Stuffed Baked Potato
Ingredients:
- 4 large baking potatoes
- 1 cup grated cheese (cheddar or any melting cheese of your choice)
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 4 slices of bacon, cooked and crumbled (optional)
- 2 green onions, finely chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Olive oil for brushing
- Chopped fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Scrub the potatoes clean under running water to remove any dirt. Pat them dry with a paper towel.
3. Pierce each potato a few times with a fork or knife. This allows steam to escape while baking.
4. Rub the potatoes with a little olive oil and sprinkle them with salt. This helps to make the skins crispy and flavorful.
5. Place the potatoes directly on the oven rack or on a baking sheet lined with aluminum foil. Bake for about 45-60 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender when pierced with a fork.
6. While the potatoes are baking, prepare the filling. In a mixing bowl, combine the grated cheese, sour cream, crumbled bacon (if using), chopped green onions, salt, and pepper. Mix well until everything is evenly combined.
7. Once the potatoes are done, remove them from the oven and let them cool slightly until they are cool enough to handle.
8. Carefully slice off the top third of each potato lengthwise. Using a spoon, scoop out the flesh from the potatoes, leaving a thin layer of flesh attached to the skins.
9. Mash the potato flesh with a fork and add it to the cheese mixture. Stir until well combined.
10. Stuff the potato skins with the cheese and potato mixture, dividing it evenly among the potatoes.
11. Return the stuffed potatoes to the oven and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the filling is heated through and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
12. Once done, remove the stuffed potatoes from the oven and garnish with chopped fresh parsley, if desired.
13. Serve the stuffed potatoes hot as a delicious side dish or a satisfying main course. Enjoy!
This recipe is versatile, so feel free to customize it by adding other ingredients like cooked chopped vegetables, herbs, or spices to suit your taste preferences.