Get ready to transform your ordinary potato side dish into a mouthwatering masterpiece that will have everyone at the table begging for seconds! These sliced baked potatoes are not just a recipe – they're a culinary experience that combines crispy potato edges, melted cheese, and irresistible bacon in one show-stopping dish. Perfect for family dinners, game day gatherings, or when you want to elevate your comfort food game, this recipe promises to be your new go-to crowd-pleaser that looks like it came straight from a gourmet kitchen.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 50 mins
Total Time: 1 hrs
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 4 large potatoes
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup cooked bacon, crumbled
- 1/4 cup sour cream
- 2 tablespoons chives, chopped
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 425°F (218°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it with cooking spray.
- Wash the potatoes thoroughly under cold running water. Pat them dry with a clean kitchen towel.
- Using a sharp knife, carefully slice each potato into thin, even slices about 1/4 inch thick, being careful not to cut all the way through. Keep the potato intact at the bottom so the slices remain connected.
- Place the sliced potatoes on the prepared baking sheet. Gently fan out the slices slightly to create space between them.
- Brush the potatoes generously with olive oil, ensuring oil gets between the slices. Sprinkle salt and freshly ground black pepper over the entire potato.
- Bake the potatoes in the preheated oven for 40 minutes, or until the edges start to become crispy and golden brown.
- Remove the potatoes from the oven and sprinkle crumbled bacon between the potato slices and on top.
- Top the potatoes with shredded cheddar cheese, ensuring cheese falls between the slices and covers the top.
- Return to the oven and bake for an additional 5-10 minutes, until the cheese is fully melted and slightly bubbling.
- Remove from the oven and let rest for 2-3 minutes. Garnish with chopped chives and a dollop of sour cream on the side.
- Serve hot, directly from the baking sheet, allowing each person to enjoy the crispy, cheesy, bacon-topped potatoes.
Tips
- Choose the right potatoes: Use large, starchy potatoes like Russet or Idaho for the best crispy texture and easier slicing.
- Slicing technique: Use a sharp knife and place chopsticks on either side of the potato to prevent cutting all the way through. This helps maintain the potato's structure while creating perfect, even slices.
- Oil is key: Be generous with olive oil, making sure it gets between each slice. This ensures maximum crispiness and prevents the potato from drying out.
- Cheese melting trick: For perfectly melted cheese, remove the potatoes from the oven when the cheese is just starting to bubble – this prevents overcooking and keeps the cheese smooth and creamy.
- Bacon preparation: Use pre-cooked bacon or cook bacon until crisp before crumbling to ensure it's extra crunchy when added to the potatoes.
- Serving suggestion: Serve immediately after cooking to enjoy the potatoes at their crispiest and cheesiest best. The contrast between the crisp edges and soft potato interior is what makes this dish truly special.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 381kcal
Carbohydrates: 39g
Protein: 18g
Fat: 19g
Saturated Fat: 10g
Cholesterol: 60mg
