Oven-Fried Stuffed Potatoes

Oven-Fried Stuffed Potatoes are a delicious and healthier alternative to the traditional deep-fried stuffed potatoes. Here’s a recipe you can try:

Ingredients:

• 4 large russet potatoes

• 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or your favorite cheese)

• 1/2 cup sour cream or Greek yogurt

• 1/4 cup milk (or heavy cream for a creamier texture)

• 1/2 cup cooked bacon, crumbled (optional)

• 1/4 cup green onions or chives, chopped

• 1/4 cup butter, melted

• Salt and pepper to taste

• Paprika or garlic powder (optional, for extra flavor)

Directions:

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).

2. Bake Potatoes: Wash and scrub the potatoes. Pierce each potato a few times with a fork. Place them directly on the oven rack and bake for 45-60 minutes until the potatoes are tender when pierced with a fork. You can also wrap them in foil if preferred.

3. Cut and Scoop: Once the potatoes are done baking, remove them from the oven and let them cool for about 10 minutes. Cut each potato in half lengthwise. Use a spoon to scoop out the flesh, leaving about 1/4-inch border around the skin. Save the scooped-out potato flesh for the filling.

4. Prepare Filling: Mash the scooped-out potato flesh in a bowl. Add the shredded cheese, sour cream (or Greek yogurt), milk, melted butter, bacon (if using), green onions/chives, and season with salt and pepper. Mix everything together until smooth and well combined.

5. Stuff Potatoes: Spoon the filling back into the potato skins, packing it in as you go. You can mound the filling slightly over the top.

6. Oven-Fry: Place the stuffed potatoes on a baking sheet. Brush the tops with a little melted butter or oil and sprinkle with paprika or garlic powder for extra flavor (optional). Bake in the oven for another 15-20 minutes, until the tops are golden and slightly crispy.

7. Serve: Remove the potatoes from the oven and let them cool slightly before serving. You can garnish with extra green onions or chives and a dollop of sour cream on top.

Tips:

• You can make these ahead of time by stuffing the potatoes and refrigerating them before baking the second time.

• Customize the filling by adding cooked vegetables, shredded chicken, or other toppings like jalapeños for a spicy kick!

Enjoy your crispy and creamy oven-fried stuffed potatoes!