Hot Baked Stuffed Potatoes
Hot baked stuffed potatoes with crispy bacon, tangy vinegar dressing, and colorful green peppers make a hearty, flavorful dish perfect for casual family dinners.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Bake the potatoes in a 400°F oven until fork-tender.
- Cook the bacon until crisp; drain and crumble.
- Measure the bacon drippings and add salad oil to make 2/3 cup.
- Mix minced onion, salt, pepper, vinegar, sugar, and minced green pepper to prepare the dressing.
- Cut open the baked potatoes and stuff with crumbled bacon.
- Pour the dressing over the stuffed potatoes before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider using smoked bacon instead of regular. If you're looking for a healthier alternative, turkey bacon works well too. Experiment with different types of vinegar, like apple cider or balsamic, for a unique twist on the dressing. If you're short on time, you can microwave the potatoes instead of baking them, just be sure to prick them with a fork beforehand.
Serving Suggestions
These hot baked stuffed potatoes make a hearty main dish on their own, but they pair wonderfully with a side salad or steamed vegetables for a balanced meal. For a complete spread, consider serving them alongside barbecue dishes, such as those featuring Barbecue Sauce For Pork Or Chicken, to complement the flavors.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover stuffed potatoes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When ready to eat, reheat them in the oven at 350°F for about 15-20 minutes until warmed through. Alternatively, you can microwave them for a quicker option, but they may lose some crispiness.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Hot Baked Stuffed Potatoes contains roughly 560 calories, with 10g protein, 75g carbohydrates, and 24g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (46% of the Daily Value), potassium (39% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (25% of the Daily Value), and a good source of iron. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 994mg per serving (43% 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 the stuffing ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the dressing and crumble the bacon a day in advance. Just store them separately in the refrigerator. When you're ready to serve, bake the potatoes and stuff them right before serving for the best texture and flavor.
What else can I add to the stuffing?
Feel free to get creative! Adding shredded cheese, sour cream, or even cooked broccoli can enhance the flavor and texture of the stuffed potatoes. You could also mix in some cooked ground beef or sausage for a heartier option.
Can I freeze the stuffed potatoes?
While it's not ideal to freeze baked potatoes due to texture changes, you can freeze the unbaked stuffed potatoes. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, then freeze. When ready to bake, cook from frozen, adding extra time to ensure they are heated through.
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).