Onion Bacon Cheese Stuffed Baked Potatoes ๐ฅ๐ฅ๐ง
Overview:
Looking to elevate your potato game? These Onion Bacon Cheese Stuffed Baked Potatoes are the answer! Imagine fluffy baked potatoes filled to the brim with crispy bacon, savory onions, and ooey-gooey cheddar cheese. It’s a comforting dish that’s perfect for a cozy weeknight meal or a delightful side for a gathering. Let’s dive into the delicious details! ๐
Ingredients:
Quantity | Ingredient |
---|---|
4 | Baking potatoes |
1/2 | Pound bacon |
1 | Medium onion |
1 | Cup cheddar cheese |
1/2 | Cup sour cream |
2 | Tablespoons milk |
4 | Ounces shredded cheddar cheese (for topping) |
Instructions:
- Preparation Time: 15 minutes
- Cooking Time: 1 hour
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
Step 1: Prepare the Potatoes
- Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius).
- Scrub the baking potatoes clean and pat them dry with a kitchen towel.
- Using a fork, poke several holes around each potato to allow steam to escape while baking.
Step 2: Bake the Potatoes
- Place the potatoes directly on the oven rack or a baking sheet.
- Bake for about 1 hour, or until they are tender and easily pierced with a fork.
Step 3: Prep the Filling
- While the potatoes are baking, chop the bacon into small pieces.
- In a skillet over medium heat, fry the bacon until it turns crispy and golden brown.
- Once done, remove the bacon from the pan and set it aside on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess grease.
Step 4: Sautรฉ the Onions
- In the same skillet with the bacon drippings, add the finely chopped onion.
- Sautรฉ the onion until it becomes translucent and caramelized, absorbing all the flavorful bacon goodness.
- Remove the skillet from heat and set aside.
Step 5: Prepare the Potato Mixture
- Once the baked potatoes are done, allow them to cool slightly.
- Carefully slice each potato in half lengthwise.
- Using a spoon, scoop out the insides of the potatoes into a large mixing bowl, leaving a thin layer of potato flesh inside the skins.
- To the bowl with the scooped-out potatoes, add the cooked bacon pieces, sautรฉed onions, cubed cheddar cheese, sour cream, and milk.
Step 6: Mash and Mix
- Using a potato masher or fork, mash the potato mixture until smooth and well combined.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste, adjusting as needed.
- The mixture should be creamy and flavorful, with the bacon, onions, and cheese evenly distributed.
Step 7: Fill the Potato Skins
- Take each empty potato skin and generously fill it with the creamy potato mixture.
- Pile it high, as these stuffed potatoes are meant to be indulgent!
Step 8: Final Bake
- Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius) again.
- Place the filled potato skins on a baking sheet.
- Bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the tops are slightly golden and the filling is heated through.
Step 9: Add the Cheese Topping
- Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese on top of each stuffed potato.
- Return the potatoes to the oven for a few more minutes, just until the cheese melts and turns gooey and irresistible.
Step 10: Serve and Enjoy!
- Remove the stuffed potatoes from the oven and let them cool for a minute or two.
- Garnish with chopped chives, green onions, or a dollop of sour cream if desired.
- Serve these Onion Bacon Cheese Stuffed Baked Potatoes hot and fresh, savoring each creamy, cheesy bite!
Tips and Tricks:
-
Make-Ahead: You can prepare the potato filling ahead of time and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. When ready to serve, simply fill the potato skins and bake as directed.
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Freezing: These stuffed potatoes freeze wonderfully! After filling the potato skins, place them on a baking sheet and freeze until firm. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. When craving strikes, bake the frozen stuffed potatoes at 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius) for about 30-40 minutes, or until heated through.
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Customize: Get creative with your fillings! Add cooked vegetables like broccoli or bell peppers, swap the bacon for cooked sausage or ham, or try different cheeses for unique flavor profiles.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving):
- Calories: 701.4
- Total Fat: 50.8g
- Saturated Fat: 24.4g
- Cholesterol: 111.7mg
- Sodium: 850.4mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 36.8g
- Dietary Fiber: 3.2g
- Sugars: 3.4g
- Protein: 25g
Serving Suggestions:
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These Onion Bacon Cheese Stuffed Baked Potatoes are a meal on their own, but they also pair wonderfully with a fresh garden salad or a side of steamed vegetables for a complete and satisfying dinner.
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Serve them at your next gathering or potluck for a dish that’s sure to impress friends and family.
Whether you’re looking for a comforting weeknight meal or a crowd-pleasing party dish, these Onion Bacon Cheese Stuffed Baked Potatoes are guaranteed to be a hit! ๐๐ฅ๐ฅ๐ง Enjoy the creamy, cheesy goodness with every bite, and savor the flavors of crispy bacon, savory onions, and melty cheddar cheese. It’s comfort food at its finest!