Baked Potatoes with Cheese
A comforting and easy-to-make dish featuring perfectly baked potatoes topped with a creamy, cheesy delight.
Nutrition
Calories: 320cal
Carbohydrate: 35g
Protein: 10g
Fat: 15g
Cholesterol: – -mg
Sodium: 220mg
Difficulty Level: easy
10 min Prep
45 min Cook
55 min Total
4 Servings
Ingredients
- 4 medium-sized russet potatoes
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup shredded Cheddar cheese
- 1/4 cup sour cream
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 green onions, finely sliced
- 2 tablespoons bacon bits (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). This step ensures your oven is hot enough to bake the potatoes evenly.
- Wash and scrub the potatoes thoroughly to remove any dirt and debris. Pat them dry using paper towels.
- Using a fork, prick each potato a few times all over. This will help steam escape during baking and prevent them from bursting.
- Rub each potato with olive oil, then sprinkle them with salt and black pepper. This adds flavor and helps create a crispy skin.
- Place the potatoes directly on the oven rack or on a baking sheet. Bake for 45 minutes, or until the potatoes are easily pierced with a fork.
- While the potatoes are baking, prepare the toppings by shredding the Cheddar cheese and slicing the green onions. If using bacon bits, have them ready.
- Once the potatoes are baked, carefully remove them from the oven using oven mitts. Cut each potato lengthwise to open them slightly.
- Use a fork to gently fluff the insides of each potato. Add a small amount of butter to each potato, followed by a dollop of sour cream.
- Sprinkle each potato generously with shredded Cheddar cheese, allowing it to melt slightly from the heat of the potato.
- Top with sliced green onions and bacon bits (if using) before serving. Feel free to add additional salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve hot, enjoying the creamy and cheesy texture. Tip: Try substituting the Cheddar cheese with your favorite cheese blend for a different flavor.
