How to Create Savory Bacon and Cheddar Stuffed Potatoes
Stuffed potatoes are a delicious comfort food that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or just looking for a cozy meal at home, bacon and cheddar stuffed potatoes will never disappoint. The combination of crispy bacon, gooey cheddar cheese, and fluffy baked potatoes is hard to resist! The best part? It’s surprisingly easy to make. This blog will show you how to create savory bacon and cheddar stuffed potatoes in simple steps.
Ingredients You Will Need:
Before we start, let’s gather the ingredients:
1. 4 large russet potatoes: These are ideal for baking because they hold their shape well.
2. 8 slices of bacon: Crispy bacon adds amazing flavor to your potatoes.
3. 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese: Cheddar melts beautifully and provides a rich, cheesy taste.
4. 1/4 cup sour cream: For creaminess.
5. 1/4 cup milk: To help the filling come together smoothly.
6. 2 tablespoons unsalted butter: Adds richness to the potato mixture.
7. Salt and pepper (to taste): For seasoning.
8. Optional toppings: Chopped green onions or parsley for garnish.
Step 1: Bake the Potatoes
Start by washing the russet potatoes thoroughly. Pat them dry, then poke a few holes in each potato using a fork. This allows steam to escape while baking. Bake the potatoes in a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) for about 50–60 minutes, or until they’re tender. To check if they’re ready, stick a fork into the potato—it should slide in easily.
Tip: If you’re short on time, you can microwave the potatoes instead. Just wrap each potato in a damp paper towel and microwave for about 10–12 minutes, flipping halfway through.
Step 2: Cook the Bacon
While the potatoes are baking, cook the bacon. Heat a skillet over medium heat and place the bacon slices in the pan. Cook until crispy, flipping occasionally so both sides are evenly done. Once cooked, set the bacon on a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess grease. Once cooled, crumble the bacon into small pieces.
Tip: If you prefer less mess, you can bake the bacon in the oven at 400°F (200°C) on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. It takes about 15–20 minutes for perfectly crispy bacon!
Step 3: Hollow Out the Potatoes
Once your baked potatoes are cool enough to handle, cut each one in half lengthwise. Carefully scoop out the insides with a spoon, leaving about 1/4 inch of potato flesh inside the skin to maintain sturdiness. Be gentle so you don’t tear the potato skins—they’ll act as “boats” for stuffing.
Place the scooped-out potato flesh into a large mixing bowl. Keep the potato skins on a baking tray for later use.
Step 4: Prepare the Filling
Mash the potato flesh in the mixing bowl using a fork or potato masher until smooth. Add the butter, sour cream, milk, and shredded cheddar cheese to the bowl. Season the mixture with salt and pepper to taste. Stir everything until the ingredients are well combined and the mixture is creamy.
Next, fold in the crumbled bacon bits, saving a small handful for topping later. If you want to add extra flavor, you can toss in chopped green onions or parsley at this stage.
Tip: If the filling feels too dry, add a little more milk or sour cream until you reach your desired consistency.
Step 5: Stuff the Potato Skins
Carefully spoon the filling back into the potato skins, packing each one generously. The filling should be mounded slightly over the top—it’s okay to be generous! Place the stuffed potatoes onto a baking tray.
Step 6: Bake to Perfection
Sprinkle a little extra shredded cheddar cheese and the reserved bacon bits on top of each stuffed potato. Pop the tray into the oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 15–20 minutes. Your goal is to heat the potatoes through and melt the cheese on top.
Step 7: Garnish and Serve
Remove the stuffed potatoes from the oven and let them cool for a couple of minutes. Add a sprinkle of chopped green onions or parsley for a pop of color and extra flavor, if desired. Serve the potatoes warm as a main dish or alongside a fresh salad or roasted vegetables.
Why You’ll Love Bacon and Cheddar Stuffed Potatoes
These stuffed potatoes are the perfect combination of creamy, cheesy, smoky, and savory flavors. Each bite is indulgent without requiring complicated cooking techniques. Plus, they’re super versatile—you can customize the filling or toppings to suit your taste. Don’t like sour cream? Try Greek yogurt. Want more crunch? Add crispy onions. The possibilities are endless!
Final Thoughts
Bacon and cheddar stuffed potatoes are a crowd-pleaser that’s simple to make and incredibly satisfying. Whether you’re cooking for the family or entertaining guests, this dish can be prepared effortlessly with just a handful of ingredients and a few easy steps. What are you waiting for? Gather your ingredients, and let’s get stuffing! Your taste buds will thank you.
Let us know in the comments if you tried this recipe or made any fun tweaks. Enjoy your stuffed potato journey!
