**Loaded Baked Potatoes with All the Fixings**

**Loaded Baked Potatoes with All the Fixings** **Introduction:** Loaded Baked Potatoes are the epitome of comfort food. Crispy on the outside and fluffy on the inside, they serve as a perfect canvas for a variety of delicious toppings. In this recipe, we'll show you how to make the ultimate Loaded Baked Potatoes with all the fixings. **Ingredients:** - 4 large russet potatoes - 2 tablespoons olive oil - Salt and pepper to taste - 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese - 1/2 cup cooked and crumbled bacon - 1/2 cup sour cream - 2 tablespoons chopped fresh chives **Instructions:** 1. **Preheat the Oven:** - Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). 2. **Prepare the Potatoes:** - Scrub the potatoes clean and dry them with a paper towel. - Using a fork, poke a few holes in each potato to allow steam to escape during baking. 3. **Season and Bake:** - Rub the potatoes with olive oil, ensuring they are well-coated. - Sprinkle them with salt and pepper. - Place the potatoes directly on the oven rack and bake for about 45-60 minutes or until they are tender when pierced with a fork. 4. **Prepare Toppings:** - While the potatoes are baking, cook the bacon until it's crispy. Crumble it into small pieces. - Shred the cheddar cheese. - Chop fresh chives. - Set out the sour cream. 5. **Slice and Load:** - Once the potatoes are done, remove them from the oven. - Let them cool for a few minutes, so you can handle them without burning yourself. - Slice each potato in half lengthwise. 6. **Fluff and Season:** - Gently fluff the inside of each potato with a fork to create a soft, fluffy interior. - Season with a bit more salt and pepper if desired. 7. **Load 'Em Up:** - Now comes the fun part. Load each potato half with cheddar cheese, bacon bits, a dollop of sour cream, and a sprinkle of fresh chives. 8. **Return to the Oven:** - Place the loaded potato halves back in the oven for another 5 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly. 9. **Serve and Enjoy:** - Remove the loaded potatoes from the oven and serve immediately. **Nutritional Value (Per Serving):** - Calories: 350 - Fat: 18g - Carbohydrates: 34g - Protein: 12g **History:** Loaded Baked Potatoes have been a beloved comfort food for generations. They are believed to have originated in the United States, where potatoes are a staple food. The concept of loading up a baked potato with various toppings became increasingly popular in the 20th century. **Fun Facts:** - In the early 1970s, Loaded Baked Potatoes gained popularity in restaurants, and variations of toppings started appearing on menus. - The world's largest loaded baked potato weighed 8 pounds and was created in Idaho in 2011. It used 6 pounds of butter and sour cream and was topped with 1.5 pounds of cheddar cheese. Loaded Baked Potatoes are a classic dish loved for their crispy skin and creamy interior, along with the endless possibilities for toppings. Whether you enjoy them as a side dish or a hearty meal, they are a true comfort food favorite. Enjoy your Loaded Baked Potatoes with all the fixings!