If you’re anything like me, there’s something irresistibly comforting about a perfectly cooked potato loaded with all the best toppings. This Crispy Baked Potato with Cheese, Bacon, and Scallions Recipe takes the humble spud to a whole new level of deliciousness, combining crunchy skin with melty cheese, savory bacon bits, and the fresh zing of scallions. It’s a straightforward dish that feels indulgent and satisfying, perfect for any meal or even as a hearty snack. Once you nail this recipe, you’ll see why it’s one of my absolute favorites to make and share with friends.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Simple ingredients come together in this recipe, each playing a crucial role in building the perfect balance of flavor and texture. From the crispy, salty skin to the creamy, cheesy interior, everything is designed to complement each other beautifully.
- Russet potato: The ideal spud for baking thanks to its fluffy interior and ability to crisp up on the outside.
- Olive oil: Added to help the potato skin crisp up gorgeously while adding a subtle richness.
- Kosher salt: Essential for seasoning the skin so every bite has a perfect savory crunch.
- Butter: A classic finish for richness and creamy texture inside the potato.
- Sour cream: Adds tanginess and moisture, balancing the rich cheese and bacon.
- Scallions: Fresh and mildly sharp, they lighten and brighten the flavors.
- Cheese: Melty, gooey goodness that brings indulgence to every forkful.
- Bacon crumbles: Crispy, smoky bites that add irresistible texture and savory depth.
How to Make Crispy Baked Potato with Cheese, Bacon, and Scallions Recipe
Step 1: Preparing Your Potato
Start by scrubbing your russet potato thoroughly under cold water to remove any dirt, then pat it completely dry. Using a fork, prick the potato all over—this helps steam escape during baking so the inside cooks perfectly fluffy without bursting.
Step 2: Seasoning for Crispy Skin
Place the prepared potato on a baking sheet and brush it generously with olive oil. Then sprinkle kosher salt evenly over the skin. This step is key to achieving that signature crispy, flavorful exterior that makes this Crispy Baked Potato with Cheese, Bacon, and Scallions Recipe truly memorable.
Step 3: Baking to Perfection
Put the potato in a preheated oven at 400°F and bake for about one hour, or until the skin is crisp and a fork slides easily into the center. The slow baking brings out that beautiful contrast between a crunchy outside and soft, fluffy inside.
Step 4: Fluffing and Topping
Once baked, carefully slice the potato open lengthwise. Use a fork to gently fluff the insides, creating a cozy bed for toppings. Now comes the best part—layer your butter, shredded cheese, sour cream, crispy bacon crumbles, and fresh scallions. The cheese will melt into the warm potato, mingling with the smokiness of bacon and the zest of scallions for an unbeatable flavor combo.
How to Serve Crispy Baked Potato with Cheese, Bacon, and Scallions Recipe
Garnishes
Sprinkle a handful of fresh scallions last to add vibrant color and a mild onion punch that cuts through the richness. If you like, a dash of cracked black pepper or a pinch of smoked paprika can take the flavor up another notch.
Side Dishes
This loaded potato works beautifully alongside crisp green salads, roasted veggies, or a comforting bowl of soup. It’s also fantastic as a hearty side for grilled meats or barbecue, making it flexible and crowd-pleasing.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving this Crispy Baked Potato with Cheese, Bacon, and Scallions Recipe in a rustic wooden bowl or on a platter sprinkled with extra bacon and scallions. You could also turn these into twice-baked potato bites for parties, scooping out the insides, topping them, then broiling until golden.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover baked potato and toppings separately in airtight containers in the fridge for up to two days to maintain freshness and texture.
Freezing
While you can freeze the baked potato itself, the texture may change upon thawing. It’s best to freeze the potato mashed or mixed with cheese and bacon inside a freezer-safe container, and add fresh scallions after reheating.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers in a preheated oven at 350°F to restore crispness to the skin, or use a toaster oven if you have one. Microwaving works in a pinch but may result in a softer skin.
FAQs
Can I use other types of potatoes for this recipe?
Russet potatoes are preferred because their high starch content gives you that fluffy inside and crispy outside, but you can experiment with Yukon Golds if you like a creamier texture.
How do I make the potato skin extra crispy?
Brushing the potato with olive oil and sprinkling kosher salt before baking at 400°F ensures the skin crisps up beautifully. For even crispier skin, bake the potato directly on the oven rack instead of a baking sheet.
What cheese works best for melting on top?
Cheddar is a classic choice because it melts well and has a sharp flavor that complements the bacon and sour cream perfectly. You could also try Monterey Jack or a blend of cheeses for variation.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
Absolutely! Simply omit the bacon or replace it with crispy smoked tempeh or mushrooms to keep that savory depth while keeping it vegetarian-friendly.
Is this recipe good for meal prep?
Definitely! Crispy Baked Potato with Cheese, Bacon, and Scallions Recipe is easy to prepare ahead, store, and reheat, making it a comforting meal that’s ready whenever you are.
Final Thoughts
This Crispy Baked Potato with Cheese, Bacon, and Scallions Recipe is one of those dishes that instantly feels like a warm hug on a plate. It’s effortless to make yet delivers big on flavor and texture—from the crispy skin to the luscious, cheesy interior topped with smoky bacon and fresh scallions. Give it a try, share it with loved ones, and I guarantee it will become a favorite in your kitchen as it is in mine!
Print
Crispy Baked Potato with Cheese, Bacon, and Scallions Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Yield: 1 serving
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Crispy Baked Potato recipe delivers a perfectly tender potato with a delightfully crisp skin. Baked at 400°F for about an hour, the potato is seasoned simply with olive oil and kosher salt, then topped with classic accompaniments like butter, sour cream, scallions, cheese, and bacon crumbles. It’s an easy, comforting dish perfect as a side or a light meal.
Ingredients
Potato
- 1 russet potato
Seasonings
- ½ tablespoon olive oil
- 1 ½ teaspoons kosher salt
Toppings
- Butter, to taste
- Sour cream, to taste
- Scallions, chopped, to taste
- Cheese, grated, to taste
- Bacon crumbles, to taste
Instructions
- Preheat oven: Set your oven to 400°F (204°C) to prepare for baking the potato.
- Prepare the potato: Thoroughly scrub the russet potato under cold running water to remove any dirt, then pat it dry with a towel. Prick the potato all over with a fork to allow steam to escape during baking.
- Season the potato: Place the potato on a baking sheet. Brush the entire skin evenly with ½ tablespoon of olive oil, then sprinkle 1 ½ teaspoons of kosher salt over it to enhance flavor and help create a crisp skin.
- Bake: Bake the potato in the preheated oven for about 1 hour, or until the inside is tender when pierced with a fork and the skin is crispy. Baking times may vary slightly depending on the size of the potato.
- Finish and serve: Remove the potato from the oven. Slice it open lengthwise, fluff the interior with a fork, and add your preferred toppings such as butter, sour cream, chopped scallions, grated cheese, and bacon crumbles. Serve immediately while hot.
Notes
- Use a fork to prick the potato so steam can escape and prevent bursting.
- For extra crispy skin, use coarse kosher salt.
- Russet potatoes are ideal for baking due to their starchy texture.
- You can customize toppings to your preference or dietary needs.
- Baking times may vary depending on the potato size; test tenderness with a fork.
