Brenda'S Taters
Brenda's Taters are flavorful baked potatoes with bacon, chives, and melted cheese, perfect as a hearty side dish or casual comfort food for gatherings.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Peel potatoes and cut them into strips resembling French fries.
- Cover a cookie sheet with heavy-duty aluminum foil.
- Spray the foil with Pam or cooking spray.
- Spread out the peeled and cut potatoes on the prepared sheet.
- Season the potatoes with salt and pepper to taste.
- Sprinkle the fried bacon and chopped chives evenly over the potatoes.
- Place pats of margarine or butter on top of the potatoes.
- Cover the sheet with aluminum foil.
- Bake in a 325°F oven for approximately 30 minutes or until tender, or grill while barbecuing.
- When cooked, top with sliced cheese of your choice before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For extra flavor, consider adding spices like paprika or garlic powder to the potatoes before baking. If you prefer a lighter option, you can substitute the margarine or butter with olive oil. Using a mix of cheeses, such as cheddar and pepper jack, can enhance the dish. Remember to cut the potatoes evenly for uniform cooking and texture.
Serving Suggestions
These taters can be served as a hearty side dish alongside grilled meats or burgers. They pair wonderfully with Southern Ham And Bean Soup for a comforting meal. For a complete feast, consider serving them with a fresh salad or coleslaw to balance the richness of the cheese and bacon.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat, place the potatoes in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 15-20 minutes until heated through. For a crispy texture, consider reheating them in an air fryer for a few minutes.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Brenda'S Taters contains roughly 1570 calories, with 25g protein, 154g carbohydrates, and 98g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (264% of the Daily Value), vitamin A (107% of the Daily Value), and potassium (93% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 641mg per serving (28% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use sweet potatoes instead of regular potatoes?
Yes, sweet potatoes can be a delicious alternative, adding a hint of sweetness to the dish. Just be aware that they may require a slightly shorter cooking time, so check for doneness earlier.
Is it possible to make this dish vegetarian?
Absolutely! To make it vegetarian, simply omit the bacon and add more vegetables like bell peppers or mushrooms. You can also use a vegetarian cheese to maintain the flavor and texture.
What type of cheese works best for this recipe?
For a classic flavor, plain cheddar cheese is a great choice. If you like a bit of heat, jalapeno cheese adds a nice kick. Feel free to experiment with different cheese blends to find your favorite combination.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).