From Bacon To Broccoli: 7 Delicious Baked Potato Fillings

By: VidJovanovic
Date: December 2, 2022
Time to read: 5 min.

In my experience, baked potatoes are the most versatile side dish. They’re a blank canvas upon which you can paint any flavor, from savory to sweet.

I’ve seen people fill their potatoes with everything from bacon to broccoli (and everything in between), so let’s dive into some of the best-baked potato fillings out there!

Key Takeaways

Baked potatoes can be filled with a variety of different ingredients.
Some common fillings for baked potatoes include butter, cheese, sour cream, bacon, and chives.
Baked potatoes can also be topped with various sauces or gravies.
Baked potatoes can be served as a meal or side dish.
Baked potatoes are a versatile and easy-to-prepare food item.

Broccoli topped baked potato — From Bacon To Broccoli_ 7 Delicious Baked Potato Fillings

Table of Contents

What Do You Put Inside A Baked Potato?

Potato skins are a blank canvas, ready to be filled with whatever your heart desires. Here are some of my favorite fillings:

Bacon bits
Cheddar cheese
Sour cream (or Greek yogurt)
Olive oil (or butter)

And for all you vegans out there: broccoli can also work as a delicious topping for your spud.

Bacon

Consider this a warning if you wish to include some bacon in your diet: you can never go back. Bacon is addictive, partly because of its rich flavor but also because it’s loaded with nutrients and protein (as well as fat).

A single slice of bacon contains 7 grams of protein and half the daily requirement for vitamin B12—and it’s low in carbs, so there’s no need to feel guilty when indulging.

While bacon may be good for you, don’t let that fool you into thinking it’s healthy.

It still contains tons of sodium (about 500 milligrams per 1/4-pound serving) and lots of saturated fat (10 grams), which raises cholesterol levels in blood vessels and increases the risk for heart disease over time.

That said, adding just one slice or two strips per day won’t kill you; just stay mindful about what else is on your plate or in your recipe so that those numbers stay balanced out.

Olive Oil

I love a good, simple baked potato. You can’t go wrong with the basics: butter and salt are always a good start, but there are plenty of ways to ramp up the flavor.

Olive oil is a great option if you’re looking to add something healthy (and delicious) to your potato.

It’s got all the benefits of extra virgin olive oil—namely, its high monounsaturated fat content, which makes it a heart-healthy fat—but has just enough of an earthy flavor that it’s not overpowering.

If you’re new to using olive oil on your potatoes, start drizzling some over those basic spuds before popping them in the oven for about 45 minutes at 400°F (or until soft). Then sprinkle on some Parmesan cheese or bacon bits for extra flair!

Salt And Pepper

The food world is full of opinions, but the one thing everyone can agree on is that salt and pepper are amazing. They’re the perfect seasoning for just about anything—and we don’t just mean the potato.

Salt brings out all sorts of flavor in your potatoes. It’s also healthy for you! The American Heart Association recommends 6 grams of sodium or less per day to support a healthy heart and lower blood pressure (which means you’ll feel better overall).

But don’t worry: A little bit goes a long way regarding this simple ingredient. Just add a dash or two while baking to make them taste delicious and help you stay healthy simultaneously!

And if your friends say they don’t like it? Tell them their taste buds have been lying to them because we promise that once you try our recipe with salt & pepper baked into its center, there will be no going back—and neither will they.

Sour Cream

Sour cream is a common topping for baked potatoes, but it’s also commonly used as a dip or in dressings and sauces.

Because it’s made from dairy, sour cream offers many benefits to those lactose intolerant—namely, that sour cream doesn’t make them feel sick.

It’s important to remember that although sour cream is an excellent source of calcium and protein, it still contains quite a bit of fat: one tablespoon contains around 5 grams. It should be used sparingly if you’re watching your weight.

Cheese

The best thing about cheese is that it can make anything taste amazing. Cheese has been around since dawn, and if you don’t believe me, just ask my cat.

It’s also a great source of calcium, protein, and vitamins A and B.

However, be careful when picking out your favorite cheese to top your baked potato: wide varieties have more fat than a burger patty at McDonald’s—not good for those on diets!

Don’t let this discourage you from enjoying the wonders of melted cheese over your potatoes; just use it sparingly and enjoy all the deliciousness in moderation!

Butter

Butter is a healthy fat. It’s delicious, too!
Add butter to your potato skin.
Stir in some butter to your potato filling.

Broccoli

Vitamins A, C, and K are abundant in broccoli. It also contains plenty of fiber, making it a low-calorie vegetable with many health benefits. Broccoli contains antioxidants that are believed to help prevent cancer and other diseases.

Boil or steam your broccoli until tender (about five minutes). Spread on a baking sheet or baking dish lined with parchment paper after thoroughly draining.

Bake at 400°F for 10-15 minutes until crispy outside but still soft on the inside (test one floret after 10 minutes).

Conclusion

A baked potato is a great way to get your daily nutrients. You can stuff them with all sorts of toppings, from healthy vegetables to hearty meats. But what exactly should you put inside a baked potato?

There are endless possibilities when it comes to stuffing a baked potato. You can go the healthy route and load it up with veggies, or you can go for a more indulgent option and top it with cheese and bacon.

No matter what you choose, a stuffed baked potato will surely be a delicious and satisfying meal.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are some other creative potato toppings that I could try?

You could try other creative potato toppings, including sour cream, chives, salsa, guacamole, and chili.

Can any type of vegetable or fruit be used as a potato topping?

No, not any type of vegetable or fruit can be used as a potato topping. The potato toppings must be baked inside the potato.

Which types of potatoes can I use for baked potato fillings?

You can use any potato for baked potato fillings. Still, russet potatoes work well because they are starchy and have a firm texture.

How can I jazz up my standard broccoli and cheese filling?

One way to jazz up your standard broccoli and cheese filling is to try bacon bits or black beans. These toppings add a savory and spicy flavor that can complement the broccoli.

Author

I’m Vid Jovanovic and I’m 36 years old. I’m a teacher by profession and my passion lies in baking. I have been baking since my early teens, when my grandmother taught me how to make a simple cake that you can find in any supermarket. My passion for baking grew as I got older and I started experimenting with different ingredients and recipes.