Get ready to transform your dinner game with the ultimate comfort food that will make your taste buds dance and your family beg for seconds! These Pulled Pork Loaded Potatoes are not just a meal - they're a flavor explosion that combines the hearty goodness of perfectly baked potatoes with mouthwatering pulled pork and a cascade of melted cheese. Imagine cutting into a crispy-skinned potato bursting with tender, juicy pulled pork, topped with gooey cheese and fresh green onions - it's like a flavor party in your mouth that you absolutely cannot miss!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 2 hrs
Total Time: 2 hrs 15 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 4 large potatoes
- 2 cups pulled pork
- 1 cup shredded cheese
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/4 cup green onions, chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). This will ensure that the potatoes cook evenly and thoroughly.
- Wash the large potatoes under cold water to remove any dirt. Pat them dry with a clean towel.
- Using a fork, poke several holes in each potato. This allows steam to escape while they bake.
- Rub each potato with a little olive oil, and sprinkle them generously with salt. This will help to create a crispy skin.
- Place the potatoes directly on the oven rack or on a baking sheet. Bake for about 45-60 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender and can be easily pierced with a fork.
- While the potatoes are baking, prepare the pulled pork if it is not already cooked. You can use leftovers or store-bought pulled pork. Warm it up in a saucepan over low heat, stirring occasionally.
- Once the potatoes are done baking, remove them from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes until they are safe to handle.
- Carefully cut a slit down the center of each potato, being cautious not to cut all the way through. Gently squeeze the ends to open them up a bit.
- Using a fork, fluff the insides of the potatoes. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Evenly distribute the warm pulled pork into each potato, filling them generously.
- Sprinkle the shredded cheese over the pulled pork in each potato, allowing it to melt from the heat of the pork.
- Return the loaded potatoes to the oven for an additional 5-10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- While the potatoes are in the oven, prepare the toppings. In a small bowl, mix the sour cream with a pinch of salt and pepper for added flavor.
- Once the cheese is melted, remove the potatoes from the oven. Top each loaded potato with a dollop of sour cream and sprinkle with chopped green onions.
- Serve the pulled pork loaded potatoes hot, and enjoy your delicious American-style meal!
Tips
- Choose large, starchy potatoes like Russet for the best texture and crispy skin.
- Don't skip poking holes in the potatoes - this prevents them from potentially exploding in the oven.
- For extra crispy potato skins, rub them generously with olive oil and coarse salt before baking.
- If you're short on time, you can use pre-cooked pulled pork from the grocery store to speed up preparation.
- Make sure to let the potatoes rest for a few minutes after baking to make them easier to handle.
- For a smoky flavor variation, add a dash of BBQ sauce to your pulled pork.
- Ensure your cheese is freshly shredded for the best melting consistency.
- The secret to perfect loaded potatoes is layering - distribute toppings evenly for maximum flavor in every bite!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 651kcal
Carbohydrates: 66g
Protein: 39g
Fat: 25g
Saturated Fat: 13g
Cholesterol: 125mg
