese before baking.
• Mix in some chopped scallions or chives with the onion jam for a fresh onion flavour.
• For a more indulgent version, mix in some sour cream with the goat cheese before spreading it on the potato.

Gruyère, sautéed mushrooms, and thyme

To make a loaded baked potato with these toppings, start by pricking the potatoes all over with a fork and drizzling them with olive oil. Wrap the potatoes in foil and bake them in the oven until tender. While the potatoes are baking, prepare the mushrooms by slicing them and sautéing them in a pan with some butter or olive oil. Once the potatoes are baked, cut a slit in each potato and carefully scoop out the flesh into a bowl, leaving about a quarter-inch of potato flesh attached to the skins. Add some butter, sour cream, salt, and pepper to taste to the potato flesh, and mash it all together. Then, mix in the sautéed mushrooms, grated Gruyère cheese, and fresh thyme leaves. Finally, spoon the mixture back into the potato skins and sprinkle some extra cheese on top. Bake the potatoes again for a few minutes until the cheese is melted and enjoy!

You can also experiment with adding other ingredients to complement the Gruyère, sautéed mushrooms, and thyme. For example, you could add some crispy bacon, green onions, or chives for extra flavour and texture.

Pepper Jack and Italian sausage

When it comes to creating the ultimate loaded potato, the combination of Pepper Jack cheese and Italian sausage is a match made in culinary heaven. This dynamic duo takes the classic comfort food to a whole new level, delivering a burst of flavour in every bite. Here's why Pepper Jack and Italian sausage are the perfect pairing for your next loaded potato creation.

The Spicy Kick of Pepper Jack

Pepper Jack cheese, also known as Monterey Jack, is a variety of cheese that delivers a delightful spicy kick. It's characterised by its creamy texture and mild, buttery flavour, with a hint of heat from the addition of jalapeño peppers. This variety of cheese melts beautifully, making it ideal for loaded potatoes. The subtle spice of Pepper Jack cheese perfectly complements the robust flavour of Italian sausage, creating a harmonious blend of flavours.

The Hearty Flavour of Italian Sausage

Italian sausage is a versatile and flavourful ingredient that adds a hearty touch to any dish. It is typically made with a combination of pork, garlic, fennel, and various spices, resulting in a juicy and savoury sausage. The spices used can include red pepper flakes, paprika, or chilli flakes, contributing to the sausage's signature heat. When paired with the subtle spice of Pepper Jack cheese, the two create a dynamic duo that enhances the overall flavour profile of the loaded potato.

Creating the Ultimate Loaded Potato

When crafting your loaded potato with Pepper Jack and Italian sausage, here are a few tips to keep in mind:

• Choose the right potatoes: Opt for russet potatoes, which have a high starch content, resulting in a fluffy texture and crispy skin.
• Prep the potatoes: Prick holes in the potatoes with a fork before baking to allow steam to escape and prevent them from exploding. You can also parboil the potatoes to ensure even cooking.
• Cook the sausage: Sauté the Italian sausage in a skillet with onions and spices before adding it to the loaded potato. This will enhance the flavour and ensure the sausage is cooked through.
• Combine with other ingredients: Mix the Pepper Jack cheese, sautéed Italian sausage, and other ingredients such as scallions, chives, or sour cream to create a delicious filling for your loaded potato.
• Bake to perfection: After stuffing your potatoes, bake them in the oven until the cheese is melted and the potatoes are heated through.

Customisation and Serving Suggestions

The beauty of loaded potatoes is that they can be customised to your taste preferences. Feel free to experiment with additional ingredients such as chopped tomatoes, sautéed mushrooms, or even crumbled Mexican chorizo for an extra kick. You can also serve your loaded potatoes with a variety of dipping sauces, such as sour cream and chives, ranch dressing, or a combination of sour cream and salsa.

For a well-rounded meal, consider pairing your loaded potatoes with a fresh green salad and a zesty vinaigrette to balance out the richness of the dish.

Broccoli and cheese sauce

Cheese Selection

When it comes to cheese selection for your sauce, it's best to avoid pre-shredded cheese. Opt for a block of cheese and shred or grate it yourself. This will ensure a smoother and creamier sauce. You can also experiment with different cheese combinations, such as gouda and sharp cheddar or Colby, Monterey Jack, and sharp cheddar for a more complex flavour profile.

Broccoli Preparation

For the broccoli, it is recommended to use fresh broccoli florets that are finely chopped into small pieces. This ensures that the broccoli cooks evenly and has a better texture within the sauce. You can cook the broccoli using your preferred method, such as steaming, microwaving, or boiling, but be sure to drain it well if cooking in water.

Sauce Preparation

To make the cheese sauce, start by melting butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Add flour and whisk continuously until the mixture bubbles and slightly darkens in colour. Slowly add milk while continuing to whisk. You can also add spices like garlic powder, onion powder, or cayenne pepper to enhance the flavour. Reduce the heat and gradually add the shredded cheese, whisking constantly until the sauce is smooth and melted. Finally, mix in the cooked broccoli and remove from the heat.

Serving Suggestions

Once your broccoli cheese sauce is ready, it's time to assemble your loaded potato. Start by baking your potato, either in the oven or microwave, until it is fork-tender. Cut a slit in the top of the potato and carefully scoop out the flesh into a bowl, leaving about a quarter-inch of flesh attached to the skin to ensure it holds together.

Mix the potato flesh with sour cream, chives, scallions, and bacon (optional) and season with salt and pepper. Spoon the filling back into the potato skins and top with additional shredded cheese. Bake until the cheese is melted, and then add any final toppings, such as scallion greens or bacon bits.

Your broccoli cheese sauce can be served as a topping for the loaded potato or as a side dish. It pairs well with grilled or baked chicken, fresh baked bread, or a green salad with a zesty vinaigrette to cut through the richness of the dish.

Frequently asked questions