Loaded Baked Potato Skillet Recipe

If you love the comforting, hearty flavors of a classic baked potato but want to skip the oven and get dinner on the table faster, this Loaded Baked Potato Skillet is going to become your new best friend. Imagine crispy, golden potato cubes cooked right in a single pan, loaded up with melted sharp cheddar cheese, savory bacon, fresh green onions, and finished with a creamy dollop of sour cream. It’s everything you adore about a loaded baked potato, but in a deliciously easy skillet meal that gets dinner ready in under 40 minutes. Whether you’re cooking for family, friends, or just treating yourself, this recipe brings that perfect balance of texture, flavor, and comfort in every bite.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering a handful of simple, essential ingredients is all you need to make this spectacular skillet meal. Each component plays an important role in bringing texture, flavor, and color to life, making it a truly satisfying dish.

• Potatoes (cubed): Choose starchy or all-purpose potatoes for the best crispy edges and creamy insides.
• Olive oil: This helps create that beautiful golden crust on your potatoes while adding a subtle fruity taste.
• Salt and pepper: Basic but essential seasonings to enhance every single bite.
• Cheddar cheese: Sharp and melty, it adds rich creaminess and a wonderful depth of flavor.
• Cooked beef bacon or turkey bacon: Offers a smoky crunch that perfectly complements the potatoes.
• Green onions: Fresh and zesty, they bring a pop of color and lightness to the dish.
• Sour cream: A cool, tangy finish that makes every bite feel indulgent.

How to Make Loaded Baked Potato Skillet

Step 1: Prep and Toss the Potatoes

Start by washing, peeling (if you like), and dicing your potatoes into bite-sized cubes. Toss them in a generous drizzle of olive oil with salt and freshly cracked black pepper. This simple step is crucial to ensuring every potato cube is perfectly seasoned and primed for crispiness.

Step 2: Cook the Potatoes Until Golden

Heat a large skillet over medium heat and add the potatoes. Let them cook undisturbed for a few minutes to develop a golden, crispy crust. Then, stir occasionally to brown all sides evenly and cook until the potatoes are tender all the way through—this usually takes around 15 to 20 minutes. Patience here is key to achieving that incredible texture.

Step 3: Add Cheese and Bacon

Once your potatoes are tender and crisp, sprinkle a hefty layer of shredded sharp cheddar over the skillet. Scatter the cooked bacon pieces on top, then cover the pan briefly to allow the cheese to melt into gooey perfection. This step transforms the skillet into the ultimate loaded baked potato experience.

Step 4: Finish with Fresh Toppings

Remove the lid and top your cheesy, crispy potatoes with freshly sliced green onions. Just before serving, dollop generous spoonfuls of cool sour cream over the skillet. The contrast between warm and creamy makes the dish irresistible and truly loaded with flavor.

How to Serve Loaded Baked Potato Skillet

Garnishes

Adding garnishes like extra green onions, a sprinkle of paprika, or even some chopped fresh parsley can brighten the skillet and bring some fresh, vibrant notes to balance the richness. Don’t be shy about adding additional dollops of sour cream or a drizzle of hot sauce for a bit of a kick.

Side Dishes

While the Loaded Baked Potato Skillet is hearty enough to stand on its own, pairing it with a crisp green salad or steamed vegetables can add a refreshing contrast. For a low-effort dinner, simple roasted carrots or a tangy coleslaw work beautifully to round out the meal.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, serve the skillet straight from the pan at the table to preserve warmth and encourage family-style sharing. You can also portion it into individual ramekins for personal servings at a casual dinner party. Adding a sprinkle of crumbled blue cheese or a touch of smoked paprika can personalize the dish and wow your guests.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Loaded Baked Potato Skillet can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The potatoes may lose some crispness but will still retain delicious flavor. It’s perfect for a quick lunch or a comforting next-day dinner.

Freezing

This skillet dish freezes well when packed tightly in a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 2 months. Just be mindful that potatoes’ texture may soften slightly upon thawing, but reheating will help restore some of the crispiness.

Reheating

To reheat, warm leftovers gently in a skillet over medium-low heat with a lid to melt any cheese and bring back some crunch. Alternatively, microwave on medium power in short bursts while stirring, then finish with a quick skillet sear to regain texture.

FAQs

Can I use sweet potatoes instead of regular potatoes?

Absolutely! Sweet potatoes bring a lovely natural sweetness and a different texture to the dish. Just adjust cooking time slightly, as they tend to soften faster than regular potatoes.

Is turkey bacon a good substitute?

Yes, turkey bacon adds a lighter, leaner flavor while still contributing that essential smoky crunch. It’s a great option if you prefer a healthier or lower-fat version.

Can I add other vegetables?

Definitely. Ingredients like sautéed mushrooms, diced onions, or bell peppers can add extra flavor and nutrition. Just add them in during the potato cooking step to ensure they soften properly.

What cheese works best besides cheddar?

Sharp cheddar is classic, but you can also try Monterey Jack, mozzarella for a gooey stretch, or even a smoky gouda for a deeper flavor profile. Feel free to mix cheeses for extra complexity.

How do I make this dish vegetarian?

Simply omit the bacon and consider adding smoked paprika or a splash of liquid smoke to keep that smoky flavor. You can also include sautéed mushrooms or vegetarian bacon substitutes to maintain texture and savoriness.

Final Thoughts

There is something truly special about the Loaded Baked Potato Skillet that makes it feel like a warm hug on a plate. With its crispy potatoes, melty cheese, and flavorful toppings, it brings hours of comfort in just 40 minutes from start to finish. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family or craving a cozy solo dinner, this dish is worth adding to your rotation. I can’t wait for you to try it and savor every delicious bite!