Baked Potatoes Just Taste Better When You Make Them Like Outback Steakhouse

At a minimum, baked potatoes are good. They're creamy, definitely filling, and have enough carbs to keep hunger at bay for at least a little while. However, when you add a little butter, and perhaps some cheese, baked potatoes really go next level. If you know how to cook and dress them properly, baked potatoes can be the star of the show instead of a supporting actor.

When it comes to delicious baked potatoes, Outback Steakhouse gets it. This steakhouse chain — which is typically regarded as having flavorful steaks — knows the assignment in regards to the simple spud. For $3.99, you can get the "dressed" (i.e. loaded) potato, which comes with bacon, cheese, butter, sour cream, and chives. You can also pay a bit more for extra cheese ($1) and bacon (75 cents). Comparatively speaking, this is a better deal for a loaded potato than competitor chains, including Texas Roadhouse, which offers a standard baked potato for $3.49 and a loaded version for $4.78. When we reviewed six chain restaurant loaded baked potatoes, Outback's was first on our list.

Outback prepares its baked potato similar to Texas Roadhouse's. According to an employee on Reddit, the potatoes are washed and scrubbed, then tossed in an olive and vegetable oil blend. The potato is wrapped in foil and placed in a 450 degree Fahrenheit oven for about an hour. It's finally moved to a warming drawer until ready for service. The salt and oil on the outside of the potato give it a crispy exterior that complements the baked potato's fluffy interior, then all the toppings really bring this whole side together.

Outback's loaded baked potato gets plenty of love online. Food Network celebrity Jeff Mauro gave it a try on his first visit to Outback, saying (via Facebook) "Nice creamy potato, I am into this. Like I don't need anything more from a baked potato." A Tripadvisor reviewer called the baked potato "a meal in itself." A Lemon8 reviewer says the loaded potato is a must-try for diners looking for "a bit more indulgence."

If you're feeling a bit soupy, Outback Steakhouse also has a loaded baked potato soup that comes with the same toppings as the baked potato. A cup costs you $4.99 and a crock sells for $6.99. Because the loaded potato is such a hearty portion, it's a great option to pair with another side or salad if you're not in the mood for steak. Try it alongside the steakhouse chain's Tasmanian chili or French onion soup (which is top three on our list of best chain French onion soups). Both options are quite filling. You can also order a side salad, such as the Blue Cheese Pecan Chopped Side Salad or the Classic Blue Cheese Wedge Side Salad, for about $7. Both the soups and side salads offer lighter meal combos with baked potatoes that aren't as expensive as a steak or other entree.

It's difficult to mess up a baked potato, but restaurants, especially Outback Steakhouse, have figured out how to make the simple item into something much more savory and decadent. Outback's loaded baked potato should definitely be on your radar the next time you make a visit to America's favorite Down Under steakhouse.