Alvarado Loaded Baked Potatoes
A hearty twist on classic potatoes with melted cheese, crispy bacon, and smoky crema for a comforting side dish. This american-inspired quick meals ready in about 60 minutes pairs large, washed and halved potatoes, softened butter, shredded cheddar cheese for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 320 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 4 large, washed and halved potatoes
- 2 tbsp, softened butter
- 1 cup, shredded cheddar cheese
- 8 oz, cooked and crumbled bacon
- 2 tbsp crema
- 1/4 cup, chopped chives
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C). Place potato halves cut-side up on a baking sheet.
- Step 2: Drizzle with butter and season with salt and pepper. Bake for 25-30 minutes until tender and golden.
- Step 3: Top each potato with 1/4 cup cheese, 2 tbsp crema, and 1/4 cup bacon. Broil for 2-3 minutes until cheese is bubbly and edges are crispy.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Alvarado Loaded Baked Potatoes take to make?
Total time is about 60 minutes (20 min prep + 40 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.
How do I store leftover Alvarado Loaded Baked Potatoes?
Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep softened butter from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Alvarado Loaded Baked Potatoes?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale Alvarado Loaded Baked Potatoes for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
What goes well with Alvarado Loaded Baked Potatoes?
American quick meals like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.
What others are saying
- ★★★★★
Made exactly as written. Wouldn't change a thing.
- ★★★★★
Kids gobbled it up without complaints — that's a 5-star in my book.
- ★★★★★
Substituted chicken for tofu and it worked beautifully.
