Take plain baked potatoes to the next level with ooey-gooey cheese, crispy bacon, and fresh green onions!
While plain baked potatoes are scrumptious, stuffed ones are off the charts! Crispy, golden-brown skins overflow with melty cheddar cheese, savory bacon bits, and vibrant green onions. With a flavor combo like that, it’s a dish that fits well on almost any dining table, whether it’s for a party or a weeknight dinner.
When it comes to these taters, my twice-baked method makes them delightfully fluffy on the inside and crispy on the outside. Add all the toppings—plus any of your other favorites—and you’ve got one of the most flavorful sides for pretty much any meal.
“Potato parties” should be a thing, don’t you think? In the same way that we have salad or sandwich bars, wouldn’t it be totally rad to do baked potato bars with friends and family? Think about it: each person builds their own stuffed baked potato with special toppings, condiments and sauces!
Are Stuffed Baked Potatoes Healthy?
With a good balance of protein and fiber, stuffed baked potatoes are hearty and nutrient-dense. The recipe does call for fat in the form of bacon, cheese, butter, and sour cream, but to improve upon this, you could leave out the bacon and opt for low-fat sour cream or Greek yogurt. Although stuffed baked potatoes are gluten-free, you may need to make other adjustments for certain dietary requirements.
The Birthplace Of Potatoes
When I think of potatoes, Ireland is the first place that comes to mind. This is likely because the Great Famine of 1845–1852, in which Ireland’s primary food crop failed, was a major part of the curriculum in my high school history class. But potatoes had been around long before that event happened in Ireland.
Surprisingly, the savory and starchy root vegetable was first cultivated by the Inca people in the Andes mountain range, in what is now known as Peru. Spanish conquistadors who ransacked the region brought potatoes back to Europe, where they became one of the most widespread, easily grown crops in the West.
Also known as “jacket potatoes” in the United Kingdom, baked potatoes have been enjoyed all over the world for centuries. With today’s modern ovens, making this stuffed version has never been easier.
How do I store my leftovers?
Once cooled, my stuffed baked potatoes can be placed in airtight containers and refrigerated for up to 4 days. For longer storage, wrap them in aluminum foil, place in a freezer bag, and freeze them for 3 months. Then, thaw in the fridge overnight when you’re preparing to enjoy them. The next day, reheat them in the oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for 10–15 minutes, until they’re warm all the way through.
Serving Suggestions
As with regular baked potatoes, stuffed ones are a scrumptious side dish to accompany hearty and juicy meats like Bacon-Wrapped Steak, Crock-Pot BBQ Chicken, or Air-Fryer Meatballs. For some lighter options, try Chicken Cobb Salad, 7-Layer Salad, or Lima Beans. Whether you want a lighter or heavier meal, my stuffed baked potatoes offer a little something for everyone.
Ingredients
- 6 medium russet potatoes washed and dried
- Canola oil for drizzling
- 1 ounce unsalted butter
- 2 1/4 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 3/4 cup cooked bacon crumbled
- 1 1/3 cups sour cream
- 1/3 cup onion grated
- 3/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 cup chopped green onions
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F. Drizzle potatoes with canola oil and sprinkle with kosher salt. Place on center rack in oven and bake for 60 minutes or until tender.
- Remove potatoes from oven and let cool on a rack. Once cool, cut an oval on the skin, remove the top, and scoop out the insides into a mixing bowl.
- Add butter to the scooped potato in the mixing bowl and mash. Mix in 1 1/2 cups of cheese, the bacon, sour cream, grated onion, salt, and pepper.
- Fill the potato skins with the mixture. Arrange them in an oven-safe dish, cover with foil, and bake at 350°F for 15 minutes.
- After removing the foil, top with the remaining cheese and continue baking until the cheese melts. Sprinkle with green onions when serving.
Nutrition Info:
Nutrition information are estimates only and may vary based on the specific brands, ingredients, and portion sizes you use. This data is provided for informational purposes only.
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