These Stuffed Baked Potatoes are a comforting and flavorful dish with crispy skins, creamy mashed insides, savory bacon, and melted mozzarella. Perfect as a main dish, appetizer, or side.
Preparation Time
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cooking Time: 60 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
Ingredients
- 600 g (4 medium-sized) potatoes
- 200 g (7 oz) bacon, diced
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil
- 2 tbsp butter, softened
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
- 100 g (1 cup) mozzarella, shredded
Directions
Bake the Potatoes:
- Preheat the oven to 200°C (392°F).
- Wash and dry the potatoes thoroughly.
- Rub the potatoes with vegetable oil and sprinkle with salt.
- Place the potatoes directly on the oven rack or on a baking sheet.
- Bake for 50–60 minutes or until the potatoes are tender and the skins are crispy.
Prepare the Bacon:
- Heat a skillet over medium heat.
- Cook the diced bacon until crispy.
- Remove from the skillet and drain on paper towels.
Scoop and Mash:
- Let the baked potatoes cool slightly.
- Cut each potato in half lengthwise.
- Scoop out the insides into a bowl, leaving a thin shell to hold the stuffing.
- Mash the scooped potato with butter, salt, and black pepper to taste.
Stuff the Potatoes:
- Mix the mashed potato with half of the crispy bacon and half of the shredded mozzarella.
- Spoon the mixture back into the potato shells.
- Top with the remaining mozzarella and bacon.
Final Bake:
- Place the stuffed potatoes on a baking sheet.
- Return to the oven and bake at 200°C (392°F) for 10–15 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Serve:
- Serve hot, garnished with fresh herbs like parsley or chives if desired.
5 Serving Suggestions
- Pair with a crisp green salad for a balanced meal.
- Serve with sour cream or ranch dressing for dipping.
- Enjoy alongside grilled chicken or steak.
- Add a dollop of guacamole for a flavorful twist.
- Top with extra crispy onions or fried garlic for added crunch.
Cooking Tips
- Use starchy potatoes like russets for fluffier results.
- Avoid scooping out too much potato to keep the shells sturdy.
- For extra creaminess, mix in sour cream or cream cheese with the mashed filling.
- Experiment with additional toppings like sautéed mushrooms, green onions, or jalapeños.
- Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 3 days and reheat in the oven to maintain crispiness.
Nutritional Benefits
- Potatoes: Rich in potassium and vitamin C.
- Bacon: Provides protein and a smoky flavor.
- Mozzarella: Adds calcium and a creamy texture.
Dietary Information
- Gluten-free.
- Contains dairy.
Nutritional Facts (Per Stuffed Potato Half)
- Calories: 250
- Protein: 9 g
- Carbohydrates: 22 g
- Fat: 14 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Sugar: 1 g
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Simple and quick to prepare with minimal ingredients.
- Perfectly crispy, cheesy, and loaded with bacon flavor.
- Versatile dish suitable for any meal or occasion.
- Customizable with your favorite toppings and add-ins.
Conclusion
These Stuffed Baked Potatoes with Bacon and Mozzarella are the ultimate comfort food, delivering a perfect combination of creamy, cheesy, and smoky flavors. Whether for a family dinner or a special treat, this recipe is sure to impress. Try it today and enjoy every bite!
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I use sweet potatoes? Yes, sweet potatoes add a unique flavor and work just as well.
- Can I make them vegetarian? Replace bacon with sautéed mushrooms or spinach for a vegetarian version.
- Can I prepare them ahead of time? Yes, assemble the stuffed potatoes and refrigerate. Bake just before serving.
- What cheese works best? Mozzarella, cheddar, or gouda are great choices.
- Can I add other vegetables? Yes, diced bell peppers, broccoli, or corn make great additions.
- How do I store leftovers? Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- How do I reheat stuffed potatoes? Reheat in the oven at 180°C (356°F) for 10–15 minutes.
- Can I freeze them? Yes, freeze before the final bake. Thaw and bake when ready to serve.
- What herbs go well with this dish? Fresh parsley, chives, or thyme add great flavor.
- Can I use store-bought bacon bits? Yes, they’re a quick alternative to frying fresh bacon.