Oven-Fried Stuffed Potatoes Recipe
Oven-Fried Stuffed Potatoes are the ultimate comfort food. They’re crispy on the outside, creamy on the inside, and packed with all your favorite flavors. Whether you serve them as a hearty side dish or a meal on their own, these potatoes are sure to satisfy everyone at the table. The creamy, cheesy filling is made even better with bacon and green onions, making each bite irresistible!
Oven-Fried Stuffed Potatoes
Ingredients:
- 4 medium russet potatoes
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese (plus extra for topping)
- 1/4 cup cooked bacon, crumbled (optional)
- 1/4 cup green onions or chives, chopped
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
- Fresh parsley or chives for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
- Prepare the Potatoes:
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Scrub the potatoes clean and pierce them a few times with a fork.
- Rub the potatoes with olive oil and season them generously with salt and pepper.
- Place the potatoes directly on the oven rack or on a baking sheet. Bake for about 45-60 minutes, or until the potatoes are fork-tender and the skin is crispy.
- Stuff the Potatoes:
- Once the potatoes are done, remove them from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes.
- Cut each potato in half lengthwise. Carefully scoop out the insides, leaving a small border of potato around the edges to keep the skin intact. Place the scooped-out potato flesh into a bowl.
- Make the Filling:
- To the bowl with the scooped-out potato flesh, add sour cream, shredded cheddar cheese, crumbled bacon (if using), green onions, garlic powder, paprika, onion powder, and a pinch of salt and pepper.
- Mash everything together until smooth and well combined. For an extra creamy texture, you can use a hand mixer.
- Stuff the Potatoes:
- Spoon the mashed potato mixture back into the potato skins, packing it in tightly.
- Sprinkle extra cheddar cheese on top for a cheesy finish.
- Bake Again:
- Place the stuffed potatoes back onto the baking sheet and return them to the oven. Bake for another 15-20 minutes, or until the tops are golden and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Serve:
- Garnish with fresh parsley or chives for a pop of color and added flavor.
- Serve hot and enjoy!
Q&A: Everything You Need to Know About Oven-Fried Stuffed Potatoes
Q: Can I use other types of potatoes?
- A: While russet potatoes are the best choice due to their starchy texture and large size, you can also use Yukon gold potatoes or red potatoes. Keep in mind that different types of potatoes might yield slightly different textures. Russet potatoes tend to give a fluffier, creamy interior.
Q: How do I make the potatoes extra crispy?
- A: To make the skin even crispier, rub the potatoes with a bit of olive oil and salt before baking. You can also return the stuffed potatoes to the oven for an extra 5-10 minutes to get an extra-crispy topping.
Q: Can I prepare the potatoes ahead of time?
- A: Yes! You can prep the potatoes up to a day ahead. Bake the potatoes, scoop out the insides, and make the filling. Store the mashed potato filling in an airtight container in the fridge. The next day, stuff the potatoes and bake them as directed.
Q: Can I add more toppings or fillings?
- A: Absolutely! These potatoes are highly customizable. You can add shredded chicken, broccoli, jalapeños for some heat, or even sautéed mushrooms for extra flavor. You can also try different cheeses like pepper jack or parmesan for variety.
Q: Is there a way to make these potatoes lighter?
- A: If you’re looking for a lighter version, you can substitute Greek yogurt for sour cream, use low-fat cheese, and skip the bacon. You could also opt for a more flavorful cheese like feta or goat cheese.
Q: Can I freeze these stuffed potatoes?
- A: Yes, you can freeze them! After baking the stuffed potatoes, let them cool completely, then wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and store in an airtight container or freezer bag. To reheat, bake them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 20-30 minutes from frozen, or until heated through.
Q: What sides go well with Oven-Fried Stuffed Potatoes?
- A: These stuffed potatoes can be served as a side or a main dish. If serving as a side, they pair beautifully with:
- Grilled or roasted chicken, steak, or fish.
- A green salad with a tangy vinaigrette.
- Roasted vegetables such as asparagus, carrots, or brussels sprouts.
- Steamed broccoli or green beans.
Q: Can I make these potatoes vegetarian?
- A: Absolutely! Skip the bacon and use vegetable-based fillings. Add ingredients like roasted vegetables, sautéed mushrooms, or spinach for a delicious vegetarian option.
Q: How do I store leftovers?
- A: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, bake them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes, or until heated through.
Conclusion:
These Oven-Fried Stuffed Potatoes are a simple yet indulgent dish that combines crispy potato skins with a creamy, cheesy filling. Whether you serve them as a side dish or as a hearty meal, they are sure to be a crowd-pleaser. Plus, they’re easily customizable to suit any dietary preferences or flavor cravings. Make them for your next meal, and enjoy the crispy, creamy goodness!
Enjoy your stuffed potatoes! 😋