Classic Stuffed Twice Baked Potatoes Recipe
Description:
Indulge in the timeless delight of Classic Stuffed Twice Baked Potatoes – a hearty, comforting dish perfect for any occasion. These potatoes are meticulously prepared, ensuring a creamy texture and rich flavor that will tantalize your taste buds. Ideal for meal prep, you can make them in advance and simply reheat whenever hunger strikes. This recipe boasts the delightful combination of buttery mashed potatoes, tangy sour cream, and sharp cheddar cheese, resulting in a dish that’s both comforting and satisfying. Whether you’re hosting a gathering or simply craving a delicious homemade treat, these stuffed potatoes are sure to impress!
- Cook Time: 1 hour and 12 minutes
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour and 27 minutes
- Recipe Category: Potato
- Keywords: Vegetable, Kid Friendly, < 4 Hours
Ingredients:
- 4 baking potatoes
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/3 cup sour cream
- 1/3 cup sharp cheddar cheese, grated
- 1 tablespoon milk
- 4 slices American cheese (for topping)
Nutritional Information (per serving):
- Calories: 293.5
- Fat Content: 16.4g
- Saturated Fat: 10.1g
- Cholesterol: 44.7mg
- Sodium: 559.6mg
- Carbohydrates: 29.4g
- Fiber: 2.5g
- Sugar: 1.9g
- Protein: 8.3g
Instructions:
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Preheat Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). This ensures that it’s perfectly heated when it’s time to bake the potatoes.
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Prepare Potatoes: Thoroughly scrub the baking potatoes under running water to remove any dirt or debris. Then, using a fork, pierce each potato several times to allow steam to escape during baking.
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Bake Potatoes: Place the potatoes directly on the oven rack and bake for approximately one hour, or until they are fully cooked. The skins should be crisp and the insides tender.
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Cool Potatoes: Once the potatoes are done, carefully remove them from the oven and allow them to cool slightly. Handling them with care, as they will be hot.
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Prepare Filling: Cut each potato in half lengthwise, and using a spoon, carefully scoop out the potato flesh, being cautious not to tear the skins. Place the scooped-out potato flesh in a large bowl, and set the skins aside for later use.
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Mash Potatoes: To the bowl of potato flesh, add the butter and salt. Using a potato masher or fork, mash the potatoes until they are smooth and free of lumps.
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Add Sour Cream and Cheese: Once the potatoes are mashed, add the sour cream and grated sharp cheddar cheese. Continue to mash until well combined and creamy.
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Adjust Consistency: Add one tablespoon of milk to the potato mixture and mash it in. If the mixture seems too thick, gradually add more milk, one tablespoon at a time, until you reach your desired creamy consistency.
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Season to Taste: Taste the mixture and add additional salt if needed, according to your preference.
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Fill Potato Skins: Take each potato skin and fill it with the creamy potato mixture, ensuring each skin is generously filled.
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Top with Cheese: Place a half slice of American cheese on top of each filled potato, ensuring even coverage.
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Reheat: Return the stuffed potatoes to the oven and bake until they are heated through and the cheese is melted and bubbly, typically around 10-15 minutes.
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Serve: Once heated through, remove the potatoes from the oven and serve immediately, garnished with your favorite toppings if desired.
Tips:
- For an extra indulgent twist, sprinkle some crispy cooked bacon or chopped chives over the stuffed potatoes before serving.
- These stuffed potatoes can be made ahead of time and refrigerated until ready to bake. Simply follow the recipe until step 12, then cover and refrigerate. When ready to serve, bake as directed, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time if needed.
- If freezing the stuffed potatoes, omit placing the cheese slices on top until just before baking. Additionally, consider adding a bit more milk to the potato mixture before filling the skins, as freezing can sometimes affect the creaminess of the potatoes.
- Experiment with different cheese varieties for a unique flavor profile. While sharp cheddar cheese is recommended in this recipe, feel free to substitute with your favorite cheese for a personalized touch.
Conclusion:
Indulge in the irresistible allure of Classic Stuffed Twice Baked Potatoes – a timeless favorite that’s perfect for any occasion. With its creamy texture, bold flavors, and versatile nature, this recipe is sure to become a staple in your culinary repertoire. Whether served as a comforting side dish or a satisfying main course, these stuffed potatoes are guaranteed to please even the most discerning palates. So gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and prepare to delight in the deliciousness of homemade stuffed potatoes!