Italian Stuffed Potatoes, a delightful and hearty dish that marries the comfort of baked potatoes with the rich flavors of Italian cuisine, is a perfect choice for a satisfying meal on any occasion! These sumptuous spuds are generously filled with a savory mixture of vegetables and cheeses, creating a mouthwatering blend of textures and tastes. With a prep time of just 30 minutes and a total cook time of 2 hours, including baking and assembling, this recipe is ideal for both weeknight dinners and special gatherings with loved ones.
Ingredients:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Baking potatoes | 6 |
| Butter | 1/2 cup |
| Green pepper | 1 |
| Onion | 1 |
| Garlic clove | 1 |
| Salt | To taste |
| Pepper | To taste |
| Ricotta cheese | 1/2 cup |
| Parmesan cheese | 1 cup |
Instructions:
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Preheat the Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C).
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Bake Potatoes: Wash the baking potatoes thoroughly and pierce them with a fork. Place them on a baking sheet and bake in the preheated oven for 55-60 minutes, or until they are tender when pierced with a fork.
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Prepare the Filling: While the potatoes are baking, melt the butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the diced green pepper, onion, minced garlic, salt, and pepper to the skillet. Sauté the mixture until the vegetables are tender and fragrant. Remove from heat and set aside.
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Scoop Out Potatoes: Once the potatoes are done baking, remove them from the oven and allow them to cool slightly. Carefully slice off about 1 inch from the top of each potato. Using a spoon, scoop out the insides of the potatoes, being careful not to tear the skins.
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Mix the Filling: Place the scooped-out potato pulp into a large mixing bowl. Add the sautéed onion mixture, ricotta cheese, and grated Parmesan cheese to the bowl. Using an electric mixer, beat the ingredients until they are well blended and smooth.
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Fill the Potato Shells: Spoon the creamy filling mixture into the hollowed-out potato shells, distributing it evenly among them.
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Bake Again: Arrange the stuffed potatoes on a baking sheet and return them to the oven. Bake for an additional 20-30 minutes, or until the filling is heated through and the tops of the potatoes are lightly golden brown.
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Serve and Enjoy: Once the Italian Stuffed Potatoes are baked to perfection, remove them from the oven and serve them hot, garnished with fresh herbs if desired.
Tips and Variations:
- Make Ahead: These stuffed potatoes can be assembled a day in advance and refrigerated until ready to bake. Simply increase the baking time slightly to ensure they are heated through.
- Freezing Instructions: To freeze the stuffed potatoes, follow the recipe up to step 7, but do not bake them. Instead, place the filled potato shells on a baking sheet and freeze until firm. Once frozen, wrap each potato individually in plastic wrap and store them in a large freezer bag. When ready to enjoy, thaw the potatoes in the refrigerator overnight, then bake as directed, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.
- Customize the Fillings: Feel free to get creative with the filling ingredients! Add cooked bacon, diced ham, chopped spinach, or sun-dried tomatoes for extra flavor and variety.
- Serve with Accompaniments: Italian Stuffed Potatoes pair wonderfully with a side salad, garlic bread, or steamed vegetables for a complete and satisfying meal.
With its creamy, cheesy filling and crispy potato skins, Italian Stuffed Potatoes are sure to become a favorite in your recipe collection. Whether you’re serving them as a comforting weeknight dinner or impressing guests at a dinner party, these delicious spuds are guaranteed to delight your taste buds and leave you craving more!
