Meal In One Baked Potatoes
A hearty, cheesy baked potato filled with ham, jalapeño Monterey Jack cheese, and sour cream, perfect for a quick, satisfying meal suited for family or casual gatherings.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Rinse and dry potatoes. Prick once with a fork.
- Arrange potatoes in a circle on paper towels in the microwave. Cook on High for 12 to 14 minutes, rearranging once. Let cool.
- Slice off the top of each potato and carefully scoop out the pulp, leaving shells whole.
- Mash the pulp in a bowl. Place margarine in a separate bowl and microwave on High for 30 to 45 seconds until melted.
- Combine melted margarine, mashed potato, diced ham, grated Monterey Jack cheese with jalapeño peppers, sour cream, celery salt, and pepper. Mix well.
- Stuff the mixture into the potato shells.
- Microwave on High for 5 to 6 minutes until heated through, turning the dish half-way during cooking.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier filling, consider adding a splash of milk or cream to the mashed potato mixture. If you're short on time, use pre-cooked ham or even rotisserie chicken as a substitute for diced ham. Experiment with different cheeses like cheddar or pepper jack for varied flavor. Be sure to prick the potatoes well to prevent bursting during cooking.
Serving Suggestions
These stuffed baked potatoes make a hearty main dish and are perfect for a casual dinner. Serve alongside a fresh salad or steamed vegetables for a balanced meal. They also pair beautifully with Cheddar Cheese Meatballs for a comforting spread. For a fun twist, top with additional sour cream or sliced green onions before serving.
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 microwave on medium power for about 2-3 minutes, or until heated through. Alternatively, you can reheat them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 15-20 minutes for a crispier texture.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Meal In One Baked Potatoes contains roughly 169 calories, with 12g protein, 8g carbohydrates, and 10g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (34% of the Daily Value), protein (24% of the Daily Value), and calcium (22% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 499mg per serving (22% 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 baked potatoes ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the stuffed potatoes ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator. Just be sure to cover them well to prevent drying out. When ready to eat, simply reheat as directed.
What other ingredients can I add to the filling?
Feel free to customize the filling by adding ingredients like cooked bacon, sautéed onions, or even vegetables like spinach or broccoli. This recipe is versatile, so you can adjust based on your preferences.
Can I bake the potatoes instead of microwaving them?
Absolutely! To bake, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and cook the potatoes for about 45-60 minutes or until tender. Once baked, let them cool slightly before scooping and stuffing.
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).