These are the Best Ever Baked Potatoes — perfectly seasoned and topped with a creamy dressing, shredded cheddar, crisp bacon, and fresh chives.
Summer gatherings often mean potlucks and family meals, and a tray of baked potatoes is always a crowd-pleaser. If you’re planning a get-together, don’t skip them — they’re easy to prepare ahead and loved by kids and adults alike.
In many parts of the country, including Maine where potatoes are a staple crop, potatoes appear at every major family meal — mashed, fried, or baked. In summer, potato salad often joins the line-up, but a plate of well-made baked potatoes is always a welcome addition.
The secret to a perfect baked potato is proper prep. For the best texture and flavor use russet potatoes and bake them in the oven — the microwave won’t give you that crisp, seasoned skin. Rub each potato with olive oil, season generously with salt and pepper, and prick the skin a few times so steam can escape while baking.
While the prep is important, the toppings are what turn a good baked potato into the best ever. A reader named Florence shared her family’s Baked Potato Dressing, and it quickly became a household favorite. Her dressing replaces the usual butter or sour cream and adds a creamy, savory finish that kids and adults request again and again.
Florence wrote: “Tired of butter, yogurt, or sour cream and chives on top of your baked potato? We were. This genius recipe came from my mother years ago. Our children and grandchildren won’t eat a baked potato without it! Even a young child can make it as their contribution to a family dinner.”
We top Florence’s dressing with shredded cheddar, crisp bacon, and chopped chives for a truly loaded potato. Add these to your next meal and you’ll see why they’re a favorite.
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Best Ever Baked Potatoes
Ingredients
Dressing:
- 1/4 cup butter softened
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese finely grated
- 2 tbsp chives chopped
- 1/2 tsp Worcestershire sauce
Potatoes:
- 5 russet potatoes
- olive oil
- salt
- pepper
Toppings
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup bacon cooked and chopped
- 2 tbsp chives chopped
Instructions
Dressing:
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Combine the dressing ingredients in a small bowl, cover, and chill to let the flavors meld. The dressing can be made a few days ahead, though a couple of hours in the fridge will improve the flavor.
Potatoes:
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Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C).
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Wash the potatoes and rub each one with olive oil. Sprinkle generously with salt and pepper, then prick the skins several times with a fork. Place the potatoes directly on the oven rack or on a foil-lined baking sheet and bake for 50 to 60 minutes, turning once or twice. They are done when the skins are crisp and a knife slides in easily.
Toppings:
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When the potatoes are done, slice them open and spoon in the dressing. Finish each potato with shredded cheddar, chopped bacon, and chives. Serve hot.
Nutrition
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