Bacon and Pea Stuffed Potatoes

🥓🥔🌱 Bacon and Pea Stuffed Potatoes 🍽️

What is it?
Bacon and Pea Stuffed Potatoes are a delicious and hearty dish that combines the earthy flavors of potatoes, the savory goodness of bacon, and the freshness of peas. It’s a delightful comfort food that’s perfect for a cozy meal.

History:
The exact origin of this dish is a bit unclear, but it falls under the broader category of stuffed potatoes, which have been enjoyed by many cultures for centuries. The combination of bacon and peas is popular in Western cuisines, making this a delightful twist on a classic.

Components:

• Potatoes: You’ll need large russet potatoes, as they’re great for baking.
• Bacon: Crispy bacon bits add a rich, smoky flavor.
• Peas: Green peas provide a burst of color and a refreshing taste.
• Cheese: Optional, but cheese like cheddar or Parmesan can be added for extra creaminess.
• Sour Cream and Chives: Common toppings for extra flavor.

Steps to Prepare:

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).

2. Prepare Potatoes: Wash and scrub the potatoes, then prick them with a fork several times to allow steam to escape during baking.

3. Bake Potatoes: Place the potatoes directly on the oven rack and bake for about 45-60 minutes, or until they’re tender when pierced with a fork.

4. Cook Bacon: While the potatoes are baking, cook the bacon until it’s crispy. Then, crumble or chop it into small pieces.

5. Prepare Peas: Cook the peas according to the package instructions. You can use fresh or frozen peas.

6. Cut and Hollow Potatoes: Once the potatoes are done, cut off the top 1/4 to 1/3 of each potato and scoop out the insides, leaving a thin shell.

7. Mash and Mix: Mash the scooped-out potato flesh and mix it with the cooked bacon and peas. Add cheese, sour cream, and chives if desired. Season with salt and pepper.

8. Stuff Potatoes: Fill the hollowed potato shells with the bacon and pea mixture.

9. Bake Again: Place the stuffed potatoes back in the oven for about 15-20 minutes, or until they’re heated through and slightly golden on top.

10. Serve: Garnish with more sour cream and chives if desired. Serve your Bacon and Pea Stuffed Potatoes hot.

Time Needed:
The total time needed for this dish varies, but it typically takes about 1.5 to 2 hours, considering prep and cooking time. The hands-on preparation should take around 30-40 minutes.

Enjoy your Bacon and Pea Stuffed Potatoes – a delightful combination of flavors and a crowd-pleaser! 🥓🥔🌱🍽️

Certainly! Here are the nutrition facts and some health information for Bacon and Pea Stuffed Potatoes:

Nutrition Facts (Approximate, Per Serving):

• Calories: 350-400 kcal
• Protein: 10-15 grams
• Carbohydrates: 35-45 grams
• Dietary Fiber: 4-6 grams
• Sugars: 2-4 grams
• Fat: 18-22 grams
• Saturated Fat: 6-8 grams
• Cholesterol: 20-30 mg
• Sodium: 500-600 mg
• Potassium: 800-1000 mg
• Vitamin C: 20-25% of the Daily Value (DV)
• Calcium: 10-15% of the DV
• Iron: 10-15% of the DV

Health Information:

1. Moderate Calories: Bacon and Pea Stuffed Potatoes are moderately calorie-dense due to the bacon and cheese. If you’re conscious of calorie intake, consider portion control.

2. Good Source of Fiber: These potatoes provide a decent amount of dietary fiber, which can help with digestion and provide a feeling of fullness.

3. Protein Content: The dish contains a moderate amount of protein, thanks to the bacon and peas. Protein is essential for muscle health and overall body function.

4. Moderate Fat: The fat content in this dish is moderate, primarily from the bacon and any cheese added. Be mindful of saturated fat intake, as it can affect heart health.

5. Vitamins and Minerals: These stuffed potatoes can be a good source of vitamin C, which is important for your immune system, and potassium, which is vital for maintaining healthy blood pressure and muscle function.

6. Sodium Content: Depending on how you season the dish, the sodium content can vary. Be cautious with added salt, as high sodium intake may contribute to high blood pressure.

7. Balanced Meal: Bacon and Pea Stuffed Potatoes can be part of a balanced meal when paired with vegetables or a side salad to increase the nutrient diversity.

8. Customization: You can make this dish healthier by using turkey bacon or reducing the amount of bacon and cheese, and adding more vegetables. Experiment with different ingredients to suit your dietary preferences and needs.

Remember that the nutrition values can vary based on the specific ingredients and portion sizes you use, so it’s a good idea to calculate the exact nutritional information if you have specific dietary requirements.