This stuffed potato recipe is a delightful twist on the classic baked potato, combining creamy potatoes, savory ham, and the richness of eggs, all topped with melty mozzarella cheese. It’s perfect for breakfast, lunch, or dinner and will surely impress your family and friends. Let’s dive into this incredibly delicious recipe.
Ingredients:
- 6 potatoes
- Olive oil
- Aluminum foil
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 2 onions, chopped
- 150 grams ham, diced
- Parsley to taste
- 6 eggs
- Mozzarella cheese, grated, to taste
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Prepare the Potatoes:
- Preheat your oven to 390 degrees Fahrenheit (200 degrees Celsius).
- Wash and dry the potatoes thoroughly. Place them on a sheet of aluminum foil.
- Drizzle olive oil over the potatoes, ensuring they are well-coated.
- Cover the potatoes with another sheet of aluminum foil, folding the edges to seal them in.
- Bake the potatoes in the preheated oven for 35 minutes until they are tender.
- Prepare the Filling:
- While the potatoes are baking, melt 1 tablespoon of butter in a pan over medium heat.
- Add a bit of oil to prevent the butter from burning.
- Add the chopped onions to the pan and sauté until they are translucent and fragrant.
- Add the diced ham to the pan and cook until it is heated through and slightly browned.
- Stir in parsley to taste, adding a fresh, herbal note to the mixture.
- Season the mixture with salt and pepper to taste, then remove it from the heat and set aside.
- Prepare the Potatoes for Stuffing:
- Once the potatoes are baked, remove them from the oven and carefully remove the aluminum foil.
- Place the potatoes on a cutting board and let them cool slightly until they are easy to handle.
- Use a knife to make a slit on the top of each potato, then use a spoon to scoop out the center, creating a well for the filling. Be careful not to scoop out too much; you want to leave enough potato to support the filling and egg.
- Assemble the Stuffed Potatoes:
- Fill each hollowed-out potato with the ham and onion mixture, pressing it down gently to make room for the egg.
- Crack one egg into each potato, allowing the yolk and white to settle into the filling.
- Sprinkle grated mozzarella cheese generously over the top of each potato. The cheese will melt and create a deliciously gooey topping.
- Bake the Stuffed Potatoes:
- Preheat the oven again to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius).
- Place the stuffed potatoes on a baking sheet.
- Bake in the oven for another 30 minutes, or until the egg whites are set and the yolks are cooked to your desired doneness.
- If you prefer a runny yolk, you can reduce the baking time slightly.
- Serve the Potatoes:
- Remove the baked stuffed potatoes from the oven and let them cool slightly.
- For an extra touch, garnish with fresh parsley on top. This step is optional but adds a lovely color and flavor.
- Serve the stuffed potatoes warm and enjoy the combination of creamy potato, savory ham, rich egg, and melted cheese.
Tips for Perfect Stuffed Potatoes:
- Choose the Right Potatoes: Russet potatoes work best for this recipe due to their size and ability to hold their shape after baking.
- Season Generously: Ensure that both the potato shells and the filling are well-seasoned to bring out the best flavors.
- Cheese Variety: Feel free to experiment with different types of cheese. Cheddar, gouda, or even a spicy pepper jack can add a unique twist to the dish.
- Cooking Eggs: If you like your egg yolks runny, check the potatoes a few minutes earlier to avoid overcooking.
Detailed Steps:
- Preparing the Ingredients:
- Ensure all your ingredients are prepped before you start cooking. This includes chopping onions, dicing ham, and preparing the cheese.
- Cooking the Potatoes:
- Baking the potatoes wrapped in foil helps them cook evenly and retain moisture. Ensure they are fork-tender before removing them from the oven.
- Making the Filling:
- Sautéing the onions and ham enhances their flavors and brings out a slight sweetness in the onions, which complements the savory ham.
- Stuffing the Potatoes:
- Hollow out the potatoes carefully to avoid breaking them. The well should be deep enough to hold the filling and the egg without spilling over.
- Baking to Perfection:
- The final bake allows the egg to cook and the cheese to melt, creating a perfect harmony of textures and flavors.
This stuffed potato recipe is sure to become a family favorite. It’s easy to make, packed with flavor, and versatile enough to serve for any meal. Enjoy the compliments and requests for seconds that will undoubtedly follow!
