Brennan Potatoes
Brennan Potatoes are a hearty, flavorful dish featuring baked potatoes stuffed with a savory bacon, cheese, and sour cream filling. Topped with melted butter and paprika, this comforting recipe is perfect for family dinners or casual gatherings, offering a delicious combination of smoky, creamy, and crunchy textures.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Bake the potatoes until tender.
- Grill the bacon strips until crisp.
- Drain the bacon, leaving about 3 tablespoons of bacon grease in the skillet.
- Add chopped green onion to the skillet and sauté slowly until fragrant.
- Remove the skillet from heat.
- Cut a shallow lengthwise strip into each baked potato and scoop out the inside into the skillet.
- Add Parmesan cheese, crumbled bacon, sour cream, salt, and pepper to the potato insides in the skillet.
- Mix and mash with a spoon to blend the ingredients thoroughly.
- Return the mixture to low heat and heat through.
- Stuff the mixture into the potato shells.
- Drizzle with melted butter and sprinkle with paprika.
- Bake the stuffed potatoes at 350°F for 15 minutes.
Tips & Substitutions
For extra flavor, consider adding garlic powder or smoked paprika to the potato filling. If you don't have Parmesan cheese, any hard cheese like Pecorino or Asiago can work well. To speed up the baking process, microwave the potatoes for a few minutes before placing them in the oven. These stuffed potatoes can be inspired by the same heartiness found in Cowboy Potatoes.
Serving Suggestions
These stuffed Brennan Potatoes make a hearty main dish, perfect for a cozy dinner. Serve them alongside a fresh salad or steamed vegetables for a balanced meal. They also pair beautifully with a side of Smothered Hamburger for a comforting feast. For a brunch option, serve them with eggs or bacon.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover stuffed potatoes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them in the oven at 350°F for about 10-15 minutes or until heated through. You can also microwave them, but the oven will keep the texture crispier.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Brennan Potatoes contains roughly 156 calories, with 10g protein, 14g carbohydrates, and 7g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (20% of the Daily Value), and a good source of protein and calcium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 619mg per serving (27% 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 make these potatoes ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the filling a day in advance and stuff the potatoes just before baking. Store the filling in the refrigerator and then fill and bake the potatoes when ready to serve. This makes for a quick meal option.
What can I substitute for sour cream?
If you prefer a lighter option, Greek yogurt works as a great substitute for sour cream, providing a similar tangy flavor and creamy texture. You could also use cream cheese, but mix it with a little milk to achieve a smoother consistency.
How do I make these potatoes vegetarian?
To make this dish vegetarian, simply omit the bacon and use olive oil or butter for sautéing the green onions. You can also add chopped bell peppers or mushrooms for additional flavor and texture, making it a delicious vegetarian option.
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).