Name: Bloomin’ Baked Potato Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 50 min
Total time: 1 h 5 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 4 large russet potatoes (8 to 10 oz. each); 1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil; Kosher salt, to taste; 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese; Sour cream, for serving; Sliced chives, for serving; Bacon bits, for serving

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Introduction

Bloomin’ Baked Potatoes are a fun and delicious twist on a classic side dish. Crispy on the outside and tender inside, these potatoes are sliced to create a blooming effect, topped with melted cheddar, and served with your favorite toppings for a flavorful experience.

The image shows several crispy waffle fries that have a golden-brown color and a texture with a grid pattern on each fry. Each fry is topped with melted orange cheddar cheese that drips slightly down the sides. On top of the cheese, there is a dollop of smooth white sour cream in the center of each fry. Small red bacon bits and finely chopped green chives are sprinkled over the sour cream and cheese, adding bright pops of color. The fries are laid out on a white marbled surface, with some cheddar cheese and herb pieces scattered around for a natural look. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

4 large russet potatoes (8 to 10 oz. each)
1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
Kosher salt
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
Sour cream, sliced chives, and bacon bits, for serving

Instructions

Step 1: Arrange a rack in the center of your oven and preheat it to 425°F. Scrub the potatoes clean and dry them thoroughly. Cut off about 1/4 inch from one long side of each potato to keep them stable on the cutting board.
Step 2: Place a potato cut side down between two chopsticks on your cutting board. Make 1/4-inch slices vertically, being careful not to cut all the way through—the chopsticks will act as a guide. Then rotate the potato 90 degrees and make perpendicular 1/4-inch slices to create a grid pattern. Repeat with all potatoes.
Step 3: Arrange the sliced potatoes on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Lightly brush them with olive oil and sprinkle with kosher salt.
Step 4: Bake the potatoes for 40 to 50 minutes, or until the inside is tender and the outside is crisp.
Step 5: Turn on the broiler to High. Sprinkle the baked potatoes generously with shredded cheddar cheese.
Step 6: Broil the potatoes for 30 to 60 seconds, watching closely to melt the cheese without burning it.
Step 7: Divide the bloomin’ baked potatoes among plates and serve with sour cream, sliced chives, and bacon bits as desired.

Tips & Variations

Use chopsticks or wooden spoons as a safe guide to avoid cutting all the way through the potatoes.
Try adding other cheeses like Monterey Jack or pepper jack for a different flavor profile.
For an extra crispy texture, sprinkle a little smoked paprika or garlic powder on the potatoes before baking.

Storage

Store any leftover bloomin’ baked potatoes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat them in the oven at 350°F for about 10-15 minutes to help crisp them up again and melt the cheese.

How to Serve

The image shows several roasted potatoes with skin on, each cut in a criss-cross pattern forming small square cubes across their top surfaces. The potatoes have a golden-brown crispy texture on the outside while the inside looks soft and creamy. Melted cheddar cheese is drizzled over the top, adding a rich orange hue and a gooey, slightly stringy texture. The potatoes are placed scattered on a white marbled surface, highlighting their warm colors and textures. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I prepare these potatoes ahead of time?

You can slice the potatoes ahead and keep them submerged in water to prevent browning for a few hours, but it’s best to bake them fresh for the best texture and flavor.

What can I use if I don’t have chopsticks?

Any similar-sized wooden utensils like small wooden spoons or skewers work well as a guide to prevent cutting through the potatoes completely.