Cheesy-Bacon Potatoes
Creamy, cheesy baked potatoes topped with crispy bacon, sautéed vegetables, and melted cheddar, perfect for comfort food lovers and suitable for family dinners or casual gatherings.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Wash and dry the potatoes.
- Pierce each potato with a fork and bake at 425°F (220°C) for 50 to 60 minutes or until tender.
- Meanwhile, cook the bacon in a skillet until crispy.
- Cool the bacon, then crumble it.
- In 2 tablespoons of bacon drippings, sauté the chopped onion and green pepper until softened.
- Add the sliced mushrooms to the sauté and cook until all vegetables are tender.
- Set the sautéed vegetables aside.
- Once the potatoes are baked, let them cool slightly, then cut a slit down the center and scoop out some of the insides into a bowl.
- Mix the potato insides with the grated cheddar cheese, milk, butter, beaten egg, and salt.
- Fold in the sautéed vegetables and crumbled bacon.
- Spoon the mixture back into the potato shells.
- Top with additional cheese if desired.
- Bake at 375°F (190°C) for about 15 minutes or until cheese is melted and bubbly.
Tips & Substitutions
For extra flavor, consider adding some garlic powder or a dash of hot sauce to the potato mixture. If you're short on time, you can use pre-cooked bacon or even turkey bacon as a substitution. Additionally, experiment with different cheese varieties such as Monterey Jack or pepper jack for a twist.
Serving Suggestions
These cheesy-bacon potatoes make a great side dish for grilled meats or can be served as a hearty main course. Pair them with a fresh salad or serve alongside Buckhall'S Baked Beans for a satisfying meal. They are perfect for gatherings or as a comforting weeknight dinner.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover cheesy-bacon potatoes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes or until heated through, ensuring the cheese stays melty and delicious.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Cheesy-Bacon Potatoes contains roughly 743 calories, with 20g protein, 89g carbohydrates, and 35g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin D (165% of the Daily Value), calcium (43% of the Daily Value), and protein (41% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1238mg per serving (54% 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 prepare these potatoes ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the filling ahead of time and stuff the potatoes before baking. Just keep the stuffed potatoes covered in the refrigerator until you're ready to bake them. This makes for an easy last-minute dish!
What if I don't have baking potatoes?
If you don't have baking potatoes, you can use any variety of potatoes, such as Yukon Gold or red potatoes. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly, as smaller potatoes may require less baking time.
Can I make these vegetarian?
Absolutely! You can omit the bacon and substitute it with smoked paprika or liquid smoke for a similar flavor. Additionally, you can increase the amount of mushrooms or add other vegetables like spinach or zucchini for a hearty vegetarian version.
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).