Stuffed potatoes are the ultimate comfort food — crispy baked potato shells filled with creamy mashed potato, cheese, bacon, and flavorful seasonings. These hearty potatoes are perfect as a side dish, snack, or even a satisfying main meal loaded with your favorite toppings.
Prep Time
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
- Servings: 4 servings
Equipment
- Baking sheet
- Fork
- Mixing bowl
- Spoon
- Potato masher
- Knife
- Cheese grater
Ingredients
- 4 large russet potatoes
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 4 tablespoons butter
- ½ cup sour cream
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 4 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
- 2 green onions, sliced
- ¼ cup milk
Ingredient Notes
- Russet potatoes: Best choice for fluffy baked potatoes.
- Cheddar cheese: Sharp cheddar gives the richest flavor.
- Sour cream: Adds creaminess and tanginess.
- Bacon: Optional, but adds smoky crunch.
Instructions
Step 1: Bake the Potatoes
Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Scrub potatoes clean and dry them well. Pierce each potato several times with a fork, rub with olive oil, and sprinkle with salt.
Place on a baking sheet and bake for 50–60 minutes until tender.
Step 2: Prepare the Filling
Allow potatoes to cool slightly. Slice each potato lengthwise and carefully scoop out the inside into a mixing bowl, leaving a thin shell.
Step 3: Mix the Filling
Add butter, sour cream, milk, black pepper, and half the cheese to the potato filling. Mash until creamy. Stir in bacon and green onions.
Step 4: Stuff the Potatoes
Spoon the filling back into the potato shells. Top with remaining cheese.
Step 5: Bake Again
Return stuffed potatoes to the oven and bake for 15 minutes until cheese is melted and tops are golden.
Step 6: Serve
Garnish with extra green onions or sour cream and serve hot.
Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)
- Calories: 430
- Protein: 13g
- Carbohydrates: 42g
- Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Fiber: 4g
- Sodium: 520mg
Tips
- Bake potatoes directly on the oven rack for crispier skins.
- Do not overmix the filling or it may become gummy.
- Add cooked broccoli for extra flavor and texture.
- Use leftover mashed potatoes for a quicker version.
Variations
Broccoli Cheddar Stuffed Potatoes
Add steamed broccoli florets to the filling.
Taco Stuffed Potatoes
Fill with seasoned ground beef, salsa, and pepper jack cheese.
Buffalo Chicken Potatoes
Mix shredded buffalo chicken into the filling.
Vegetarian Version
Skip bacon and add sautéed mushrooms or spinach.