Craving the perfect loaded baked potato? Try my recipe for Cheddar’s Scratch Kitchen Baked Potato Recipe. They really know how to make this classic side dish shine with buttery, fluffy potatoes piled high with melty cheese, sour cream, and crispy bacon bits. This recipe captures that comforting, homemade flavor so you can enjoy a restaurant-quality baked potato anytime at home!
Cheddar’s Scratch Kitchen Baked Potato is the ultimate comfort food side dish—simple, hearty, and packed with flavor. It starts with a perfectly baked potato that’s crisp on the outside and fluffy on the inside, then loaded with melty cheddar cheese, a generous dollop of sour cream, crispy bacon bits, and a sprinkle of chives.
Whether served alongside steak, chicken, or as a satisfying standalone bite, this copycat version brings all the creamy, savory goodness of the restaurant favorite right to your table.
Why You Will Love This Recipe!
- Restaurant-Quality at Home – Get that Cheddar’s Scratch Kitchen flavor without leaving your kitchen.
- Perfectly Fluffy Inside – Each potato is tender and fluffy, just like your favorite steakhouse side.
- Crispy, Golden Skin – Roasted to perfection with a deliciously crisp outer layer.
- Loaded with Flavor – Butter, sour cream, cheddar cheese, and bacon bring big comfort in every bite.
- Customizable for the Whole Family – Add your favorite toppings to make it just the way you like.
Ingredients Needed For Cheddar’s Scratch Kitchen Baked Potato
- Russet potatoes: The perfect choice for baked potatoes, they are starchy potatoes, with fluffy baked interiors, perfect for air frying.
- Olive oil: Helps crisp up the potato skin.
- Kosher Salt and Black Pepper: Both enhance the flavor of the potatoes.
- Shredded cheddar cheese: Adds a rich and gooey element.
- Sour cream: Adds creaminess and tanginess to balance the flavors.
- Chopped fresh chives: Provides a fresh and aromatic touch.
- Cooked bacon, crumbled: Adds a savory and crispy texture. You can also use bacon bits!
How To Make Cheddar’s Scratch Kitchen Baked Potato Recipe
Step One: Wash and scrub the russet potatoes to remove dirt. Pat them dry with a paper towel. Rub each potato with olive oil to help the skins crisp up during air frying. Sprinkle each potato with salt and pepper, ensuring even coverage.
Step Two: Preheat your air fryer to 400 degrees F (200°C) for 2-3 minutes. Place the seasoned potatoes in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Set cook time for 30-40 minutes, turning the potatoes halfway through, until the skins are crispy and the insides are tender.
Step Three: Once the potatoes are cooked, use a knife to make a cross-shaped slit on the top of each potato. Gently push in the ends to create an opening, then use a fork to fluff the insides. Stuff each potato with lots of cheese, crumbled bacon, and diced tomatoes (if using). Add sour cream and sprinkle chopped chives.
Cheddar’s Scratch Kitchen Baked Potato Recipe Tips
- Choose the Right Potatoes: Use large russet potatoes with smooth skin.
- Prep the Skin: Scrub the potatoes well to remove dirt, but leave the skin on.
- Oil Application: Rub the potatoes with a thin layer of olive oil.
- Seasoning Balance: Be mindful of the salt. You can always add more later, but fixing an overly salty potato is hard. Some great options are coarse salt, garlic powder, onion powder, and garlic powder.
- Preheat the Air Fryer: Always preheat the air fryer before adding the potatoes.
- Flip Halfway Through: Turn the potatoes halfway to ensure even crispiness.
- Test for Doneness: Use a fork to check if the potatoes are tender on the inside. If the fork goes in easily, they’re done.
- Cheese Placement: If you want the cheese to melt perfectly, place it inside the sliced potato while it’s hot.
- Customize Toppings: Feel free to get creative with toppings. Add sautéed vegetables, cheeses, or chili for a unique twist.
- Bacon Crumbles: Crumble the bacon after it’s cooked and cooled slightly. This gives you the perfect crunchy texture.
Storing & Reheating Cheddar’s Scratch Kitchen Baked Potato Recipe
Store leftover baked potatoes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm them in the air fryer or oven at 350°F for 10–12 minutes until heated through and crispy again.
What To Serve With Cheddar’s Scratch Kitchen Baked Potato Recipe
Cheddar’s Scratch Kitchen Baked Potato pairs perfectly with a variety of hearty mains and fresh sides. Serve it alongside grilled steak, roasted chicken, or BBQ ribs for a filling dinner, or keep it simple with a crisp garden salad or steamed veggies for a lighter meal. It’s also a great addition to a comfort food spread with meatloaf, mac and cheese, or a bowl of warm soup.
Cheddar’s Scratch Kitchen Baked Potato Recipe Faqs
What kind of potatoes should I use? Russet potatoes are the best choice for their fluffy interior and sturdy skin that crisps up nicely.
Can I make these ahead of time? Yes! You can bake the potatoes ahead and reheat them in the oven or air fryer before serving.
Do I have to use bacon? Nope! You can skip it for a vegetarian version or substitute with turkey bacon or plant-based crumbles.
How do I get the skin crispy? Rubbing the potatoes with olive oil and salt before baking helps achieve that perfect crispy skin.
Can I cook them in the oven instead of the air fryer? Yes! Bake at 400°F for 35–40 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the potatoes are tender and the skins are crisp.
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Cheddar’s Scratch Kitchen Baked Potato Recipe
Description
Ingredients
- 4 large russet potatoes
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon Kosher Salt, or Sea Salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/4 cup fresh chives, chopped
- 4 strips bacon, cooked and crumbled
- 1/4 cup tomatoes, diced
Instructions
- Prepare the Potatoes: Wash and scrub the russet potatoes to remove any dirt. Pat them dry with a paper towel.
- Coat with Oil: Rub each potato with a bit of olive oil to help the skins crisp up during air frying.
- Season: Sprinkle each potato with salt and pepper, ensuring even coverage.
- Preheat the Air Fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for a few minutes.
- Air Fry the Potatoes: Place the seasoned potatoes in the air fryer basket. Cook for about 30-40 minutes, turning the potatoes halfway through, until the skins are crispy and the insides are tender.
- Slice and Fluff: Once the potatoes are cooked, use a knife to make a cross-shaped slit on the top of each potato. Gently push in the ends to create an opening, then use a fork to fluff the insides.
- Add Toppings: Stuff each potato with shredded cheddar cheese, crumbled bacon, and diced tomatoes (if using).
- Final Touches: Dollop each potato with sour cream and sprinkle chopped chives over the top.
- Serve: These loaded baked potatoes are best served immediately, while everything is warm and gooey.
Equipment
- Cooking Spray
- Parchment Paper, optional
Notes
Nutrition
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