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Instructions:
Step 1: Bake the Potatoes
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Wash and scrub the potatoes thoroughly to remove any dirt. Pat them dry with a paper towel. Using a fork, poke a few holes in each potato to allow steam to escape while baking. Rub each potato with a little olive oil, then sprinkle with salt and pepper. This will give the potatoes a nice, crispy skin.
Place the potatoes directly on the oven rack or on a baking sheet and bake for about 45-60 minutes, or until they are tender when pierced with a fork. Once done, remove them from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes.
Step 2: Scoop Out the Flesh
Once the potatoes are cool enough to handle, cut a slit along the top of each potato. Carefully scoop out the inside flesh of the potato, leaving about a 1/4-inch border around the edges to maintain the skin’s structure. Place the scooped-out flesh in a bowl.
Step 3: Mash the Potato Filling
To the bowl with the scooped-out potato flesh, add butter, sour cream, milk, garlic powder (if using), and about half of the shredded cheese. Mash everything together until smooth and creamy. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed. For extra richness, you can also add a bit more butter or sour cream.
If you’re using bacon, fold the bacon bits into the mashed potato mixture for added flavor and crunch.
Step 4: Stuff the Potatoes
Once the potato filling is ready, spoon it back into the potato skins. Be generous with the filling, mounding it up slightly on top. Press it down gently to ensure the filling stays in place.
Step 5: Top with Cheese and Bake
Sprinkle the remaining shredded cheese on top of each stuffed potato. Return the stuffed potatoes to the oven and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
Once the stuffed potatoes are done, remove them from the oven. For a finishing touch, garnish with chopped green onions or fresh herbs, if desired. Serve them hot and enjoy!
Why You’ll Love These Stuffed Potatoes:
- Easy and Quick: This dish is simple to prepare and doesn’t require a lot of ingredients. With minimal effort, you can create a delicious and filling meal.
- Customizable: The beauty of stuffed potatoes lies in their versatility. You can easily switch up the fillings based on your preferences. Add cooked chicken, sautéed vegetables, or even a dollop of ranch dressing for variety.
- Perfect for Meal Prep: Stuffed potatoes make great leftovers and can be stored in the fridge for a few days. Simply reheat them in the oven or microwave for a quick meal.
- Comfort Food at Its Best: The combination of soft mashed potato filling and melty cheese is the ultimate comfort food experience.
Variations to Try:
- Bacon and Cheddar: Add crispy bacon bits and shredded cheddar cheese to the mashed potato filling for a classic combination.
- Broccoli and Cheese: Steam some broccoli and fold it into the mashed potatoes for a healthier twist.
- Pulled Pork: Top the stuffed potatoes with some tender pulled pork and barbecue sauce for a smoky and savory variation.
- Vegetarian: Skip the bacon and add sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or roasted peppers for a veggie-packed version.
Stuffed potatoes are a simple yet satisfying dish that’s sure to please everyone at the table. Whether you serve them as a side or as the main event, this easy-to-make recipe is guaranteed to become a go-to favorite in your kitchen.
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