BLT Baked Potatoes Recipe – Ultimate Loaded Spud Supper
Creamy scallion butter meets crispy bacon and fresh lettuce under a tangy dressing.
BLT Baked Potatoes Recipe: The Ultimate Loaded Spud Supper
Loaded baked potatoes are a staple comfort food, but sometimes, even the classics need a creative twist. Enter the BLT Baked Potato—a dish that perfectly marries the beloved flavors of a BLT (bacon, lettuce, tomato) with the hearty satisfaction of a russet potato straight from the oven. This recipe from The Pioneer Woman elevates the standard baked potato from ordinary to unforgettable, all while keeping the process simple and the ingredients accessible.
Why This Recipe Works
The secret to a great baked potato isn’t just what goes on top—it’s inside, too! This recipe ensures flavor from skin to core by mixing the warm, fluffy potato flesh with a rich scallion butter, then topping it with crispy bacon, crisp lettuce, and juicy cherry tomatoes. A tangy buttermilk dressing ties everything together for a balanced, craveable bite.
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Russet potatoes | 6 medium |
| Bacon | 8 slices |
| Buttermilk | 1/4 cup |
| Mayonnaise | 1/4 cup |
| Apple cider vinegar | 2 tsp |
| Garlic powder | 1/4 tsp |
| Scallions, chopped | 3 |
| Dijon mustard | 1 Tbsp |
| Black pepper | 1 1/2 tsp |
| Salt | to taste |
| Salted butter, room temp | 1 stick |
| Romaine lettuce heart | 1, shredded |
| Cherry tomatoes | 1 pint, halved |
Step-by-Step Instructions
Prepare the Potatoes
- Preheat your oven to 350°F.
- Poke each potato several times with a fork to allow steam to escape while baking.
- Bake potatoes directly on the oven rack for 50–60 minutes, or until tender when pierced with a fork.
Cook the Bacon
- While the potatoes bake, cook the bacon in a large skillet over medium-high heat, turning occasionally, until crispy.
- Drain bacon on paper towels, then crumble into small pieces.
Make the Dressing
- In a medium bowl, whisk together buttermilk, mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, garlic powder, 1/3 of the chopped scallions, 1 tsp mustard, 1/2 tsp black pepper, and salt to taste.
- Refrigerate the dressing until ready to serve.
Prepare the Scallion Butter
- In a small bowl, mash together softened butter, remaining scallions, 2 tsp mustard, and 1 tsp black pepper until well combined. This compound butter will be mixed into the baked potatoes for extra flavor.
Assemble the BLT Baked Potatoes
- Slice each baked potato open lengthwise, being careful not to cut through the bottom.
- Fluff the insides with a fork, then spoon the scallion butter mixture into each potato, stirring gently to combine with the potato flesh.
- Top each potato with crumbled bacon, shredded romaine lettuce, and halved cherry tomatoes.
- Drizzle with buttermilk dressing and serve immediately.
Tips for Perfect BLT Baked Potatoes
- Choose Russet potatoes for their fluffy texture and sturdy skins.
- Scoop and mix the scallion butter into the potatoes while they’re hot for maximum flavor absorption.
- Crisp the bacon just before serving for best texture.
- Double the dressing if you want extra for dipping.
- Customize your toppings—add avocado, shredded cheddar, or a sprinkle of hot sauce for a personal twist.
Variations and Serving Suggestions
- Make it vegetarian: Substitute plant-based bacon or omit the bacon entirely.
- Add cheese: Sprinkle with sharp cheddar or blue cheese for extra richness.
- Serve as a side: Pair with grilled chicken or a simple salad for a complete meal.
- Meal prep friendly: Bake potatoes and cook bacon ahead, assemble just before serving.
What others are reading
Why This Recipe Stands Out
Many loaded baked potatoes are delicious on top but bland inside. What sets this recipe apart is the scallion butter mixed directly into the hot potato, ensuring a flavorful bite from first to last. The combination of crisp bacon, fresh lettuce, juicy tomatoes, and tangy dressing makes this a truly craveable comfort food for any occasion.
The Joy of Customizing
One of the great things about baked potatoes is their versatility. While this recipe highlights BLT flavors, you can easily experiment with your favorite toppings—cheddar cheese, sour cream, chives, sautéed mushrooms, or even pulled pork. Encourage your family or guests to “build their own” loaded spud for a fun, interactive meal.
Nutritional Information
| Nutrient | Approximate per serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 450–500 |
| Protein | 15g |
| Carbohydrates | 45g |
| Fat | 25g |
| Fiber | 6g |
Note: Nutritional values are estimates and will vary based on ingredient brands and serving sizes.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Can I make these ahead of time?
A: Absolutely! Bake the potatoes and cook the bacon in advance. Assemble with toppings just before serving to keep everything fresh and crisp.
Q: Can I use sweet potatoes instead?
A: Yes, sweet potatoes make a great alternative—just note the flavor profile will be different, pairing well with smoky bacon and tangy dressing.
Q: How do I store leftovers?
A: Store leftover potatoes and toppings separately. Reheat potatoes in the oven and assemble with cold toppings for best results.
Q: What’s the best way to bake potatoes?
A: For the fluffiest result, bake potatoes directly on the oven rack at 350°F (177°C) for about an hour, until tender when pierced with a fork.
Conclusion
The BLT Baked Potato recipe is a game-changer for anyone looking to elevate their spud game. With a flavorful interior, crispy bacon, fresh veggies, and a tangy buttermilk dressing, every bite is a delicious reminder of why baked potatoes are a timeless classic—even when reinvented with a BLT twist. Try it for your next casual dinner or potluck, and watch these loaded potatoes disappear fast.
References
- https://www.thepioneerwoman.com/food-cooking/recipes/a63449753/loaded-baked-potatoes-recipe/
- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9mJTxC0rQhs
- https://www.thepioneerwoman.com/food-cooking/recipes/a32627104/blt-baked-potatoes-recipe/
- https://apple.news/AahPc1XzhQBWO44pK015krw
- https://www.thepioneerwoman.com/food-cooking/meals-menus/g65595186/blt-recipes/
- https://www.thepioneerwoman.com/food-cooking/recipes/g65669183/best-baked-potato-toppings/
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