Who doesn’t enjoy a freshly baked potato with all the toppings? Loading on the stuff at the end can make a boring side a whole lot more appealing, but if you’re tired of the same old stuff, try one of the awesome recipes listed below. They won’t transform your spuds into warriors like the ones above, but they will add mouth watering flavor to this versatile root vegetable.
Don’t worry about coming under attack by blood thirsty potato people, but do experiment with the five baked potato recipes below the next time you need a snack, or want to make the perfect side dish. Each one offers it’s own unique flavor, but everyone is sure to find at least one that sounds yummy. Just follow the easy step-by-step instructions below, and you’ll be looking like a pro while you enjoy your delicious creation.
1. South Of The Border Baked Potato Recipe
Like tacos and burritos? If you do, then you’ll love the flavor offered by this easy recipe. It’s like a taco salad and baked potato combined, and the classic flavor is a favorite that’s easy to prepare.
Ingredients:
- 4 Large Potatoes
- 1 Pound of Ground Beef
- 1/3 Cup of Salsa (Mild)
- 10 Ounces of Cheddar Cheese (Shredded)
- 3 Whole Scallions (Chopped)
- 1 tsp Black Pepper
- 1/2 tsp Salt
- 1 tsp Garlic Powder
- 4 Tbsp Sour Cream
Directions:
- Preheat your oven to 425 degrees.
- Wash the potatoes and poke each one with a fork to prepare for cooking.
- Place the potatoes into your oven, and bake them for 50-60 minutes.
- While your potatoes bake, take a large, nonstick pan and add in the ground beef.
- Season the beef with salt, pepper and garlic, and then it cook until browned.
- Once the beef is finished cooking, drain any fat that has pooled, and then add in the salsa, and continue cooking on low for about five minutes.
- Set the mixture aside once it’s finished cooking.
- Once the potatoes have finished baking, reduce the oven temp to 350, and remove all four spuds.
- Cut open the skin, and then remove the inner white stuff from each potato.
- Add all of the innards into a bowl, and then mash. Set the skins aside to refill later.
- Add in your beef mixture, and then mix in cheese and scallions and stir until blended.
- Spoon the mixture back into the potato skins, then pack tightly into a casserole dish.
- Bake the stuffed skins at 350 for 5-10 minutes.
- Remove the finished product from oven, and then dress with one scoop of sour cream before serving.
2. Vegetable Lover’s Baked Potato Recipe
Want to keep it meat-free? If you like flavor, but don’t want to add any meat to your baked potato, then the 100% vegetable-based recipe below may be the perfect choice. It combines a selection of fresh veggies to dress up your potato and enhance the flavor.
Ingredients:
- 4 Large Potatoes
- 4 Small Yellow Squash (Chopped)
- 1 Cup Cauliflower (Steamed)
- 1/2 lb Mushrooms (Sliced or Chopped)
- 1 Cup Tomato (Diced)
- 2 Medium Onions (Chopped)
- 4 Cloves Garlic (Minced)
- 4 Tbsp Butter
- 1/2 Cup Milk
- 2 Tbsp Olive Oil
- 1/2 tsp Salt
- 1 Cup Cheddar Cheese (Shredded)
- 4 Tbsp Sour Cream
Directions:
- Preheat your oven to 450 degrees.
- Wash the potatoes, and poke them with a fork multiple times.
- Place all four potatoes into the oven on the middle rack, and bake them for 50-60 minutes.
- Take a large frying pan and preheat it at medium-high, then add in the olive oil.
- Saute the squash, mushrooms, garlic and onions until tender, stirring regularly.
- At the same time, steam or microwave the cauliflower until it’s tender.
- Once all of the veggies are cooked, set both batches aside.
- Remove your baked potatoes from the oven, then cut them open, and scoop out the insides. Collect the white part of all four spuds in a bowl, and set the skins aside.
- Add milk, butter and salt to the bowl of potato insides, then mash or whip it all together until blended.
- Stir in the cheese, and mix lightly.
- Once the mixture is ready, refill the potato skin shells with your mashed insides, then cover with sauteed veggies.
- As an option, add a single scoop of sour cream to each potato.
- Sprinkle each potato with diced tomatoes, and then serve it right away.
3. Sunrise Special Baked Potato Recipe
Baked potatoes aren’t just for dinner. This next recipe combines classic breakfast flavors with a traditionally cooked potato. Serve this killer recipe anytime of day and it’s sure to please.
Ingredients:
- 4 Large potatoes
- 2 Tbsp Butter
- 4 Eggs
- 6 Strips of Bacon
- 10 Tbsp Cheddar Cheese (Shredded)
- 1 Tbsp Parsley (Chopped)
- 4 Tbsp Sour Cream (Optional)
- Salt and Pepper To Taste
Directions:
- Preheat your oven to 450 degrees.
- Wash and poke the potatoes, then place them into the oven.
- Cook the potatoes for 50-60 minutes, or until they feel done.
- While your spuds are baking, take a frying pan and cook your bacon thoroughly.
