Loaded Baked Potato Pockets

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Potato Filling:

• Cook the potatoes: In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil and add the diced potatoes. Cook for about 10-12 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender and easily pierced with a fork. Drain and return them to the pot.
• Mash the potatoes: Mash the cooked potatoes until smooth, adding a little salt, pepper, and sour cream to taste. For extra creaminess, you can also add a dollop of butter or a splash of milk.
• Add the cheese and bacon: Stir in the shredded cheddar cheese, crumbled bacon, and chopped green onions. Taste and adjust seasoning as necessary.

2. Assemble the Pockets:

• Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
• Prepare the dough: Roll out your puff pastry or crescent roll dough on a lightly floured surface. If using puff pastry, cut it into squares (about 4×4 inches). For crescent roll dough, separate the triangles and press them together to form a larger rectangle.
• Fill the pockets: Spoon a generous amount of the potato mixture onto the center of each dough square or rectangle. Be sure not to overfill to avoid any leakage while baking.
• Seal the pockets: Fold the dough over the filling, forming a pocket or turnover. Press the edges firmly together using a fork to seal them completely.

3. Bake the Pockets:

• Brush with butter: Place the filled pockets on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Brush the tops of the pockets with melted butter to help them brown and become crispy.
• Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for about 15-20 minutes, or until the pockets are golden brown and the dough is fully cooked. If you’re using puff pastry, they should puff up nicely and turn crispy on the outside.

4. Serve and Enjoy:

• Once the pockets are done, remove them from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes. Serve them warm as a snack, side dish, or even as the main course. For added flavor, you can top them with extra cheese, sour cream, or chives.

Tips for Making the Best Loaded Baked Potato Pockets:

1. Customize the Filling: Feel free to add other ingredients to the potato filling, such as sautéed onions, garlic, or even chili for a heartier version.
2. Use Leftover Potatoes: If you have leftover baked or mashed potatoes, this is a great way to use them up and turn them into something new.
3. Make Them Mini: For appetizers or snacks, cut the dough into smaller squares and fill them with a smaller amount of potato mixture for bite-sized treats.
4. Use Different Cheeses: While cheddar cheese is classic, you can also experiment with other cheeses like mozzarella, Monterey Jack, or even pepper jack for a bit of spice.
5. Try Different Dough: If puff pastry or crescent dough isn’t your thing, you can also use pie crust or even pizza dough as an alternative for the outer pocket.

Healthier Version:

If you’re looking for a lighter version of this recipe, you can make a few simple adjustments:

• Swap sour cream for Greek yogurt to reduce calories and increase protein.
• Use turkey bacon instead of regular bacon for a leaner option.
• Opt for low-fat cheese or reduce the amount of cheese to make the recipe lighter without sacrificing flavor.

Conclusion

Loaded Baked Potato Pockets are the perfect blend of comfort and convenience. With a savory filling made of mashed potatoes, cheese, and crispy bacon, all wrapped in a golden, flaky crust, these pockets are sure to be a hit with family and friends. Whether you’re serving them as a snack, side dish, or main course, they’re bound to become a go-to favorite in your recipe collection.

The best part? They’re incredibly easy to make, and you can customize them with your favorite ingredients to suit your taste. So, grab your ingredients, get baking, and indulge in these irresistible loaded potato pockets today!