Pulled Pork Loaded Baked Potatoes Recipe

Active Time:

45 mins

Total Time:

50 mins

Servings:

8

Pulled pork baked potatoes are a family favorite that you will turn to again and again for weeknight dinners. With a smart shortcut—using pre-cooked pulled pork—you can speed up dinner prep.

For easier entertaining, set up a top-your-own potato bar at your next family movie or game night. Each potato is stuffed with sautéed onion and bell peppers, corn chips, cheese, avocado, a drizzle of barbecue sauce, cilantro, and coleslaw tossed in white barbecue sauce.

This recipe calls for 1 1/2 pounds of pulled smoked pork, but you can swap in pulled chicken if you prefer. Pick the meat up at your favorite barbecue restaurant.

Pulled Pork Baked Potato - Southern Living — Greg DuPree; Prop Stylist: Mindi Shapiro; Food Stylist: Torie Cox

Ingredients for Pulled Pork Loaded Baked Potatoes

Loaded up with pre-cooked pulled pork, this recipe comes together easily for an impressive dish that's true to its name. To make these loaded baked potatoes, you'll need:

Russet potatoes: A starchy potato that bakes up fluffy and light.
Olive oil: To help evenly brown and cook the onions and bell peppers.
Yellow onion: To add a sweet and savory depth to the potatoes.
Red bell pepper: For color and and a lightly crunchy texture.
Kosher salt and black pepper: Seasons the topping.
Monterey Jack cheese: A creamy, mild cheese. Can be substituted with any preferred cheeses, including Cheddar, Pepper Jack, Colby Jack, and more.
Pulled smoked pork: A smoky, flavorful topping for a hearty dish.
Corn chips: Adds a crunchy texture and salty contrast. Can be substituted with other types of chips, if desired.
Ripe avocados: For a creamy, buttery freshness.
Barbecue sauce: Ties together the pulled pork with the remaining ingredients with its sweet, tangy, and smoky flavor.
Fresh cilantro: Adds a fresh, herbal note and pop of color.
Coleslaw mix: For a crunchy, refreshing contrast to the decadent potatoes.
White barbecue sauce: A unique twist when tossed into the coleslaw mix for its tangy, creamy flavor profile.

How To Make Pulled Pork Loaded Baked Potatoes

While baking the potatoes takes some time, assembling the loaded potatoes happens in minutes. If you're looking to cut the time even shorter, check out our microwave baked potato method. Full instructions are below, but here's a brief recap before you get started:

Step 1. Bake potatoes: Preheat oven to 400°F. Place potatoes on a foil-lined baking sheet and bake until very tender, about 45 minutes.
Step 2. Cook onions and peppers: Heat oil in a large skillet over medium. Add onions, and cook, stirring, until lightly browned. Stir in bell pepper, and cook 5 minutes. Remove from heat, and season with salt and pepper.
Step 3. Assemble baked potatoes: Cut a slit down the center of each potato; squeeze sides to open. Slightly mash interior and push toward opening. Top with cheese, pork, onion mixture, chips, and avocado; drizzle with barbecue sauce, and sprinkle with cilantro.
Step 4. Make coleslaw: Toss together coleslaw mix and white barbecue sauce; serve with potatoes.

Variations for Pulled Pork Loaded Baked Potatoes

The beauty of loaded baked potatoes is that you can fill them up with just about anything you love. Here are some ideas for variations for this over-the-top dish:

Potatoes: Swap Russets with Yukon Gold potatoes for a buttery texture or sweet potatoes for a unique twist.
Bell peppers: Add even more color with a variety of bell peppers.
Heat: Add sliced jalapeños, poblano peppers, or opt for a spicy barbecue sauce to add heat to the dish.
Cheese: Swap the Monterey Jack with sharp Cheddar, Colby Jack, a Mexican blend, or any cheese you prefer.
Meat: Feel free to substitute the pulled pork with chicken, beef, or other smoked meats.
Chips: Sub in tortilla chips, potato chips, or even flavored chips.
Toppings: Don't be shy about offering a variety of toppings. Diced tomatoes, black olives, pickled red onions, green onions, sour cream, salsa, crumbled bacon, or fresh lime would all be welcome additions.

Can I Make Pulled Pork Loaded Baked Potatoes Ahead?

While these loaded potatoes should be assembled right before serving, you can get ahead of the prep by baking the potatoes in advance. Bake as directed at 400°F, baking only until the potatoes are just tender. Cool and wrap each potato in foil or plastic wrap and refrigerate for up to two days. Bring to room temperature while the oven preheats to 400°F, and continue to bake until the potatoes are very tender. Proceed as directed.

What To Serve with Pulled Pork Loaded Baked Potatoes

While these loaded baked potatoes are a hearty meal all on their own, you can pair them with a light salad, grilled vegetables, baked beans, cornbread, or any desired sides.

More Comforting Potato Dishes You'll Love

From scalloped potatoes with ham to a potato-crusted pizza, comforting potato dishes are always a welcome option, whether served as a side dish or main course:

Editorial contributions by Katie Rosenhouse.

Ingredients

8 medium-size russet potatoes (about 8 oz. each)
2 Tbsp. olive oil
1 large yellow onion, thinly sliced
1 large red bell pepper, thinly sliced vertically
1/4 tsp. kosher salt
1/4 tsp. black pepper
8 oz. Monterey Jack cheese, shredded (about 2 cups)
1 1/2 lbs. pulled smoked pork, warmed
2 cups corn chips (such as Fritos), coarsely crushed
2 small ripe avocados, diced
1 1/2 cups barbecue sauce
1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
1 (14-oz.) package coleslaw mix
3/4 cup white barbecue sauce

Directions

Bake potatoes:

Preheat oven to 400°F. Place potatoes on an aluminum foil-lined large rimmed baking sheet. Bake in preheated oven until very tender, about 45 minutes.
Cook onions and peppers:

Meanwhile, heat oil in a large skillet over medium. Add onion slices, and cook, stirring often, until tender and lightly browned, 5 to 7 minutes. Add bell pepper, and cook, stirring often, 5 minutes. Remove from heat, and sprinkle with salt and black pepper.
Assemble baked potatoes:

Cut a lengthwise slit down center of each potato (do not cut all the way through); squeeze sides to open. Slightly mash cooked potato pulp, and push toward opening. Top with cheese, pork, onion mixture, corn chips, and avocado; drizzle with barbecue sauce, and sprinkle with cilantro.
Make coleslaw:

Toss together coleslaw mix and white barbecue sauce; serve with pork-stuffed potatoes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I freeze pulled pork loaded baked potatoes?

Freezing the fully prepared loaded baked potatoes isn't recommended, but the baked potatoes and pulled pork can be frozen separately, then thawed and assembled when needed.
Can I use store-bought pulled pork?

Yes, this can be a good shortcut option if you don't have leftover pulled pork on hand.
Can I prepare the baked potatoes in the microwave?

For a shortcut option, you can also prepare the baked potatoes in the microwave. Check out our microwave baked potato recipe for instructions.