Nothing screams comfort food quite like a loaded baked potato.
Add smoky, tender pulled pork, and you’ve got a dish that’s hearty, flavorful, and impossible to resist.
Whether you’re looking to impress guests, use up leftover pulled pork, or simply treat yourself to a comforting meal, this recipe has it all.
Let’s dive in!
Why You’ll Love This Loaded Baked Potato with Pulled Pork
- Combines creamy, fluffy baked potatoes with savory pulled pork.
- Perfect for weeknight dinners, casual gatherings, or game days.
- Easy to customize with your favorite toppings.
- A creative way to make the most of leftover pulled pork.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Here’s what you’ll need to bring this dish to life:
- Large Russet Potatoes: Ideal for baking due to their fluffy interior and sturdy skin.
- Pulled Pork: Use homemade pulled pork or a store-bought variety for convenience.
- Cheese: Cheddar, Monterey Jack, or any cheese you love.
- BBQ Sauce: Adds a tangy, smoky flavor.
- Toppings: Sour cream, green onions, and crispy bacon bits are classic choices.
- Optional Add-Ons: Jalapeños, chives, avocado slices, or a sprinkle of smoked paprika.
How to Make the Perfect Baked Potato
The foundation of this dish is a perfectly baked potato. Here’s how to achieve it:
- Preheat Your Oven: Set it to 400°F (200°C).
- Prepare the Potatoes: Scrub the potatoes clean, pat them dry, and pierce each one with a fork several times.
- Oil and Season: Rub the potatoes with olive oil and sprinkle generously with salt to ensure a crispy skin.
- Bake: Place the potatoes directly on the oven rack or on a baking sheet. Bake for 50-60 minutes until tender when pierced with a knife.
- Alternative Methods: Use a microwave for quick cooking or an air fryer for crispy results in less time.
Preparing the Pulled Pork
If you don’t have pulled pork on hand, here’s how to make it:
- Slow Cooker Method: Season pork shoulder with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika. Place it in a slow cooker with a cup of BBQ sauce and cook on low for 8 hours.
- Instant Pot Method: For quicker results, cook the pork with the same seasonings and BBQ sauce on the pressure cook setting for about 60 minutes.
- Reheating Leftovers: Warm pulled pork in a skillet with a splash of water or additional BBQ sauce to keep it moist.
Assembling Your Loaded Baked Potato
- Slice and Fluff: Once your potatoes are baked, slice them open lengthwise and gently fluff the interior with a fork.
- Layering: Add a generous portion of pulled pork on top of the potato.
- Add Cheese: Sprinkle shredded cheese over the pulled pork while it’s still hot to let it melt.
- Top It Off: Add sour cream, green onions, crispy bacon bits, and a drizzle of BBQ sauce. Customize with any optional toppings you love.
Serving Suggestions and Pairings
Loaded baked potatoes with pulled pork are filling on their own, but pairing them with complementary sides takes the meal to the next level:
- Coleslaw: Adds a refreshing crunch.
- Corn on the Cob: A classic BBQ side dish.
- Green Salad: Balances the richness of the potatoes.
- Drinks: Pair with beer, iced tea, or lemonade.
For parties, consider setting up a Loaded Potato Bar, allowing guests to customize their toppings.
Tips and Tricks for Success
- Meal Prep: Bake the potatoes and prepare the pulled pork ahead of time for a quick assembly later.
- Customization: Experiment with different cheeses, toppings, or sauces to suit your taste.
- Leftover Ideas: Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 3 days and reheat in the oven or microwave.
- Crispy Skins: For extra crispy potato skins, bake them at 425°F for the final 5 minutes.
FAQ’s
Can I use sweet potatoes instead of Russet potatoes?
Absolutely! Sweet potatoes add a different flavor profile and pair wonderfully with pulled pork.
What’s the best way to store leftovers?
Store assembled potatoes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave.
Can I freeze pulled pork?
Yes, pulled pork freezes well. Store it in a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 3 months.
Loaded Baked Potato with Pulled Pork
This Loaded Baked Potato with Pulled Pork recipe is a comforting and hearty meal perfect for any occasion. With fluffy baked potatoes, tender pulled pork, and an array of customizable toppings, it’s sure to please everyone at the table.
Ingredients
- 4 large Russet potatoes
- 2 cups pulled pork cooked
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- ½ cup BBQ sauce
- ½ cup sour cream
- ¼ cup green onions chopped
- ¼ cup bacon bits
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
Optional Toppings:
- Sliced jalapeños
- chives avocado slices
- smoked paprika
Instructions
Prepare the Potatoes:
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Scrub the potatoes clean, pat them dry, and pierce each one several times with a fork.
- Rub each potato with olive oil and sprinkle with salt.
- Place the potatoes directly on the oven rack or on a baking sheet. Bake for 50-60 minutes, or until tender when pierced with a knife.
Prepare the Pulled Pork:
- If using pre-cooked pulled pork, reheat it in a skillet with a splash of water or additional BBQ sauce to keep it moist.
- For fresh pulled pork, cook pork shoulder with seasonings (salt, pepper, garlic powder, paprika) in a slow cooker for 8 hours on low or in an Instant Pot on high pressure for 60 minutes.
Assemble the Loaded Potatoes:
- Once the potatoes are baked, slice them open lengthwise and fluff the interior with a fork.
- Add a generous portion of pulled pork on top of each potato.
- Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese over the pulled pork while it’s still hot to let it melt.
- Top with sour cream, green onions, bacon bits, and a drizzle of BBQ sauce. Add optional toppings as desired.
Serve:
- Serve immediately with your favorite sides, such as coleslaw or a green salad.