Name: Stuffed Baked Potatoes - Easy u0026amp; Cheesy Roasted Potatoes
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 50 min
Total time: 1 h 10 min
Ingredients: 4 large baking potatoes (Russet or Yukon Gold); 1 tablespoon olive oil; Salt and black pepper to taste; 4 tablespoons butter, softened; 1/2 cup sour cream; 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese; 1/2 cup cooked bacon, crumbled; 2 tablespoons chopped chives or green onions; Salt and black pepper to taste; Additional shredded cheese; Sour cream dollops; Fresh chives; Crispy bacon bits

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Stuffed Baked Potatoes

Stuffed baked potatoes are a classic comfort food elevated to a gourmet experience. What makes this dish special is the perfect balance of a crisp, oven-roasted potato skin with a soft, creamy interior, packed with flavorful fillings. Every bite combines tender potato, melted cheese, rich bacon, sour cream, and aromatic herbs, creating a dish that’s both hearty and satisfying.

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People love stuffed baked potatoes because they are endlessly versatile, allowing for customization with proteins, vegetables, and seasonings. They can serve as a side dish, a main course for a light dinner, or even as part of a party spread. From oven baked new potatoes to twice baked potatoes for a crowd, this dish delivers comfort, flavor, and visual appeal in one plate. The combination of textures from the roasted skin to the creamy, cheesy filling makes every bite a delight. Whether served at a casual weeknight dinner or a festive gathering, stuffed baked potatoes are a reliable, crowd-pleasing choice that showcases the humble potato in its most indulgent form.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This stuffed baked potatoes recipe is more than just a baked potato with toppings.

Versatile and Customizable: You can easily adjust the filling to suit your taste add bacon, sautéed vegetables, shredded chicken, or even leftover roast beef.
Perfect for Entertaining: These potatoes are elegant enough for parties and large gatherings, yet easy enough for a weekday meal. Twice baked potatoes recipe for a party or baked potatoes party menus are a hit every time.
Comforting and Filling: With creamy interiors, melted cheese, and crispy skin, these flavorful stuffed potatoes offer a hearty bite that satisfies both kids and adults.
Make-Ahead Friendly: You can prep the potatoes and fillings in advance, making this dish ideal for stress-free entertaining or meal prep.
Inspires Creativity: The base of a roasted potato invites endless combinations sour cream, bacon, chives, or even chili for a hot potato recipe variation.

These aspects make this stuffed baked potatoes side dish a kitchen favorite for both casual meals and special occasions.

Preparation and Cooking Time

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Bake Time: 50-60 minutes (includes initial roasting and second baking)
Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
Servings: 4-6 stuffed potatoes

This timing allows for roasting, scooping, mixing, and baking the potatoes with a golden, cheesy top.

Ingredients

For the Potatoes:

4 large baking potatoes (Russet or Yukon Gold)
1 tablespoon olive oil
Salt and black pepper to taste

For the Filling:

4 tablespoons butter, softened
1/2 cup sour cream
1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1/2 cup cooked bacon, crumbled
2 tablespoons chopped chives or green onions
Salt and black pepper to taste

Optional Toppings:

Additional shredded cheese
Sour cream dollops
Fresh chives
Crispy bacon bits

Substitution Notes:

Butter can be replaced with olive oil for a lighter version.
Cheddar cheese can be swapped with Gruyère, mozzarella, or pepper jack for flavor variation.
Bacon can be replaced with ham, sautéed mushrooms, or crumbled sausage for a protein alternative.
Sour cream can be replaced with Greek yogurt for a tangier twist or for a lighter option.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Potatoes

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Scrub the potatoes thoroughly to remove any dirt and prick them a few times with a fork. Rub each potato with olive oil and sprinkle with salt. Place directly on the oven rack or on a baking sheet and roast for 45-50 minutes until the skins are crispy and the potatoes are tender when pierced with a fork. This gives you perfectly oven baked new potatoes as a base.

Step 2: Scoop Out the Potato Flesh

Remove the potatoes from the oven and let them cool slightly until you can handle them. Cut each potato in half lengthwise. Carefully scoop out the flesh into a medium mixing bowl, leaving about 1/4-inch of potato attached to the skin to maintain structure. Reserve the shells for stuffing.

Step 3: Prepare the Filling

Mash the scooped potato flesh with softened butter and sour cream until smooth and creamy. Stir in shredded cheddar cheese, crumbled bacon, and chopped chives. Season with salt and pepper to taste. This creates a rich, flavorful base for the stuffed potato dish.

Step 4: Stuff the Potatoes

Spoon the filling generously into each potato shell, mounding slightly for a visually appealing presentation. Sprinkle additional shredded cheese on top for a golden, bubbly finish during baking.

Step 5: Bake the Stuffed Potatoes

Return the stuffed potatoes to the oven and bake at 400°F for an additional 12-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and lightly golden. For extra crispiness, switch to broil mode for the last 1-2 minutes, keeping a close eye to prevent burning.

Step 6: Serve

Remove from the oven and let rest for 5 minutes. Garnish with fresh chives, additional bacon, or a dollop of sour cream if desired. Serve as a side dish alongside potato recipes side dishes ovens, roasted vegetables, or a fresh salad.

How to Serve

Plating: Place each stuffed potato on a plate and garnish with chopped chives, crumbled bacon, and a drizzle of sour cream for visual appeal.
Accompanying Dishes: Serve with roasted meats, grilled chicken, or a leafy green salad for a balanced meal.
Presentation Tips: Stack potatoes slightly on a serving platter for a family-style presentation or serve individually for a more elegant look.
Party Option: Arrange twice baked potatoes for a crowd on a large platter with mini serving utensils for buffet-style dining.

