Since childhood, I have always been a fan of baked potatoes. There’s something about that crispy skin and fluffy inside that I cannot resist. But it’s been long since I have had that home-style baked potatoes, especially my mother’s recipe. So, recently, I gathered all my cooking skills to create my mother’s special, the ‘Bloomin’ Baked Potato Recipe.
Bloomin Baked Potato Recipe
Servings
4
servingsPrep time
30
minutesCooking time
40
minutesCalories
300
kcalIngredients
1 large russet potato (per serving)
2 tablespoons olive oil
Salt and pepper to taste
¼ teaspoon garlic powder and paprika (optional, but they enhance the taste)
¼ cup shredded cheddar cheese
2 tablespoons sour cream
2 strips crispy bacon, crumbled
1 tablespoon butter, melted
How to Make Bloomin Baked Potato?
- Choosing the Right Potato: The first and most important step to make a delicious Bloomin Baked Potato is choosing the right potato. I use large russet potatoes since they are big, starchy and can hold all the delicious topping.
Wash your potatoes nicely under running water. I like to keep the skin to give that extra crunch to the final dish. - Prepping the Potato: You can’t go wrong with this step. Place the potato (upright) on a cutting board. Now, using a sharp knife, make several vertical cuts around the potato. Do not cut all the way through, but leave about half an inch at the bottom so the potato holds together. I would recommend making 6-8 cuts depending on the size of the potato.
Further, rotate the potato and make additional cuts, creating a crisscross pattern.
Once done, drizzle some olive oil nicely over the cuts, ensuring it goes deep within. At this moment, you can also sprinkle some salt and pepper along with some garlic powder or paprika for that spicy, herby kick. - Baking to Perfection: Now it’s time to bake. Preheat your oven to 425°F. Take a baking sheet and line it with parchment paper or foil so that it is easier to clean later. Place the potato and bake for about 50 minutes or an hour. The goal is to get the potato nice and crispy on the outside while keeping the inside tender and fluffy. Make sure you check on in-between and drizzle some more olive oil.
- The Toppings: Once your baked potato is crisp and cooked, bring it out. Here, the fun begins- load the potato with toppings like sour cream, shredded cheddar cheese, and crispy bacon bits. You can even add pickled olives, jalapenos, or toppings of your choice. Adding some freshly chopped herbs and a little melted butter will also add to the taste.
When adding toppings, make sure the potato is steaming hot so that the cheese melts in without a second round of baking.
Bloomin Baked Potato makes an exciting side dish or even a full meal on its own. Enjoy it with a glass of wine, or pair it with a salad or some grilled veggies. To make it more healthy, you can cut down on cheese and oil and add more thoughtful toppings.
