Baked Loaded Breakfast Potatoes: 5 Simple, Delicious Steps

Introducing the Ultimate Comfort Food
Why You’ll Love These Breakfast Potatoes
What You’ll Need: Ingredients
How To Make Baked Loaded Breakfast Potatoes
Tips for the Best Results
Serving Ideas
Frequently Asked Questions

There is nothing quite like a hearty, satisfying breakfast to kickstart your day, and these Baked Loaded Breakfast Potatoes are the absolute pinnacle of morning comfort food. Imagine perfectly crispy, seasoned potato wedges, baked until golden, then smothered in melted cheddar cheese, savory bacon, and fresh chives. This easy recipe turns a simple side dish into the star of your brunch table. Forget boring hash browns; this is the ultimate upgrade!

This dish is incredibly versatile and surprisingly simple to prepare. Whether you’re hosting a weekend brunch or just treating yourself to a special meal, these loaded potatoes deliver on every level. They are a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that will have everyone asking for the recipe. See others recipes here .

1. Why You’ll Love These Baked Loaded Breakfast Potatoes

What’s not to love? This recipe combines all the best parts of a classic breakfast into one incredible dish. The potatoes are crispy on the outside and wonderfully fluffy on the inside, providing the perfect base for all the delicious toppings.

Incredibly Flavorful: Every bite is a perfect combination of salty bacon, sharp cheddar, and fresh herbs.
Easy to Make: With just a few simple steps, you can create a restaurant-quality dish right in your own kitchen.
Perfect for Sharing: This recipe is ideal for family breakfasts, holiday brunches, or lazy Sunday mornings.
Customizable: Feel free to get creative with your toppings! Add a dollop of sour cream, some spicy jalapeños, or even a fried egg on top.

2. What You’ll Need: Ingredients for Baked Loaded Breakfast Potatoes

The beauty of this recipe lies in its simple, accessible ingredients. You probably have most of these on hand already! For the best results, use good quality potatoes and freshly grated cheese.

4 large Russet potatoes, scrubbed and cut into 1-inch cubes
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
6 slices of bacon, cooked until crispy and crumbled
2 tablespoons fresh chives, chopped
Optional: sour cream or Greek yogurt for serving

3. How To Make Baked Loaded Breakfast Potatoes: Step-by-Step Instructions

Making these breakfast potatoes is a breeze. We’ll bake them twice: once to get them crispy, and a second time to melt that glorious cheese. For a quick overview, here are the main stages:

Prepare and season the potatoes.
Bake the potatoes until golden and crispy.
Add the bacon and cheese toppings.
Bake again until the cheese is bubbly and melted.
Garnish with chives and serve immediately.

Step 1: Preparing the Potatoes

First things first, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). While the oven is heating, scrub your potatoes thoroughly and pat them dry. Cut them into uniform 1-inch cubes to ensure they cook evenly. In a large bowl, toss the potato cubes with olive oil, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper until they are completely coated. This step is key for building that foundational flavor.

Step 2: Baking the Potatoes to Perfection

Spread the seasoned potatoes in a single layer on a large, rimmed baking sheet. Giving them space is crucial for achieving that desirable crispy exterior. If they are too crowded, they will steam instead of roast. Bake for 20-25 minutes, then flip them over and bake for another 15-20 minutes, or until they are golden brown and fork-tender.

Step 3: Loading Up the Goodness

Now for the fun part! Remove the baking sheet from the oven. Sprinkle the crispy bacon crumbles evenly over the potatoes. Follow that with a generous blanket of shredded cheddar cheese, making sure to cover as many potatoes as possible. This is what makes them true Baked Loaded Breakfast Potatoes!

Step 4: Baking Again for Melty Cheese

Return the baking sheet to the oven and bake for an additional 5-7 minutes. You’re just looking for the cheese to become completely melted, bubbly, and slightly golden. Keep a close eye on it to prevent it from burning. The aroma filling your kitchen at this point will be absolutely irresistible!

Step 5: Garnishing and Serving

Carefully remove the potatoes from the oven one last time. Sprinkle the fresh, chopped chives over the top for a pop of color and a fresh, oniony bite. For an extra touch of decadence, serve them hot with a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt on the side. Enjoy immediately!

4. Tips for the Best Ever Baked Loaded Breakfast Potatoes

Want to elevate your potato game even further? Here are a few pro tips to ensure your breakfast potatoes are absolutely perfect every time.

Choose the Right Potato: Russet potatoes are ideal for this recipe because their high starch content results in a fluffy interior and crispy skin. For more on this, check out this great guide to different potato varieties.
Don’t Crowd the Pan: As mentioned before, giving your potatoes space on the baking sheet is the secret to maximum crispiness. Use two sheets if necessary.
Grate Your Own Cheese: Pre-shredded cheese often contains anti-caking agents that prevent it from melting as smoothly. Grating a block of sharp cheddar yourself makes a huge difference.

5. Serving Ideas: What to Serve with Your Potatoes

While these loaded potatoes can certainly be a meal on their own, they also play very well with others! They make a fantastic side dish for a larger brunch spread.

Consider serving them alongside scrambled or fried eggs, sliced avocado, or a fresh fruit salad to round out the meal. They are the perfect complement to savory dishes like quiche or breakfast sausage. No matter how you serve them, they are sure to be a hit.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make these Baked Loaded Breakfast Potatoes ahead of time?

Yes, absolutely! You can do the first bake of the potatoes (steps 1 and 2) a day ahead. Let them cool completely, then store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. When you’re ready to serve, simply spread them on the baking sheet, add the toppings, and do the second bake until the cheese is melted and the potatoes are heated through.

What other toppings can I use?

This recipe is incredibly versatile! Feel free to customize it with your favorite toppings. Some great alternatives include cooked sausage, diced ham, sautéed bell peppers and onions, jalapeños for a spicy kick, or even a different type of cheese like Monterey Jack or a Mexican blend. You could also finish it with a drizzle of hot sauce or a dollop of guacamole.

How do I store and reheat leftovers?

Store any leftover potatoes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For the best results when reheating, avoid the microwave as it can make the potatoes soggy. Instead, spread them on a baking sheet and reheat in an oven or air fryer at 375°F (190°C) for 10-15 minutes, or until they are hot and have regained their crispiness.