Description
These Loaded Sliced Baked Potatoes are a savory and satisfying side dish featuring tender baked potato slices topped with melted cheddar cheese, crispy crumbled bacon, Italian seasoning, and fresh green onions. Perfect as a comforting snack or accompaniment for any meal.
Ingredients
Scale
Potatoes
- 3 large russet potatoes (washed and dried)
- 1 tablespoon oil (vegetable, canola, or olive oil)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Toppings
- 2 cups cheddar cheese (shredded)
- 6 slices bacon (uncooked)
- 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning blend
- 2 green onions (diced)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to prepare for baking the potatoes evenly.
- Slice and Season Potatoes: Slice the washed and dried russet potatoes into ¾-inch thick rounds. Lay them out in a single even layer on a large baking sheet. Use a pastry brush to coat both sides lightly with oil and season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Initial Bake: Bake the potato slices in the preheated oven for 25 minutes to soften the potatoes and start getting a tender texture.
- Cook Bacon: While the potatoes bake, cook the bacon slices in a frying pan over low heat, turning occasionally to ensure even crispiness. Once fully cooked and crispy, remove the bacon from the pan, set aside to cool, and crumble. Reserve the bacon drippings in the pan for added flavor.
- Brush with Bacon Drippings: Remove the potatoes from the oven and lightly brush all sides of each slice with the reserved bacon drippings to infuse them with rich, smoky flavor.
- Second Bake: Return the bacon-dripping coated potato slices to the oven and bake for an additional 10 minutes to enhance flavor and texture.
- Add Toppings and Melt Cheese: Remove the potatoes again, top each slice generously with shredded cheddar cheese and crumbled bacon. Place back in the oven and bake for about 5 minutes until the cheese is fully melted and bubbly.
- Garnish: Once baked, remove from the oven and sprinkle Italian seasoning and diced green onions over the top for an aromatic finish.
- Serve: Serve immediately while warm, ideally with a side of sour cream for dipping or spreading.
Notes
- Use russet potatoes for the best texture and flavor in baked potato recipes.
- Adjust seasoning and toppings according to your taste preferences.
- Bacon drippings add extra flavor but can be omitted for a lighter version.
- For a spicier kick, add a pinch of cayenne or smoked paprika to the seasoning.
- Leftovers can be reheated in the oven to retain crispiness.
