Description
Crispy baked potato shells filled with creamy mashed potatoes, fresh herbs, and melted cheese, then baked again until golden and bubbly. This comforting side dish is rich, flavorful, and perfect for gatherings or weeknight dinners.
Ingredients
4 large russet potatoes
2 tablespoons olive oil
Salt and black pepper to taste
3 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
1/2 cup sour cream
1/3 cup whole milk
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese, divided
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
2 green onions, finely chopped
2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Scrub the potatoes clean, pat dry, rub with olive oil, and sprinkle generously with salt.
- Place the potatoes directly on the oven rack and bake for 50–60 minutes until fork-tender. Remove and let cool slightly.
- Slice each potato in half lengthwise and carefully scoop out the flesh into a mixing bowl, leaving a thin layer inside the skins to maintain their shape.
- Add butter, sour cream, milk, 3/4 cup cheddar cheese, Parmesan, green onions, parsley, garlic powder, salt, and pepper to the bowl. Mash until smooth and creamy.
- Spoon or pipe the mixture back into the potato skins, mounding slightly. Sprinkle the remaining cheddar cheese evenly over the tops.
- Return to the oven and bake for 15–20 minutes until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and lightly golden. Garnish with extra parsley or green onions before serving.
Notes
You can prepare the potatoes up to the second bake, refrigerate, and bake when ready to serve.
Substitute cheddar with mozzarella, Monterey Jack, or Gruyère for different flavor variations.
Add sautéed mushrooms or cooked turkey bacon for extra texture and flavor.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Freeze before the second bake for up to 2 months and bake from frozen, adding additional time as needed.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 80 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Bake
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 potato half (2 halves per serving)
- Calories: 410 kcal
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 620 mg
- Fat: 22 g
- Saturated Fat: 12 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 42 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Protein: 12 g
- Cholesterol: 55 mg
