Garlic and Herb Stuffed Baked Potatoes
๐ฅ Introduction:
Indulge in the comforting warmth of these Garlic and Herb Stuffed Baked Potatoes. They’re a delightful combination of fluffy baked potatoes filled with creamy, garlicky goodness and a hint of herbaceous flavor. Perfect for any occasion, these potatoes are not only delicious but also incredibly easy to prepare. Whether served as a side dish or a main course, they’re sure to impress with their savory taste and inviting aroma.
๐ Recipe Details:
- Name: Garlic and Herb Stuffed Baked Potatoes
- Cook Time: 1 hour and 30 minutes
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours
- Recipe Category: Potato
- Keywords: Vegetable, Weeknight, Oven, < 4 Hours
- Yield: 8 Potatoes
๐ฝ๏ธ Ingredients:
- 8 baking potatoes
- 1/3 cup milk
- 3 tablespoons butter
- 1 garlic and herb cheese
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
๐ช Instructions:
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Preheat oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 425ยฐF (220ยฐC). This ensures that your potatoes will bake evenly and develop a deliciously crispy skin.
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Bake potatoes: Using a fork, prick each potato several times to allow steam to escape during baking. Place them directly on the oven rack and bake for approximately 1 hour or until they are tender when pierced with a fork.
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Cool potatoes: Once baked, remove the potatoes from the oven and allow them to cool slightly until they are safe to handle. This step ensures that you can work with the potatoes without burning yourself.
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Prepare potatoes: Using a sharp knife, carefully cut off the top third of each potato horizontally. Set the tops aside, as you will use them later for garnishing.
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Scoop potatoes: With a spoon, gently scoop out the cooked potato flesh, leaving behind a thin shell about ยผ inch thick. Be careful not to tear the potato skin.
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Prepare filling: In a mixing bowl, combine the scooped potato flesh with milk, butter, salt, and pepper to taste. Mash the mixture until smooth and creamy, ensuring that all ingredients are well incorporated.
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Add cheese: Gently stir in the garlic and herb cheese until it is evenly distributed throughout the mashed potatoes. This adds a rich, savory flavor that complements the natural sweetness of the potatoes.
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Fill potato shells: Carefully spoon the mashed potato mixture back into the hollowed-out potato shells, ensuring that each shell is generously filled with the flavorful filling.
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Sprinkle with paprika: Sprinkle each stuffed potato with a pinch of paprika, adding a touch of color and smoky flavor to the dish.
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Bake again: Place the filled potato shells on an ungreased baking sheet and return them to the oven. Bake at 375ยฐF (190ยฐC) for approximately 30 minutes, or until the potatoes are heated through and the tops are lightly golden brown.
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Serve: Once baked to perfection, remove the stuffed potatoes from the oven and allow them to cool slightly before serving. Garnish with the reserved potato tops for an elegant presentation.
๐ด Serving Suggestions:
These Garlic and Herb Stuffed Baked Potatoes are incredibly versatile and can be served in a variety of ways. Here are some serving suggestions to inspire you:
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As a Side Dish: Pair these stuffed potatoes with your favorite steak or grilled chicken for a hearty and satisfying meal.
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As a Main Course: Serve these potatoes alongside a crisp green salad for a lighter meal option that’s still packed with flavor.
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With Toppings: Customize your stuffed potatoes with your favorite toppings, such as crispy bacon bits, chopped chives, or sour cream, for an extra layer of indulgence.
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For Entertaining: These stuffed potatoes are perfect for entertaining guests, as they can be prepared ahead of time and baked just before serving. Your guests will love the creamy texture and delicious flavor of these savory treats.
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As Leftovers: Enjoy any leftovers the next day by reheating them in the oven or microwave for a quick and satisfying meal on the go.
๐ Nutritional Information (per serving):
- Calories: 137.4
- Fat: 1.9g
- Saturated Fat: 1.2g
- Cholesterol: 5.2mg
- Sodium: 20.5mg
- Carbohydrates: 27.9g
- Fiber: 2.5g
- Sugar: 1.2g
- Protein: 2.9g
๐ก Tips and Tricks:
- For a crispy skin, rub the potatoes with olive oil and sprinkle with salt before baking.
- Experiment with different cheese blends for a unique flavor profile.
- Make these stuffed potatoes ahead of time and refrigerate them until ready to bake for easy meal prep.
- Serve with a dollop of sour cream or a sprinkle of fresh herbs for added freshness and flavor.
- Use leftover mashed potatoes to fill the potato shells for a time-saving twist on this classic recipe.
These Garlic and Herb Stuffed Baked Potatoes are sure to become a new family favorite. Whether enjoyed as a side dish or a main course, they’re a delicious and satisfying way to elevate your meals. So why wait? Gather your ingredients and get ready to savor the irresistible flavors of these delectable stuffed potatoes!
