Loaded Spuds: Cheesy Stuffed Potatoes
Loaded Potatoes
Loaded, stuffy, cheesy, baked, fried, creamed, or mashed…..we love them any way they are fixed! But one of our favorites is a loaded spud recipe where baked potatoes are stuffed with cheese, bacon bits, and seasonings. They are really easy to make, perfect for family dinners and are definitely a kid-friendly side.
Ingredients you’ll need for loaded spuds stuffed with cheese and bacon – hearty and comforting!
Potatoes
You can bake the potatoes in the oven, on the grill, or in an air fryer, as we did. Personally, I prefer the air fryer because it gives the skin a slightly crispy texture, unlike the softer texture you get from baking in the oven. We’re fans of anything that allows us to cook outdoors!
Allow them to cool until they’re easy to handle, then scoop out the potato and transfer it to a mixing bowl. Remove most of the potato, but be careful not to scrape the skin too thinly, as you don’t want to create holes.
Combine the butter, cream cheese, milk, and cream using an electric mixer. If the potatoes are too thick, add a bit more milk. Baked potatoes won’t cream as smoothly as boiled ones and result in a slightly textured consistency.
Add salt and pepper to taste.
Fill the Shells
Spoon the potato mixture into the shells, leaving a bit of space at the top. Sprinkle with shredded cheddar cheese and a sprinkle of bacon bits. Add another layer of potato mixture and top with more shredded cheese, bacon bits, and chives. If desired, add a final sprinkle of extra cheese on top.
Place the loaded potatoes in the oven or air fryer at 350° for about 15 minutes or until the potatoes are nice and hot and the cheese is melted. Serve immediately.
These loaded spuds are flavor-packed and reheat well. I’ve even put them freezer and reheated them in the microwave. This cheesy stuffed potato recipe is the ultimate comfort food)) Grownups like it, and kids like it, as evidenced by my grandson re-heating leftovers as an after-school snack)))
Enjoy!