- Once it’s crispy, place the bacon onto some paper towels to cool, then chop or crumble it into small pieces.
- After the potatoes are finished, remove from the oven, turn the oven down to 350, and then use a knife to cut off the top of each spud.
- You will now create four bowls out of the baked potatoes by scooping out some of the middle.
- Once your bowls are ready, place 1/2 Tbsp of butter into each one.
- Carefully break an egg into each bowl, making sure to leave the yolk intact.
- Once the egg is in place, top it with bacon cheese and parsley.
- Transfer the potatoes to a baking sheet or dish, then cook them at 350 for about 20 minutes.
- Once egg the whites are set, the dish is complete.
- Remove the baked breakfast potatoes from oven and serve.
4. Texas Chili Baked Potato Recipe
If you want a baked potato that can also be a full meal, then this may be the perfect choice for you. Much more than just a simple side dish, this robust russet recipe is packed with beef and beans, so it has incredible flavor, and added protein. Mix in spicy southwest flavors and tomato sauce to turn a regular potato into a steamy bowl of chili.
Ingredients:
- 4 Large Potatoes
- 1 lb. Ground Beef
- 1 Onion (Chopped)
- 1 Can (8 oz) Tomato Paste
- 1 Can (15 oz) Tomato Sauce
- 1 Can (15 oz) Kidney Beans
- 1 Cup Cheddar Cheese (Shredded)
- 2 Tbsp Chili Powder
- 1 Pinch Crushed Red Pepper
- 1 Pinch Garlic Powder
- 4 Tbsp Sour Cream (Optional)
- Salt and Pepper To Taste
Directions:
- Preheat your oven to 450 degrees.
- Wash and pierce the potatoes, then place them in the oven to bake for 50-60 minutes.
- While your potatoes cook, get a large saucepan, then place it on the stove at medium heat.
- Place the ground beef into the preheated saucepan, and season it with salt, pepper, garlic and pepper flakes.
- Cook it for 2-3 minutes, then add in the chopped onion.
- Cook both combined until the meat is browned.
- Once the meat is fully cooked, mix in the chili powder, then cook it for another 2 minutes.
- Reduce the heat to medium low, then pour in the tomato paste, tomato sauce, and kidney beans without draining them.
- Cover the pot of chili and let it simmer until the potatoes are done. It should be about 20-50 minutes.
- Once they are fully baked, remove the potatoes from the oven, then slice each one open.
- Top each baked potato with a large scoop of chili, and then sprinkle cheese over the top.
- As an option, add a single scoop of sour cream on top.
- Serve immediately.
5. Creamy Goodness Baked Potato Recipe
If you like your baked potatoes simple and creamy, then this last killer recipe will be your favorite. It has the least number of ingredients, but don’t let the simplicity fool you. It may be easy to make, but this recipe also guarantees a rich and delectable baked potato that’s perfect for a full meal, or a side dish. Consume it skin and all, or just scoop out creamy insides and enjoy.
Ingredients:
- 4 Large Potatoes
- 1 Onion (Sliced Thinly)
- 4 Strips of Bacon
- 1/8 Cup Cream Cheese
- 2 Tbsp Butter
- 1 Tbsp Whole Milk
- 1 Pinch Garlic
- Salt and Pepper To Taste
Directions:
- Preheat your oven to 450 degrees.
- Wash the potatoes, and pierce each one with a fork.
- Place the prepped spuds into the oven, and cook them for about an hour.
- While the potatoes cook, take a frying pan, and heat it to medium-high.
- Cook the strips of bacon until crispy, and then reduce the heat and set the strips aside.
- Using the same pan, pour in the onion, and saute it for about 5 minutes, or until tender.
- Take a clean bowl and mix the cream cheese, milk, onion, and bacon together.
- Mix or whip it altogether until it’s creamy, then season the mixture with salt, pepper, and garlic to taste.
- Stir to mix thoroughly.
- Once they have finished baking, remove the potatoes from the oven, then cut an x in the top.
- Press the potatoes open slightly, and then top each one with ample amounts of your creamy goodness mixture.
- Serve immediately.
Other Classic Baked Potato Combinations:
- Just cheese: Shred your favorite type of cheese, and then sprinkle it on top.
- Sour Cream & Chives: Scoop a dollop of cream on top, then sprinkle finely chopped chives over the top.
- Bacon & Cheese: Cook crispy strips of bacon, and chop it into bits. Add to the top of your baked potato, then sprinkle with shredded cheese.
- Ham & Cheese: Use deli meat or baked ham. Cut the meat into small pieces, and then add to your potato, and top with shredded cheese.
- Baked Beans: Heat some baked beans straight from the can, and then add a scoop to the top of your cooked potato.
Got your own favorite recipe or toppings combo? If you have a unique way to dress or top a baked potato, feel free to share in the comments section below. We think that the ones listed are the top five available, but if yours is definitely better, please let it be known.
Learn More About The Cooking Process: 5 Ways To Bake A Potato