Oven-Fried Stuffed Potatoes

If you’re craving a dish that feels like comfort food but with a little extra pizzazz, Oven-Fried Stuffed Potatoes are here to deliver! Imagine perfectly baked potatoes with a crispy, golden exterior, bursting with savory, cheesy, and creamy fillings. These potatoes have it all—texture, flavor, and a little crunch, making them the perfect side dish or a satisfying main for a cozy night in. Plus, they’re super customizable, so you can load them up with whatever you love (hello, bacon, cheese, and sour cream!). Trust me, this dish is bound to become a favorite in your rotation. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or just looking to spice up your weeknight meals, these oven-fried stuffed potatoes will be your new go-to.

Why You’ll Love Oven-Fried Stuffed Potatoes

Here’s why these potatoes are a game-changer:

• Crispy & Creamy Combo: The crispy outer layer combined with the creamy filling inside creates the perfect balance of textures in every bite.
• Customizable: You can stuff these potatoes with anything from bacon to broccoli or even pulled pork. They’re as versatile as they are delicious!
• Make-Ahead Friendly: You can prep the potatoes ahead of time, and when you’re ready to serve, just pop them in the oven for that golden, crispy finish.
• Perfect for Any Meal: Whether you’re serving them as a side dish or enjoying them as a main course, these potatoes are a total crowd-pleaser.
• Comforting Yet Lighter: These stuffed potatoes offer all the comfort food vibes without being too heavy. They’re a balanced, satisfying meal.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to create these oven-fried stuffed potatoes:

• Russet Potatoes: These starchy potatoes are the perfect base for stuffing. Their skin crisps up beautifully in the oven, while the inside becomes soft and fluffy.
• Sour Cream: For that creamy, tangy filling that pairs perfectly with the potatoes.
• Cheddar Cheese: Melted cheddar adds richness and flavor to the stuffing.
• Bacon: Crispy bacon bits bring a savory, smoky crunch to the mix.
• Chives: Fresh chives add a burst of color and a mild onion flavor to the filling.
• Butter: For a bit of richness in the stuffing and to help create that crispy exterior.
• Olive Oil: To brush on the potatoes before baking, giving them that golden, fried-like crisp.
• Salt & Pepper: To season everything to perfection.

(Note: Full ingredient measurements are in the recipe card below.)

Instructions

Let’s dive into how to make these crispy, stuffed potatoes:

Step 1: Bake the Potatoes

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Wash and dry the russet potatoes, then prick them a few times with a fork to allow steam to escape. Rub each potato with olive oil and season with salt and pepper. Place the potatoes directly on the oven rack and bake for 45-60 minutes, or until the skins are crispy, and a fork easily pierces through the center. Once they’re done, remove them from the oven and allow them to cool slightly.

Step 2: Prepare the Filling

While the potatoes are baking, cook the bacon until crispy and crumble it into small pieces. In a bowl, mix together the sour cream, melted butter, cheddar cheese, chives, bacon, salt, and pepper. This is your creamy, cheesy stuffing!

Step 3: Hollow Out the Potatoes

Once the potatoes are cool enough to handle, slice each potato in half lengthwise. Use a spoon to scoop out the insides, leaving about a ¼-inch border around the skin. Place the scooped-out potato flesh in a separate bowl.

Step 4: Mix the Potato Flesh

Mash the scooped-out potato with a fork or potato masher, and then fold in the cheesy sour cream mixture you made earlier. Mix everything together until it’s nice and creamy.

Step 5: Stuff the Potatoes

Spoon the mashed potato filling back into the potato skins, packing them generously. Sprinkle some extra cheese on top for a gooey, melted finish.

Step 6: Oven-Fry the Potatoes

Place the stuffed potatoes on a baking sheet, drizzle with a little more olive oil if desired, and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the tops are golden and bubbly.

Step 7: Serve and Enjoy

Once they’re crispy and golden on top, remove them from the oven. Garnish with extra chives or bacon bits, and serve hot. These oven-fried stuffed potatoes are sure to be a hit at the table!

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 4
Calories per serving: 420
Total Fat: 26g
Saturated Fat: 12g
Trans Fat: 0g
Cholesterol: 45mg
Sodium: 640mg
Total Carbohydrate: 40g
Dietary Fiber: 5g
Sugars: 2g
Protein: 11g
Vitamin A: 15%
Vitamin C: 25%
Calcium: 20%
Iron: 10%

Preparation Time

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 60 minutes
• Total Time: 75 minutes

How to Serve Oven-Fried Stuffed Potatoes

These stuffed potatoes are perfect as a side dish or a main course. Here are a few ways to serve them:

• With Grilled Meat: Serve alongside grilled steak, chicken, or pork chops for a hearty meal.
• As a Vegetarian Main: They’re rich and filling enough to be a standalone dish, especially if you add some sautéed veggies or a fresh salad on the side.
• Pair with a Fresh Salad: A simple green salad with a tangy vinaigrette is the perfect fresh contrast to the rich, cheesy potatoes.
• Top with More Toppings: Customize your potatoes with extra toppings like sautéed mushrooms, shredded chicken, or even a dollop of guacamole for a fun twist.

Additional Tips

• Make-Ahead: You can prepare these stuffed potatoes ahead of time by stuffing them and refrigerating them until you’re ready to bake. Just pop them in the oven to get that crispy finish.
• Customizable Fillings: Feel free to get creative with your stuffing! Add roasted vegetables, pulled pork, or even a bit of hot sauce for an extra kick.
• Leftovers: These potatoes store well! Store any leftovers in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven for the best crispy texture.

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I use a different type of potato?
A1: Russet potatoes are ideal for this recipe due to their fluffy texture and thick skin, but you can use Yukon Gold potatoes for a creamier filling.

Q2: Can I make these potatoes ahead of time?
A2: Yes! You can stuff the potatoes and refrigerate them for up to 24 hours before baking them to crispy perfection.

Q3: How do I store leftovers?
A3: Store any leftover stuffed potatoes in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven to keep the skins crispy.

Q4: Can I freeze these potatoes?
A4: Yes, you can freeze them before the second baking step. Just wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and foil, then freeze for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, bake from frozen at 375°F (190°C) for 30-40 minutes.

Q5: Can I make these potatoes vegetarian?
A5: Absolutely! Skip the bacon and add sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or any other veggies you love to the filling for a delicious vegetarian version.

Q6: Can I use a different cheese instead of cheddar?
A6: Yes, you can use mozzarella, gouda, or even a sharp parmesan for a different flavor profile.

Q7: How can I make these potatoes spicier?
A7: Add some chopped jalapeños, hot sauce, or even some cayenne pepper to the filling for a spicy kick.

Q8: Can I cook these potatoes in an air fryer?
A8: Yes! Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C), then cook the stuffed potatoes for about 12-15 minutes, or until they’re crispy and golden.

Q9: Can I use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream?
A9: Yes! Greek yogurt will give you a tangy and creamy filling while cutting back on some fat and calories.

Q10: What other toppings can I add?
A10: You can top these with extra cheese, sour cream, salsa, or even a poached egg for added richness!

Conclusion

These Oven-Fried Stuffed Potatoes are the perfect balance of crispy, creamy, and savory goodness. Whether you’re serving them for a special occasion or as a regular weeknight dinner, they’re sure to impress. Customize them with your favorite fillings, and you’ll have a dish that everyone will rave about. Happy cooking, and enjoy every crispy, cheesy bite!

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