My Chief Culinary Consultant and I have been on a pretty substantial baked potato kick over the last few months. Up until recently the only way I ever made a baked potato was in the microwave. Sometimes you just can’t argue with quick and easy, right? Well, we started baking them in the oven, brushed with a little olive oil, and I don’t think there is any turning back for me. They are a gazillion times better in the oven. We typically keep it on the easy/healthy/simple side when we make baked potatoes and just top them with some butter, salt and pepper. However, there really is nothing better than a loaded baked potato when you’re feeling the urge to splurge. A steaming hot baked potato topped with mounds of sour cream, bacon, cheese, and chives. Heaven for most of us carbaholics (and cheese and bacon fanatics) – so much goodness! Now imagine everything that is awesome about a loaded baked potato and throw it into a dip that you can scoop up with potato chips. A favorite meal/side dish just became one of my favorite appetizers.
While it takes a little bit of patience to wait for a baked potato in the oven, this dip definitely satisfies my quick and easy soft spot for microwave baked potatoes. This loaded baked potato dip contains only four ingredients, and it can easily be made in less than 15 minutes. And it’s one of the most outstanding dips I’ve ever chowed down on. Supremely addictive. I’m keeping this well-hidden in the back of the refrigerator until the Super Bowl; I cannot be trusted with a bowl of this dip and a bag of potato chips. Sadly enough, I’m an awful food criminal and would likely leave a trail of crumbs. Oh, but how worth it it would be 
LOADED BAKED POTATO DIP
INGREDIENTS:
16 ounces sour cream
16 slices (12-ounce package) bacon, cooked and crumbled
8 ounces sharp cheddar cheese, shredded (about 2 cups)
1/3 cup thinly sliced scallions or chivesDIRECTIONS:
Combine all ingredients in a medium bowl and refrigerate for at least one hour before serving to allow flavors to meld together. Garnish with extra shredded cheese, crumbled bacon, and chopped chives. Serve with your favorite potato chips or pretzel crisps. Dip can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.
