Twice-Baked Potatoes(Low Cholesterol)
A hearty, flavorful dish of twice-baked potatoes complemented by a vibrant cabbage stir-fry, perfect for satisfying comfort and vegetarian options with fresh herbs and spices.
Ingredients
- 4 small baking potatoes (5 to 6 oz. each) ⓘ
- 2 oz. reduced-calorie cream cheese, cubed and softened ⓘ
- 2 Tbsp. snipped chives ⓘ
- 1/4 tsp. dried basil, crushed ⓘ
- 1/8 tsp. salt ⓘ
- dash of pepper ⓘ
- 3 to 4 Tbsp. skim milk ⓘ
- paprika ⓘ
- 1 lb. dried red kidney beans, soaked overnight in cold water
- 1 1/2 c. chopped onion
- 1 Tbsp. chopped fresh parsley ⓘ
- 2 Tbsp. chopped fresh garlic ⓘ
- 1/2 c. chopped green pepper ⓘ
- 1/2 c. thinly sliced green onion ⓘ
- 1/2 lb. diced, cooked ham (3/4-inch cubes)
- 1/2 lb. slab bacon, cut in 3/4-inch pieces ⓘ
- 2 ham hocks ⓘ
- dash of cayenne pepper ⓘ
- crushed red pepper pods (just a dash) ⓘ
- 1 whole bay leaf, crumbled ⓘ
- 1/4 tsp. dried thyme ⓘ
- dash of dried basil ⓘ
- salt and black pepper to taste ⓘ
- 1 lb. cabbage ⓘ
- 2 Tbsp. sugar ⓘ
- 2 Tbsp. vinegar ⓘ
- 1 Tbsp. soy sauce ⓘ
- 1/4 tsp. cayenne pepper ⓘ
- 1/2 tsp. coarse salt ⓘ
Instructions
- Slice the cabbage finely.
- In a bowl, combine sugar, vinegar, soy sauce, pepper, and salt.
- Heat oil in a large skillet.
- Add garlic and green onions; stir-fry for 2 minutes.
- Add cabbage and stir-fry for 2 to 3 minutes.
- Stir in the sugar-vinegar mixture; heat through and remove from fire.
- Serve the cabbage warm alongside the twice-baked potatoes.
Tips & Substitutions
To reduce cooking time, consider microwaving the potatoes until tender before baking for the second time. You can replace reduced-calorie cream cheese with Greek yogurt for a lower-fat alternative. If you want to enhance the flavor, add a sprinkle of smoked paprika instead of regular paprika. For a vegetarian twist, omit the ham and bacon, and add extra beans or mushrooms.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the twice-baked potatoes alongside the stir-fried cabbage for a comforting meal. These potatoes also pair beautifully with grilled chicken or fish for a complete dinner. Consider adding a side salad for freshness or serving them with a dollop of sour cream or salsa. They make a great addition to any gathering, so check out Bandido'S for more serving ideas.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the twice-baked potatoes in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes until heated through. For the cabbage, reheat in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of water to keep it moist.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Twice-Baked Potatoes(Low Cholesterol) contains roughly 1346 calories, with 21g protein, 81g carbohydrates, and 115g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (286% of the Daily Value), iron (151% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (105% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2812mg per serving (122% 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 twice-baked potatoes ahead of time. Bake and scoop out the potatoes, mix with ingredients, and fill the skins. Cover and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Bake them just before serving to enjoy them warm.
What can I use instead of ham and bacon?
For a vegetarian option, you can replace ham and bacon with sautéed mushrooms or extra beans for protein. Smoked tempeh or tofu can also add a savory flavor and texture that complements the dish well.
How do I know when the potatoes are fully cooked?
The potatoes are fully cooked when they are tender enough to easily pierce with a fork. If you're unsure, you can test them after the first baking; they should feel soft but not mushy. If they need more time, return them to the oven for an additional 10-15 minutes.
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).