About this recipe

The ultimate comfort food — perfectly crispy-skinned baked potatoes loaded with melted cheddar, sour cream, crispy bacon, and fresh chives. This foolproof method delivers fluffy, steaming interiors every time with a satisfying salty crust. Fully customizable and endlessly satisfying as a hearty side or a meal on its own.

Instructions

1. 1

   Preheat your oven to ![400°F]. Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil for easy cleanup.

2. 2

   Scrub the russet potatoes thoroughly under cold water and pat completely dry with paper towels — dry skin is the key to a crispy crust.

3. 3

   Pierce each russet potato all over with a fork, about 10–12 times. This allows steam to escape and prevents the potato from bursting in the oven.

4. 4

   Rub each russet potato all over with olive oil, then sprinkle generously with kosher salt on all sides. Place directly on the prepared baking sheet.

5. 5

   Bake for 55–65 minutes, until the skin is deeply golden and crispy and a fork or skewer slides into the center with zero resistance. Larger potatoes may need the full 65 minutes. Do not wrap in aluminum foil — that steams the skin and makes it soggy.

6. 6

   While the russet potatoes bake, cook the bacon. Lay the strips in a cold skillet, then turn the heat to ^[medium]. Cook for 8–10 minutes, flipping once, until crispy. Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate to drain, then crumble or chop into small pieces.

7. 7

   Prepare your remaining toppings: shred the sharp cheddar cheese, slice the chives, and set out the sour cream and butter pats so everything is ready to go when the russet potatoes come out.

8. 8

   Remove the russet potatoes from the oven. Using tongs or a kitchen towel to hold the hot potato, cut a deep slit lengthwise across the top, then make a shorter slit crosswise to form a cross. Push the ends toward the center to open the potato up and fluff the interior.

9. 9

   Place a pat of butter inside each russet potato first and let it melt into the fluffy flesh. Season the interior lightly with kosher salt and black pepper.

10. 10

    Pile on the toppings: a generous handful of shredded sharp cheddar cheese (it will melt from the heat of the potato), a big dollop of sour cream, a shower of crumbled bacon, and a sprinkle of fresh chives. Serve immediately.