Classic Loaded Baked Potato

Instructions

1. 1

   Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).

2. 2

   Wash and scrub the russet potatoes thoroughly. Pat them dry with a paper towel.

3. 3

   Pierce each potato several times with a fork to allow steam to escape during baking.

4. 4

   Place the potatoes directly on the oven rack and bake for 45-60 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender when pierced with a fork.

5. 5

   While the potatoes are baking, cook the bacon in a skillet over medium heat until crispy. Remove the bacon from the skillet and place it on a paper towel to drain excess grease. Once cooled, crumble the bacon into small pieces.

6. 6

   Once the potatoes are done baking, remove them from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes.

7. 7

   Cut a slit lengthwise on the top of each potato and gently squeeze the ends to open them up.

8. 8

   Fluff the inside of the potatoes with a fork and season with salt and black pepper.

9. 9

   Top each potato with shredded cheddar cheese, sour cream, crumbled bacon, and chopped green onions.

10. 10

    Serve immediately and enjoy your Classic Loaded Baked Potato!