Loaded baked potato

by Jamie
(Tampa, FL)

A loaded baked potato! So simple, but I totally overlooked it for awhile. A nutritionist we saw was very pleased that my son would eat this!

My 26lb 4yr old loves baked potatoes with butter, (full fat) sour cream and shredded cheese. He gags on some foods because he will hold bites in his mouth for a really long time if he doesn't like it...the texture of a potato is perfect. He can easily feed himself and we can add more toppings as he eats the top layers away. If he is feeling finicky (which is often), he will usually go for the potato.

You can even order a side baked potato at most restaurants for a couple bucks instead of ordering a whole kids dinner plate just to watch your kid NOT eat it!

Editor's note:
Thank you for your submission! This is a great idea, and I especially love that you continue to add more toppings as he eats so he doesn't get any low calorie bites.

As a twist on your dish,a loaded baked potato is also great pureed as loaded mashed potatoes, for children who have trouble swallowing or just prefer perfectly smooth foods. For this one though, the butter, sour cream and cheese would need to be worked into the potatoes as it's being pureed, so additional calories probably can't be added.

Depending on what it's loaded with, one potato can pack in 300-650 calories and is delicious! Although to make it high in calories foods with alot of saturated fat are added to the potato, at least you know he's getting some vitamins, minerals and fiber in addition to the calorie boosters.

For children who like plainer flavors, the baked potato can be kept simple with just some butter and sour cream, while children who enjoy strong flavored foods can add cheese and bacon as well.