A serving of Side Loaded Baked Potato contains 568 calories. This indulgent yet satisfying dish is a perfect side for any meal. Loaded with cheese, bacon, and sour cream, it's a treat that everyone should enjoy occasionally.
In addition to being delicious, Side Loaded Baked Potato is a rich source of carbohydrates, fiber, and essential vitamins and minerals. The potato alone provides an excellent source of vitamin C and potassium.
In this article, we'll discuss everything you need to know about this mouth-watering dish, from its nutritional benefits to possible health risks.
Calories in Side Loaded Baked Potato
As mentioned before, one serving of Side Loaded Baked Potato contains 568 calories. This dish is certainly not a low-calorie option. If you're looking to cut down on calories, consider reducing the amount of cheese and bacon you use or swapping sour cream for Greek yogurt.
Ingredients of Side Loaded Baked Potato
The traditional recipe for Side Loaded Baked Potato includes a large baked potato, cheddar cheese, bacon, butter, and sour cream. However, you can customize the toppings to suit your taste. Some popular add-ons include chives, green onions, jalapenos, and even chili.
How to make Side Loaded Baked Potato
To make Side Loaded Baked Potato start by washing and scrubbing your potatoes. Prick them a few times with a fork, then bake them at 400°F for about an hour or until they're tender. Once the potatoes are cooked, cut a slit in the top and create a pocket. Stuff it with cheese and bacon, then top it with a dollop of sour cream and any other toppings you'd like. Put the potatoes back into the oven for a few minutes to melt the cheese and heat up the toppings, then serve hot.
Toppings for Side Loaded Baked Potato
As mentioned above, the toppings for Side Loaded Baked Potato can be customized to your preferences. Here are some of the most popular add-ons:
- Bacon
- Cheddar cheese
- Sour cream or Greek yogurt
- Chives or green onions
- Jalapenos
- Chili
Nutritional Benefits of Side Loaded Baked Potato
Despite being a calorie-dense dish, Side Loaded Baked Potato has some nutritional benefits. Here are some of them:
- A medium potato provides around 4g of fiber, which is great for digestion
- Potatoes are a good source of potassium, vitamin C, and vitamin B6
- If you opt for Greek yogurt instead of sour cream, you'll add protein and calcium to your meal
Health Risks of Eating Side Loaded Baked Potato
While Side Loaded Baked Potato can be a delicious and satisfying treat, it's important to note that it's not the healthiest option out there. Here are some potential health risks associated with consuming this dish regularly:
- Weight gain due to high calorie content
- Increase risk of heart disease due to high levels of saturated fat in bacon and cheese
- Increase in blood sugar levels due to high glycemic index of potatoes
- Increase in blood pressure due to high sodium content in bacon and cheese
As with any indulgent food, it's important to enjoy Side Loaded Baked Potato in moderation.
Side Loaded Baked Potato vs Traditional Baked Potato
The main difference between Side Loaded Baked Potato and traditional baked potato is the toppings. While a traditional baked potato is typically served with butter, chives, and maybe some cheese, a loaded potato can have an array of different toppings, making it much more filling and indulgent. If you're looking to keep your meal lighter, a traditional baked potato may be a better option. However, if you're looking to indulge a little, a loaded potato is an excellent treat.
Popular Add-Ons for Side Loaded Baked Potato
Aside from the toppings mentioned before, there are some other popular add-ons that you may want to try:
- Grilled chicken or steak
- Mushrooms
- Bell peppers
- Salsa
- Avocado
Variations in Side Loaded Baked Potato Recipe
While the traditional recipe for Side Loaded Baked Potato is delicious, there are some variations that you can try to mix things up. Here are some ideas:
- Sweet potato instead of regular potato
- Low-fat cottage cheese instead of cheddar cheese
- Baked beans instead of bacon
- Salsa instead of sour cream
Serving Suggestions for Side Loaded Baked Potato
While Side Loaded Baked Potato is often served as a side dish, it can also make a hearty and filling main dish. Here are some suggestions for serving it:
- With a simple side salad
- As a side to grilled chicken or steak
- With a side of steamed vegetables
- As a football game day snack
A loaded potato is an indulgent treat that everyone should enjoy occasionally.
5 Frequently Asked Questions About Side Loaded Baked Potato
1. What is a Side Loaded Baked Potato?
A Side Loaded Baked Potato is a baked potato that is loaded with various toppings to make it more flavorful and filling. Typical toppings include cheese, bacon, sour cream, chives, and butter.
2. How many calories are in a serving of Side Loaded Baked Potato?
A serving of Side Loaded Baked Potato contains 568 calories.
3. Is a Side Loaded Baked Potato healthy for you?
A Side Loaded Baked Potato is not the healthiest option due to its high calorie and fat content. However, it can be enjoyed in moderation as part of a balanced diet.
4. Can you customize the toppings on your Side Loaded Baked Potato?
Yes, you can customize the toppings on your Side Loaded Baked Potato to your liking. Some popular options include chili, broccoli, and jalapeños.
5. How can I make a healthier version of Side Loaded Baked Potato?
You can make a healthier version of Side Loaded Baked Potato by swapping out high-calorie toppings with healthier options, such as salsa, steamed vegetables, and Greek yogurt instead of sour cream. You can also choose to use smaller potatoes and limit your portion size.