Baked Stuffed Potatoes: Decadent Recipe for Crispy, Cheesy Delight

Baked stuffed potatoes, also famously known as twice-baked potatoes, are a delightful culinary creation that combines the humble potato with rich and flavorful ingredients. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll delve into everything you need to know about mastering this classic dish.

Baked stuffed potatoes are created by baking potatoes until tender, scooping out the flesh, mixing it with a variety of ingredients such as sour cream, bacon, and cheese, and then baking them again until golden brown and delicious. This process results in a decadent and comforting dish that can be enjoyed as a side or even a main course.

Ingredients

• 6 large russet potatoes
• 6 tablespoons unsalted butter (softened), divided
• 1/2 cup sour cream, at room temperature
• 5 slices cooked bacon, crumbled
• 2 cups shredded cheddar or Colby cheese
• 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1/8 teaspoon white pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika
• 2 medium scallions, thinly sliced (for garnish)

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preparing the Potatoes

• Preheat Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures that your oven is at the optimal temperature for baking the potatoes.
• Preparation: Wash the russet potatoes thoroughly under cold running water to remove any dirt or debris. Dry them with a clean kitchen towel or paper towels.
• Pricking: Using a fork, prick each potato several times all over its surface. This step allows steam to escape during baking, preventing the potatoes from bursting.
• Coating with Butter: Take 2 tablespoons of softened butter and rub it evenly over the surface of each potato. This coating helps to create a crispy and flavorful skin as the potatoes bake.
• Baking: Place the prepared potatoes on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or aluminum foil. Ensure that they are evenly spaced apart to allow for even cooking. Transfer the baking sheet to the preheated oven and bake the potatoes for 45 to 55 minutes, or until they are tender when pierced with a fork.

2. Scooping and Mixing

• Cooling: Once the potatoes are baked, remove them from the oven and allow them to cool slightly until they are safe to handle. This step prevents burning yourself while handling the hot potatoes.
• Cutting and Scooping: Using a sharp knife, carefully cut each baked potato in half lengthwise. With a spoon, gently scoop out the cooked flesh from each potato half, leaving a thin layer of flesh attached to the skin to create a sturdy shell.
• Preparing the Filling: Transfer the scooped-out potato flesh to a large mixing bowl. Add the remaining 4 tablespoons of softened butter, sour cream, crumbled bacon, shredded cheese, kosher salt, and white pepper to the bowl.
• Mashing: Using a potato masher or a fork, mash the ingredients together until they are well combined and the mixture is smooth and creamy. Ensure that all the ingredients are evenly distributed throughout the mashed potato mixture.

3. Stuffing and Baking

• Filling the Potato Shells: Spoon or pipe the mashed potato mixture evenly back into the hollowed-out potato shells. Fill each shell generously, ensuring that they are packed tightly with the filling.
• Sprinkling with Paprika: Sprinkle a pinch of paprika over the top of each stuffed potato. This adds a pop of color and imparts a subtle smoky flavor to the dish.
• Final Baking: Place the stuffed potatoes back onto the baking sheet and return them to the oven. Bake for an additional 20 to 25 minutes, or until the tops of the potatoes are slightly puffed and golden brown.

4. Garnishing and Serving

• Garnish: Once baked, remove the stuffed potatoes from the oven and garnish them with thinly sliced scallions. This adds freshness and a burst of color to the dish.
• Serving: Serve the baked stuffed potatoes hot as a delicious side dish or appetizer. They pair perfectly with a variety of main courses or can be enjoyed on their own as a satisfying meal.

Tips and Variations

Crisp Bacon

• Cooking Technique: Ensure that the bacon is cooked until crispy before adding it to the potato mixture. Crispy bacon adds a delightful texture and enhances the overall flavor of the dish.
• Preparation: Cook the bacon using your preferred method until it reaches the desired level of crispiness. This can be done on the stovetop in a skillet or in the oven on a baking sheet.

Cheese Options

• Versatility: Experiment with different types of cheese to customize the flavor of your stuffed potatoes. While cheddar and Colby are popular choices, you can also try options such as Monterey Jack, mozzarella, or even blue cheese for a unique twist.
• Combination: Mix and match cheeses to create a blend that suits your taste preferences. For example, a combination of sharp cheddar and creamy Monterey Jack can provide a balance of flavors and textures.

Additional Ingredients

• Creative Additions: Get creative with your stuffed potato fillings by incorporating additional ingredients to elevate the flavor profile. Consider adding sautéed onions, minced garlic, chopped herbs, or diced vegetables such as bell peppers, mushrooms, or spinach.
• Seasoning: Experiment with different seasonings and spices to enhance the taste of the potato filling. Options include garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, dried herbs like thyme or rosemary, or a dash of hot sauce for a kick of heat.

Make-Ahead and Freezing

• Convenience: Stuffed potatoes can be prepared ahead of time and frozen for future enjoyment, making them a convenient option for busy days or meal planning.
• Assembly: Follow the recipe until the stuffing stage, then assemble the potatoes with the filling. Place the assembled potatoes on a baking sheet and freeze until firm.
• Storage: Once frozen, wrap the stuffed potatoes individually in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and store them in an airtight container or freezer bag. They can be stored in the freezer for up to four months.
• Reheating: When ready to enjoy, bake the frozen stuffed potatoes directly from the freezer at 400°F (200°C) for 40 to 50 minutes, or until heated through and golden brown. This allows for easy reheating without sacrificing flavor or texture.

Conclusion

Baked stuffed potatoes are a timeless comfort food that never fails to impress. Whether served as a side dish, appetizer, or main course, their rich and indulgent flavor is sure to delight your taste buds. With this comprehensive guide, you’ll be well-equipped to master the art of making perfect baked stuffed potatoes every time. So, gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to enjoy a culinary masterpiece that’s sure to become a family favorite.