Of course! It’s wonderful to hear that you recreated a restaurant favorite at home with such success. That feeling of achieving that “just like the restaurant” taste is what makes cooking so rewarding.
Here is a comprehensive and detailed guide to the legendary LongHorn Steakhouse-Style Sliced Baked Potatoes, crafted just for you.
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A Culinary Masterpiece: The LongHorn Sliced Baked Potato
The Sliced Baked Potato is more than a side dish; it’s an experience. Made famous by the popular chain LongHorn Steakhouse®, it has become a legendary menu item that patrons crave. This recipe transforms the humble potato into a stunning, flavorful, and crispy-edged masterpiece. By slicing the potato almost all the way through and infusing it with buttery, cheesy, and herby goodness, you create a potato that is crispy on the outside, fluffy on the inside, and utterly irresistible in every bite. Recreating this at home is not only simple but also allows you to enjoy a taste of steakhouse luxury any night of the week.
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The History & Allure of the Loaded Potato
While the baked potato has roots as a simple, hearty staple for centuries, the “loaded” potato is an American classic that gained immense popularity in the latter half of the 20th century, particularly in steakhouses. LongHorn Steakhouse’s innovation was the “sliced” technique. Instead of simply topping a baked potato, they fan it out, increasing the surface area dramatically. This allows the melted butter, seasonings, and cheese to seep into every nook and cranny, while the exposed edges become wonderfully crisp in the oven. It’s a simple twist that elevates the entire dish.
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Benefits: Why You’ll Love This Recipe
· Restaurant Quality at Home: Achieve that coveted steakhouse taste and presentation without leaving your kitchen.
· Visually Impressive: It looks complicated and gourmet, guaranteed to wow family and guests.
· Customizable: Easily adapt the toppings to your liking (see “For the Lovers” section below).
· Perfect Texture: The method guarantees the ideal contrast of a crispy exterior and a soft, fluffy interior.
· Comfort Food Excellence: It’s the ultimate satisfying, cheesy, and savory comfort food.
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Ingredients & Formation
Gathering Your Ingredients:
· 4 large Russet potatoes: (Choose ones that are uniform in size and oblong for even slicing and cooking)
· ¼ cup (½ stick) unsalted butter, melted
· 2 tablespoons olive oil
· 1 ½ teaspoons garlic powder
· 1 teaspoon paprika (smoked paprika adds a wonderful depth)
· 1 ½ teaspoons salt
· ½ teaspoon black pepper
· 2 cups shredded Colby-Jack cheese (or a Monterey Jack/Cheddar blend)
· 4 slices cooked bacon, crumbled (about ½ cup)
· 2 tablespoons fresh chives, finely chopped
· Sour cream, for serving (optional)
The Formation (Pre-Slicing Technique):
The key to this recipe’s signature look and texture is the slicing method. You will be making thin, parallel slices along the potato without cutting all the way through. The bottom of the potato should remain intact, acting as a “hinge” that holds the whole thing together. To do this successfully, place a wooden chopstick or the handles of two wooden spoons on either side of the potato lengthwise. As you slice down, the chopsticks will prevent your knife from going all the way through. This creates a beautiful, fan-like effect.
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Instructions & Methods
Method 1: The Classic Preparation
Step 1: Prepare the Potatoes
Preheat your oven to 400°F(200°C). Scrub the potatoes clean and pat them completely dry. Using the chopstick method described above, make slices about ¼-inch apart along the length of each potato.
Step 2: Season the Potatoes
In a small bowl,whisk together the melted butter, olive oil, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Place the sliced potatoes on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or foil. Using a pastry brush or a spoon, carefully work the butter mixture in between the slices, ensuring every layer is coated. Reserve a little of the butter mixture for basting later.
Step 3: The First Bake
Bake the potatoes for 45-50 minutes.Remove them from the oven and baste with the remaining butter mixture. The slices will have started to fan out and the edges will begin to crisp.
Step 4: Add Toppings and Final Bake
Carefully fan the potatoes open a bit more if needed.Stuff the shredded cheese in between the slices, distributing it as evenly as possible. Top with the crumbled bacon.
Return the potatoes to the oven and bake for another 15-20 minutes,or until the cheese is completely melted, bubbly, and the potato is tender all the way through when pierced with a fork.
Step 5: Serve and Garnish
Remove from the oven and let them rest for 5 minutes.They will be very hot! Garnish with fresh chives and serve immediately with a dollop of cool sour cream on the side.
Method 2: The Par-Boil & Roast (For a Fluffier Interior & Faster Cook Time)
This method ensures an incredibly fluffy interior and can reduce the overall baking time.
1. Prepare and slice the potatoes as in Method 1.
2. Place the sliced potatoes in a large pot of cold, salted water. Bring to a boil and cook for 10 minutes.
3. Carefully remove the potatoes and pat them very dry with paper towels.
4. Proceed with seasoning and baking as directed in Method 1, but reduce the initial bake time (before adding cheese) to about 25-30 minutes, or until the edges are crispy.
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Nutrition Information (Approximate, per serving)
· Calories: ~450-550
· Fat: ~25g
· Carbohydrates: ~45g
· Protein: ~15g
· Key Nutrients: A good source of Calcium (from cheese), Vitamin C and Potassium (from potatoes), and Protein (from cheese and bacon).
Note: Nutritional values are estimates and can vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes.
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For the Lovers: Customization Ideas
· The Spicy Lover: Add sliced jalapeños with the cheese, or mix a teaspoon of cayenne pepper into the butter mixture.
· The Ultimate Carnivore: Use a blend of crumbled bacon and diced ham.
· The Italian Lover: Swap the cheese for mozzarella and provolone, and top with chopped pepperoni and a sprinkle of Italian seasoning.
· The Veggie Lover: Fill with sautéed mushrooms, onions, and bell peppers before adding the cheese.
· The Ranch Lover: Drizzle with ranch dressing after baking and use ranch seasoning in the butter mix.
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Conclusion
The LongHorn Steakhouse-Sliced Baked Potato is a testament to how a simple technique can transform a basic ingredient into something extraordinary. It’s a show-stopping side dish that pairs perfectly with grilled steak, chicken, or even stands strong as a satisfying vegetarian main course. As you discovered, the recipe is completely achievable for any home cook and delivers that unforgettable, “AMAZING” flavor that keeps you coming back for more. It’s a recipe to be shared, enjoyed, and added to your regular rotation.
So, to all the potato lovers out there—this one’s for you. Happy cooking! 😋😍