Are you ready to elevate your potato game to a whole new level? This Baked Potato Cheesy Dish is not just your average side; it's a cheesy, creamy, and utterly irresistible delight that will have your taste buds dancing! With just a handful of ingredients and a little bit of love, you can transform simple baked potatoes into a mouthwatering masterpiece that’s perfect for family dinners or gatherings. Trust us, once you try this recipe, you’ll be craving it again and again. Let’s dive into the cheesy goodness that awaits!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 45 mins
Total Time: 60 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 4 large potatoes, baked and mashed
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/4 cup milk
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Wash the potatoes thoroughly, scrubbing away any dirt.
- Pierce each potato multiple times with a fork to allow steam to escape during baking. Place potatoes directly on the oven rack and bake for 45-50 minutes, or until they are soft when pierced with a knife.
- Remove potatoes from the oven and let them cool for 5-10 minutes until they are comfortable to handle. Cut each potato in half lengthwise.
- Scoop out the potato flesh into a large mixing bowl, leaving a thin layer attached to the skin to help maintain the potato's structure.
- Mash the potato flesh with a potato masher or fork until smooth and creamy.
- Add shredded cheddar cheese, sour cream, and milk to the mashed potatoes. Mix thoroughly until all ingredients are well combined.
- Season the mixture with salt and pepper, tasting and adjusting the seasoning as needed.
- Spoon the cheesy potato mixture back into the potato skins, mounding it slightly.
- Sprinkle additional cheese on top of each stuffed potato half.
- Return the stuffed potatoes to the oven and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and slightly golden.
- Remove from the oven and let cool for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with optional toppings like chopped chives or crispy bacon bits if desired.
Tips
- Choose the Right Potatoes: Opt for starchy potatoes like Russets for the best texture. They become fluffy and creamy when baked, making them ideal for this cheesy dish.
- Don’t Rush the Baking: Make sure to bake the potatoes until they are fork-tender. This ensures a soft and creamy filling that will blend perfectly with the cheese and sour cream.
- Mix It Up: Feel free to customize your cheesy mixture by adding ingredients like cooked bacon, sautéed onions, or even jalapeños for a spicy kick.
- Perfectly Seasoned: Taste your potato mixture before stuffing it back into the skins. Adjust the salt and pepper to suit your palate—this step is key to achieving that perfect flavor balance.
- Golden Cheese Topping: For an extra crispy topping, broil the stuffed potatoes for the last 2-3 minutes of baking. Just keep a close eye on them to prevent burning!
- Garnish for Flair: Elevate your presentation with fresh herbs like chives or parsley, or sprinkle some crispy bacon bits on top for added texture and flavor.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 320kcal
Carbohydrates: 35g
Protein: 12g
Fat: 16g
Saturated Fat: 9g
Cholesterol: 45mg
