Cheesy Bacon Potato Boats

Recipe: Potato Boats with Cheddar and Bacon

Category: Side Dishes
Servings: 4

Ingredients:

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Potatoes: Start by washing the potatoes thoroughly under cold running water. Dry them with a clean kitchen towel and prick the skin with a fork. This will help steam escape as the potatoes cook. Bake the potatoes at 200°C (390°F) for about 45 minutes or until tender when pierced with a fork. Set them aside to cool slightly.

2. Prepare the Filling: While the potatoes are baking, dice the smoked bacon and cheddar cheese into small pieces (approximately 4-5mm cubes). In a small saucepan, melt the butter over low heat.

3. Scoop Out the Potatoes: Once the potatoes are cooked and cool enough to handle, cut them in half lengthwise, being careful not to break the skin. Use a teaspoon to scoop out the flesh, leaving a ½ cm thick border along the edges of the skin. Place the potato halves on a baking tray and brush the insides with the melted butter.

4. Cook the Bacon: In a hot frying pan or griddle, cook the diced bacon until it becomes crispy, rendering out all the fat. Once crisp, remove from heat.

5. Assemble the Potato Boats: Spoon the crispy bacon into the hollowed-out potato halves, followed by a generous portion of diced cheddar cheese. Sprinkle a little salt and black pepper over the top for extra flavor.

6. Bake the Boats: Return the potato boats to the oven and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes or until the cheese is melted and the potato boats are golden brown.

7. Garnish and Serve: Once done, remove from the oven. Sprinkle the potato boats with freshly chopped parsley and serve immediately, ensuring each bite is full of delicious melted cheese, crispy bacon, and a perfectly cooked potato boat!

Enjoy these delightful, cheesy potato boats with the smoky richness of bacon—an irresistible side dish that brings warmth and flavor to any meal!