Additional Tips

Choose the Right Potato: Russet potatoes work best for baking due to their starchy texture, which creates fluffy interiors perfect for mashing.
Don’t Overstuff: Fill potatoes generously but not excessively to prevent spilling during baking.
Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Softened butter and room temperature sour cream blend better, producing a creamier filling.
Crisp the Skins: Brushing the shells with a little olive oil before initial roasting ensures a crisp, flavorful outer layer.
Flavor Layers: Mix cheeses, bacon, and herbs thoroughly for even distribution of flavors in every bite.

Recipe Variations

Bacon Cheddar Stuffed Baked Potatoes: Enhance the classic flavor by mixing extra crispy bacon and sharp cheddar into the potato filling. Top with additional cheese and bake until golden for a richer, indulgent taste. Perfect for a bacon baked potato twist.
Broccoli and Cheese Stuffed Potatoes: Steam or roast broccoli florets and fold them into the mashed potato filling with cheddar or Gruyère cheese. This adds a nutritious twist and vibrant color, making it ideal as a stuffed potato side dish for dinner parties.
Southwest Stuffed Potatoes: Add black beans, corn, diced tomatoes, and a pinch of chili powder or taco seasoning to the filling. Garnish with sour cream, fresh cilantro, and avocado slices for a Tex-Mex-inspired version, perfect for flavorful stuffed potatoes that pack a punch.
Loaded Vegetarian Stuffed Potatoes: Mix sautéed mushrooms, bell peppers, onions, and shredded cheese into the filling for a hearty vegetarian option. Top with a sprinkle of paprika or smoked paprika for added depth.
Twice Baked Potatoes for a Crowd: Scale up this recipe for parties or gatherings. Use larger trays, double the cheese, and add multiple toppings like chives, bacon bits, and sour cream dollops to create a visually impressive dish suitable for baked potatoes party menus.
Garlic Herb Roasted Stuffed Potatoes: Roast garlic cloves with the potatoes and fold them into the filling along with fresh herbs such as rosemary, thyme, and parsley. This creates a fragrant, gourmet version ideal for oven baked new potatoes enthusiasts.
Cheesy Jalapeño Stuffed Potatoes: Add diced jalapeños and pepper jack cheese to the filling for a spicy variation. Top with extra cheese and bake until bubbly for a fiery yet creamy experience.
Leftover Baked Potato Recipes: Transform leftover baked potatoes into a new meal by scooping and reheating the filling with additional ingredients such as sautéed vegetables, leftover meats, or extra cheese. This makes an easy, flavorful second meal without waste.
Creamy Sour Cream and Chive Stuffed Potatoes: Mix extra sour cream into the mashed filling and fold in chopped chives. Top with a light sprinkle of cheese for a tangy, creamy variation ideal for filled potato recipes sour cream and potato recipes.

These variations of stuffed baked potatoes allow home cooks to experiment with flavors, textures, and presentation, making stuffed baked potatoes a versatile dish suitable for weeknight dinners, gatherings, or festive occasions. Each version keeps the potato base intact while introducing creative twists to satisfy different tastes and dietary preferences.

Freezing and Storage

Refrigeration: Store cooled stuffed potatoes in an airtight container for 3-4 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F until warmed through.
Freezing: Wrap individual stuffed potatoes in foil and freeze for up to 2 months.
Reheating from Frozen: Bake at 375°F for 25-30 minutes until fully heated. Remove foil during the last 5 minutes for a crisp topping.
Meal Prep Option: Assemble the filling ahead of time and refrigerate for several hours before baking. This is ideal for stress-free weekday dinners.

Nutritional Information (Approximate per Serving)

Calories: 320
Total Fat: 15g
Saturated Fat: 8g
Cholesterol: 40mg
Sodium: 480mg
Carbohydrates: 36g
Sugars: 2g
Protein: 10g

These values vary depending on cheese, bacon, and potato types.

Final Words

Creating stuffed baked potatoes at home allows you to transform a humble potato into a gourmet dish that’s both comforting and versatile. The combination of creamy filling, crispy skin, and melted cheese elevates a simple side dish into a family favorite. This recipe also offers endless flexibility, whether you want to add bacon, vegetables, or experiment with different cheeses and herbs.

Preparing these stuffed baked potatoes is a chance to showcase culinary creativity while keeping the process approachable. You can make them for weeknight dinners, holiday spreads, or twice baked potato recipe for party gatherings, impressing guests with minimal effort. The technique of scooping, mashing, and stuffing allows home cooks to engage with the dish and adjust flavors to their liking.

Most importantly, these stuffed baked potatoes are about comfort, flavor, and satisfaction. They show that with a few thoughtful steps and quality ingredients, a simple baked potato can become a memorable meal. Whether served as a stuffed potato side dish, a main for a lighter dinner, or part of a party spread, this recipe delivers flavor, texture, and presentation that will earn repeated requests from family and friends.

FAQ’s

Yes, sweet potatoes work well, but adjust baking time slightly. They pair nicely with cheddar, bacon, and sour cream.

Absolutely. Assemble and refrigerate the stuffed potatoes up to a day before baking.

Yes, wrap individually in foil and freeze for up to 2 months. Bake from frozen at 375°F for 25-30 minutes.

Yes, omit bacon and add vegetables like broccoli, bell peppers, or mushrooms for a flavorful alternative.

Brush with olive oil before the first bake and roast directly on the oven rack for a crisp exterior.