Ready in: 1 hour · Serves: 4 · Technique: Baking · Storage: Refrigerate leftovers for up to 3 days.Quick Answer
To make Loaded Baked Potatoes with Pulled Pork, bake russet potatoes until tender, then load them with warm pulled pork, cheese, and your favorite toppings.As the chill of November sets in here in New York City, I feel that familiar excitement for the holiday season. The streets are lined with colorful leaves, and every corner shop has begun to showcase the warm hues of autumn. It's this time of year when comfort food takes center stage, and I can't think of a better way to celebrate than with a Loaded Baked Potato with Pulled Pork. This dish is perfect for cozy gatherings, whether you're prepping for a Thanksgiving feast or getting ready for a festive Christmas dinner with family and friends.
A Cozy Holiday Treat
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Perfect for chilly evenings, this Loaded Baked Potato with Pulled Pork offers ultimate comfort and warmth.
- It's a versatile dish that can easily cater to large gatherings, making it ideal for holiday celebrations.
- Simple to prepare, you can use leftover pulled pork, reducing food waste while creating a delicious meal.
- Loaded with rich flavors from sharp cheddar, tangy sour cream, and savory pulled pork, every bite is a taste sensation.
- An opportunity to customize with your favorite toppings, allowing for endless variations and creativity.
Ingredients
To create this heartwarming dish, you'll need the following ingredients, which are readily available at your local grocery stores in New York:
Potatoes
- 4 large russet potatoes: Try to select those with a nice, even shape for consistent cooking.
Pulled Pork
- 2 cups pulled pork: I love using leftover pulled pork, simmered slowly in a tangy barbecue sauce.
Toppings
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese: Opt for sharp cheddar to elevate the flavor.
- ½ cup sour cream: Full fat adds the best creaminess.
- ¼ cup green onions: Chopped finely for a fresh touch.
- Salt and pepper: To taste.
- Butter: For that luscious richness.
How to Make Loaded Baked Potato with Pulled Pork (Step-by-Step)
Here's how you can prepare this delicious dish, perfect for cozy gatherings.
Step 1: Preheat Your Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 425°F. I find that a hot oven gives the potatoes a crisp skin, which is exactly what we want.
Step 2: Prepare the Potatoes
Scrub the russet potatoes under running water, removing any dirt or impurities. Pat them dry, then pierce each potato several times with a fork. This step ensures that steam can escape while baking, preventing any unexpected potato explosions!
Step 3: Bake the Potatoes
Place the potatoes directly on the oven rack or on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake for about 45-60 minutes, or until the skins are crispy and a knife can be easily inserted. The aroma of baking potatoes fills the kitchen and is simply irresistible.
Step 4: Prepare the Pulled Pork
If you're using leftover pulled pork, this is a great time to warm it up. Simply place it in a small saucepan over medium heat with a splash of water or additional barbecue sauce to keep it moist.
Step 5: Assemble the Loaded Potatoes
Once the potatoes are tender, carefully remove them from the oven and let them cool slightly. Then, make a lengthwise slit in each potato, and gently pinch the ends to open them up. Start by adding a generous pat of butter, followed by a heaping spoonful of pulled pork, shredded cheddar cheese, a dollop of sour cream, and a sprinkle of green onions.
Step 6: Final Touch
Return the loaded potatoes back to the oven for an additional 5-10 minutes, just until the cheese melts into gooey perfection and everything is heated through.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Skipping the fork pricks - Don't forget to pierce the potatoes; otherwise, you risk steam buildup leading to a messy explosion in the oven.
- Using cold ingredients - Ensure that your pulled pork and other toppings are warmed slightly before adding them to the potatoes; this keeps everything at a pleasant eating temperature.
- Overbaking the potatoes - Keep a close eye on your baking time. Potatoes can easily go from perfectly tender to dry and crumbly if left in the oven too long.
Tips and Tricks for Success
- Experiment with your loaded toppings! Consider adding crispy bacon bits, diced tomatoes, or jalapeños for an extra kick.
- If you're preparing these for a crowd, bake the potatoes ahead of time, and keep them warm in an oven set to low until it's time to serve.
- For a creamy twist, mix some garlic powder into the sour cream or use a flavored cream cheese spread instead.
Variations
- Use sweet potatoes instead of russet for a different flavor profile.
- Swap pulled pork for pulled chicken or beef for a new twist.
- Try different cheese varieties like pepper jack or gouda for added flavor.
- Top with a spicy barbecue sauce instead of traditional sauce for an extra kick.
How to Serve
- Serve with a side salad for a complete meal.
- Pair with your favorite dipping sauces such as ranch or blue cheese.
- Garnish with additional green onions or parsley for a fresh look.
- Offer a variety of toppings on the side for guests to customize their potatoes.
Make Ahead and Storage
- Make Ahead: Bake potatoes in advance and store in the refrigerator.
- Storage: Store any leftover loaded baked potatoes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: Reheat in the microwave or in the oven until warmed through.
- Freezing: Not recommended as the texture may change.
Recipe Notes / What I Learned
Through my testing, I discovered that the key to truly outstanding loaded potatoes is in the quality of each component. Fresh, flavorful ingredients not only enhance the final dish but also create a comforting experience reminiscent of family gatherings. The process of creating these loaded potatoes brought me back to memories of cozy winter evenings spent with loved ones-something I cherish deeply during this holiday season.
Yield and Serving Size
Yield: 4 large potatoes · Serving Size: 1 loaded potato
Nutrition Snapshot
Estimated Nutrition Per Serving: ~550 calories · 25g protein · 60g carbs · 25g fat
Recipe by:
Comforting Loaded Baked Potatoes with Pulled Pork
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat your oven to 425°F.
- Scrub the russet potatoes under running water, pat them dry, then pierce each potato several times with a fork.
- Place the potatoes directly on the oven rack or a baking sheet and bake for about 45-60 minutes, until tender.
- Warm the pulled pork in a saucepan over medium heat.
- Once the potatoes are done, make a slit in each and add butter, then top with pulled pork, cheese, sour cream, and green onions.
- Return loaded potatoes to the oven for an additional 5-10 minutes to melt the cheese.
Notes
FAQs
1. Can I make loaded baked potatoes in advance?
Yes! You can bake the potatoes ahead of time and keep them warm in an oven set to low until you're ready to add the toppings and serve.
2. What type of cheese is best for this recipe?
Sharp cheddar cheese is recommended because it elevates the flavor of the dish and complements the pulled pork well.
3. How do I store leftovers?
Store any leftover loaded baked potatoes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat them in the microwave or oven when ready to eat.
4. Can I use a different type of meat instead of pulled pork?
Absolutely! You can substitute pulled pork with cooked chicken, beef, or even vegetarian options like black beans or sautéed mushrooms for a delicious twist.
5. What can I add on top of my loaded potatoes?
You can get creative with toppings! Consider adding crispy bacon bits, diced tomatoes, jalapeños, or even a drizzle of ranch dressing for extra flavor.
