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Loaded Baked Potato Bar Recipe with Pulled Pork and Bacon

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A comforting and customizable loaded baked potato bar featuring fluffy russet potatoes topped with smoky pulled pork, crispy bacon, melty cheese, and fresh toppings. Perfect for casual gatherings or a no-fuss weeknight meal.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 6 medium russet baking potatoes, scrubbed and dried
  • 2 to 3 cups cooked pulled pork (homemade or store-bought, seasoned)
  • 6 slices thick-cut bacon, cooked crispy and chopped
  • 1½ cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese (or cheddar and Monterey Jack blend)
  • 1 cup sour cream (or Greek yogurt as a tangier alternative)
  • 3–4 stalks green onions, thinly sliced
  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Optional toppings: diced tomatoes, sliced jalapeños, pickled onions, chopped fresh cilantro, barbecue sauce drizzle

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C). Scrub russet potatoes clean and dry them well. Prick each potato a few times with a fork to let steam escape. Rub the skins with a little olive oil and sprinkle with salt. Place directly on the oven rack or on a baking sheet lined with foil. Bake for 45-60 minutes until skins are crisp and insides feel soft when pierced with a fork.
  2. While potatoes bake, cook bacon slices in a skillet over medium heat until crispy (about 8-10 minutes). Drain on paper towels and chop into bite-sized pieces. Alternatively, bake bacon on a foil-lined sheet at 400°F (205°C) for 15-20 minutes.
  3. Heat pulled pork in a skillet over medium heat. Taste and adjust salt or add a splash of barbecue sauce if needed. Warm for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  4. Slice green onions, dice optional toppings like tomatoes or jalapeños, and shred cheese if not pre-shredded. Set out in bowls for serving.
  5. Remove baked potatoes from oven and let cool slightly. Slice lengthwise and gently fluff the inside with a fork, mixing in a tablespoon of softened butter and a pinch of salt and pepper.
  6. Arrange potatoes on serving dishes. Let everyone pile on pulled pork, bacon, cheese, sour cream, green onions, and any extras they prefer.

Notes

Rub potatoes with oil and salt before baking for crispy skins. Warm pulled pork gently to keep it juicy. Baking potatoes yields better texture than microwaving, but microwaving can be used to save time if finished in the oven. Store leftovers separately to avoid soggy potatoes. Reheat potatoes in a 350°F oven for 15 minutes to restore crispness.

Nutrition

Keywords: loaded baked potato, pulled pork, bacon, comfort food, easy dinner, potato bar, crowd-pleaser, customizable toppings

Find it online: https://katedishes.com/loaded-baked-potato-bar-recipe-with-pulled-pork-and-bacon-easy-step-by-step-guide/