Not Just Potatoes
Not Just Potatoes offers a comforting baked potato experience with a crispy foil-wrapped exterior and a flavorful, cheesy interior filled with bacon, green onions, and butter. Perfect for a hearty meal or side dish, it combines smoky, savory, and buttery flavors that appeal to all ages.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Wash the potatoes thoroughly.
- Cut a lengthwise wedge across the top of each potato, about 1 inch wide and 1 inch deep.
- Remove the wedge from the potato.
- Place slices of bacon and chopped green onions in the hollowed-out wedge.
- Add butter or margarine into the potato.
- Replace the wedge and wrap the potato in foil.
- Bake at 400°F (200°C) for approximately 1 hour or until the potato is tender.
Tips & Substitutions
For a smoky flavor, try using smoked bacon instead of regular. If you want to add more texture, consider including shredded cheese or sour cream in the filling. Garlic powder can be used instead of garlic salt for a more subtle flavor. Make sure to pierce the potatoes with a fork before wrapping them in foil to prevent bursting during baking.
Serving Suggestions
These stuffed potatoes make a great side dish for grilled meats or a hearty main course on their own. Pair them with a fresh salad or serve alongside dishes like Louisiana Cornbread Salad for a complete meal. For an appetizer twist, consider serving smaller versions as part of a platter with Bacon-Wrapped Mushroom Caps.
Storage & Reheating
Leftover stuffed potatoes can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, wrap them in foil and place them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 20 minutes, or until heated through. You can also microwave them for a quicker option, but the oven will keep them crispier.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Not Just Potatoes contains roughly 998 calories, with 5g protein, 4g carbohydrates, and 107g fat. It is a good source of protein (11% of the Daily Value) and vitamin C (10% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 712mg per serving (31% 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 other types of potatoes for this recipe?
Yes, while baking potatoes are ideal for their fluffiness, you can use other varieties like red or Yukon gold potatoes. Just adjust the baking time as necessary, since different potatoes may cook at different rates.
How can I make this recipe vegetarian?
To make a vegetarian version, simply omit the bacon and add more vegetables such as sautéed bell peppers, mushrooms, or spinach. You could also incorporate a meat substitute to maintain a similar texture and flavor profile.
What can I do with leftover mashed potato filling?
Leftover filling can be used to create delicious potato pancakes or added to scrambled eggs for a hearty breakfast. Alternatively, mix it into a creamy soup for added flavor and substance, or use it as a filling for stuffed peppers.
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).