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Crispy Loaded Baked Potato Skillet

crispy loaded baked potato skillet - featured image

A quick and easy skillet recipe that delivers the cozy, loaded baked potato flavor with crispy edges, melty cheese, and savory bacon—all ready in just 22 minutes.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 medium russet potatoes, diced into ½-inch cubes
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil (or avocado oil)
  • 4 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled (or turkey bacon)
  • 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
  • ½ cup sour cream
  • 3 stalks green onions, thinly sliced
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Optional toppings: chopped fresh chives, crumbled cooked sausage, smoked paprika

Instructions

  1. Wash and peel the russet potatoes (or scrub well if leaving skin on). Dice into roughly ½-inch cubes.
  2. Cook bacon in a large skillet over medium heat until crispy, about 6-8 minutes. Remove bacon and drain on paper towels, leaving about 1 tablespoon of bacon fat in the pan.
  3. Add 2 tablespoons olive oil (or use bacon fat) to the skillet and heat over medium-high until shimmering but not smoking.
  4. Place diced potatoes in a single layer in the skillet. Cook undisturbed for 5-6 minutes to develop a golden crust on the bottom.
  5. Sprinkle garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper over the potatoes. Flip and stir every few minutes for about 10 minutes until potatoes are fork-tender and golden brown.
  6. Lower heat to medium-low. Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the potatoes, then crumble bacon on top. Cover skillet with a lid or foil for 2-3 minutes to melt the cheese.
  7. Remove lid, dollop sour cream over the skillet, and scatter sliced green onions. Gently mix or leave layered for presentation.
  8. Serve immediately while hot with crispy edges intact. Optionally add hot sauce or smoked paprika for extra heat.

Notes

Do not overcrowd the pan to ensure potatoes crisp properly. Use medium-high heat and let potatoes cook undisturbed to develop a golden crust. Parboiling potatoes for 5 minutes before crisping can reduce cooking time but adds a step. Cheese should be added near the end to melt without burning. For vegetarian or dairy-free versions, substitute bacon with sautéed mushrooms and cheddar/sour cream with vegan alternatives.

Nutrition

Keywords: crispy potatoes, loaded baked potato, skillet recipe, quick dinner, comfort food, bacon, cheddar cheese, easy recipe