Nothing beats a perfectly baked potato – crispy skin on the outside, fluffy and tender on the inside, and ready to be loaded up with all your favorite goodies.

It’s comfort food at its finest, and honestly, it’s almost impossible to mess up. Here’s how to nail it every single time.

Baked Potatoes with Sour Cream, Chives, and Bacon

Recipe by Salvia

Servings

servings

Prep time

minutes

Cooking time

minutes

This recipe focuses on getting a perfectly fluffy interior and crispy skin, then topping it with classic, flavorful ingredients.

Ingredients

2 medium-sized Russet potatoes (about 8-10 oz each)
1 tablespoon olive oil (or melted butter)
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
For Toppings
1/2 cup sour cream (or plain Greek yogurt for a lighter option)
2 slices bacon, cooked crispy and crumbled
1 tablespoon fresh chives, finely chopped
Equipment:
Baking sheet
Fork or paring knife
Small bowl for sour cream
Small pan for bacon (if cooking fresh)

Directions

Preheat Oven:
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
Prepare Potatoes:
Thoroughly scrub the potatoes under cold running water to remove any dirt. Pat them completely dry with a paper towel. This is important for crispy skin!
Using a fork or a paring knife, prick the potatoes all over about 8-10 times. This allows steam to escape and prevents them from exploding.
Rub each potato with olive oil (or melted butter), then sprinkle generously with salt and pepper.
Bake Potatoes:
Place the prepared potatoes directly on the oven rack or on a baking sheet. Bake for 45-60 minutes, or until the skin is crispy and the inside is very tender when squeezed gently (use oven mitts!). A knife inserted into the center should meet no resistance.
Pro Tip: For extra crispy skin, you can turn off the oven and leave the potatoes in for an additional 10-15 minutes after they’re done.
Cook Bacon (while potatoes are baking):
If using fresh bacon, cook it in a small pan over medium heat until crispy. Drain on a paper towel and then crumble into small pieces.
Prepare Toppings:
In a small bowl, have your sour cream ready. Finely chop your fresh chives.
Serve:
Once the potatoes are done, carefully remove them from the oven.
Slice each potato lengthwise down the middle, but don’t cut all the way through – leave the bottom intact so it forms a boat.
Gently push the ends of the potato towards the center to fluff up the flesh.
Dollop a generous amount of sour cream into each potato.
Sprinkle with the crumbled bacon and chopped chives.

Mix It Up & Make It Yours!

Want to take your baked potatoes to the next level? Here are some fun ways to switch things up:

Make Them Extra Fluffy:

If you’re feeling fancy, try this little trick – once your potatoes are done baking, carefully scoop out all that fluffy goodness into a bowl. Give it a quick mash with some butter and a splash of milk or cream, then pile it right back into those crispy skins. It’s like making twice-baked potatoes without all the extra work!

Go Wild with Toppings:

This is where you can really have some fun! Try any of these:

Melt some sharp cheddar cheese on top while they’re still piping hot
Toss on some bright green broccoli florets
Sauté up some mushrooms and onions for an earthy twist
Got leftover chili or pulled pork? Perfect potato toppers!
And hey, sometimes a simple pat of butter is all you need – it’s a classic for a reason!

The best part? There’s really no wrong way to do it. Just load them up with whatever makes you happy and dig in!

Turn Your Baked Potato into a Full Meal

Here’s where things get really exciting! A baked potato can easily become the star of your dinner table with the right toppings. Think of it as your edible plate – ready to hold whatever delicious combination you’re craving.

Hearty Protein Options:

Chili – Whether it’s classic beef chili, turkey chili, or a veggie version, it’s a match made in heaven. Don’t forget the cheese and sour cream on top!
BBQ Pulled Pork or Chicken – That smoky, tender meat is perfect for piling high on a fluffy potato
Taco-Style – Load it up with seasoned ground beef, black beans, salsa, guac, cheese, and all your favorite Mexican flavors
Steak Bites – Leftover steak or beef tips make your potato feel like a fancy steakhouse meal

Veggie-Forward Ideas:

Broccoli & Cheese – Steam some broccoli and smother it in cheese sauce for a cozy, satisfying meal
Mediterranean Mix – Try roasted vegetables, feta cheese, and a drizzle of olive oil

Get Creative with Leftovers: This is honestly one of the best tricks! Got leftover curry? Beef stew? Stir-fry? Just spoon it right over your baked potato. It’s like getting a whole new meal without any extra cooking.

The beauty is that almost anything goes – your baked potato is ready to handle whatever flavors you throw at it!