Stuffed potatoes are a delicious and versatile dish that can be customized with various fillings. Here’s a basic recipe for stuffed potatoes:
Ingredients:
- 4 large baking potatoes
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup grated cheese (cheddar, mozzarella, or your favorite melting cheese)
- 1/2 cup sour cream or Greek yogurt
- 2 green onions, chopped (optional)
- 4 slices cooked bacon, crumbled (optional)
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley or cilantro (optional)
Instructions:
- Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Prepare the potatoes: Wash the potatoes and pierce each potato several times with a fork. This allows steam to escape during baking. Rub the potatoes with olive oil and sprinkle with salt and pepper.
- Bake the potatoes: Place the potatoes directly on the oven rack and bake for about 45-60 minutes, or until they are tender when pierced with a fork.
- Prepare the filling: While the potatoes are baking, prepare the filling. In a bowl, mix together the grated cheese, sour cream or Greek yogurt, green onions, crumbled bacon (if using), and chopped parsley or cilantro. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Cool and slice the potatoes: Remove the baked potatoes from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes until they are cool enough to handle. Slice each potato in half lengthwise.
- Scoop out the flesh: Use a spoon to carefully scoop out the flesh from each potato half, leaving a thin layer of potato inside the skin. Transfer the scooped-out potato flesh to a bowl.
- Mix and stuff: Mash the scooped-out potato flesh with a fork, then mix it into the filling mixture until well combined. Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary.
- Stuff the potato skins: Stuff each potato half with the filling mixture, mounding it slightly on top.
- Bake again: Place the stuffed potatoes on a baking sheet and return them to the oven. Bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the filling is heated through and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Serve: Remove the stuffed potatoes from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with additional chopped green onions, parsley, or cilantro if desired. Enjoy your delicious stuffed potatoes!
Feel free to customize the filling with your favorite ingredients like cooked vegetables, different types of cheese, or herbs to make it your own!
