🥔 Cheesy Baked Potatoes: Comfort Food at Its Finest
Few dishes are as universally loved as Cheesy Baked Potatoes. With their fluffy, tender interiors and perfectly melted, golden cheese topping, they’re the ultimate side dish — comforting, indulgent, and utterly satisfying.
Whether you’re preparing a family dinner, a holiday feast, or a weeknight meal, these baked potatoes are simple to make and always a crowd-pleaser. With gooey cheese, a hint of butter, and optional toppings, they transform an everyday potato into a decadent treat.
🧀 Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Quick and easy: Minimal prep, maximum flavor.
Customizable: Add bacon, green onions, sour cream, or herbs to suit your taste.
Comforting and hearty: Perfect for pairing with meats, soups, or salads.
Family-friendly: Loved by both kids and adults alike.
🧂 Ingredients
4 large russet potatoes
2 tbsp olive oil or melted butter
Salt and black pepper, to taste
1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese (or your favorite cheese blend)
½ cup sour cream (optional, for serving)
2 tbsp chopped green onions or chives (optional)
4 slices cooked bacon, crumbled (optional)
👩🍳 Instructions
Prepare the potatoes:
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Scrub the potatoes clean and pat them dry. Prick each potato several times with a fork to allow steam to escape during baking.
Season and bake:
Rub the potatoes with olive oil or melted butter, then sprinkle with salt and pepper. Place them directly on the oven rack or a baking sheet and bake for 45–60 minutes, until tender when pierced with a fork.
Add the cheese:
Remove the potatoes from the oven. Slice them open lengthwise and fluff the insides with a fork. Sprinkle generously with shredded cheese and return to the oven for 5–10 minutes, until the cheese melts and becomes bubbly.
Optional toppings:
Top with sour cream, chopped green onions, and crumbled bacon if desired. Serve immediately while hot and cheesy.
💡 Tips & Variations
Cheese options: Try mozzarella, pepper jack, or a cheddar-mozzarella blend.
Extra creamy: Mix a little butter or cream into the potato flesh before adding cheese.
Make it loaded: Add sautéed mushrooms, caramelized onions, or cooked broccoli for a hearty twist.
Quick microwave version: Cook the potatoes in the microwave for 10–15 minutes, then finish with cheese under the broiler.
