From today, I only prepare my potatoes like this. This recipe is a delightful way to enjoy stuffed potatoes with a rich and creamy filling. It combines potatoes with ham, mozzarella cheese, and cream cheese, all wrapped in bacon for a deliciously crispy finish. Follow these detailed steps to create a mouthwatering dish.
Ingredients
- 4 large potatoes
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 bay leaves
- 100g sliced cooked ham
- 100g mozzarella cheese, sliced
- Parsley to taste
- 200g cream cheese
- Thin slices of bacon (enough to wrap the potatoes)
- Additional small slices of mozzarella for topping
Instructions
Preparing the Potatoes
- Cut and Scoop: Start by cutting four large potatoes in half. Using a spoon, scoop out the insides of these potatoes, creating a hollow shell. Place the scooped-out potato flesh into a medium saucepan.
- Cook the Potatoes: Add enough water to the saucepan to cover the sliced potatoes. Add 1 teaspoon of salt and two bay leaves. Bring the water to a boil over high heat and let the potatoes cook for 10 minutes until they are tender but not falling apart. Drain the potatoes and set them aside to cool slightly.
Preparing the Filling
- Cut Ham and Cheese: While the potatoes are cooking, cut 100g of sliced cooked ham into small pieces. Also, cut 100g of mozzarella cheese into slices.
- Mix the Filling: In a medium bowl, combine the cooked potato insides, ham slices, mozzarella slices, parsley to taste, and 200g of cream cheese. Mix well until all the ingredients are evenly distributed and the mixture is creamy.
Stuffing and Wrapping the Potatoes
- Fill the Potatoes: Take the hollowed-out potato halves and fill each one with the prepared mixture. Make sure to pack the filling tightly into the potato shells.
- Wrap with Bacon: Wrap each filled potato half with a thin slice of bacon. The bacon will add a deliciously crispy exterior and extra flavor.
- Top with Mozzarella: Place a small slice of mozzarella cheese on top of each wrapped potato. The cheese will melt and create a gooey topping.
Baking
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C).
- Bake the Potatoes: Place the stuffed and wrapped potatoes on a baking sheet. Transfer the baking sheet to the preheated oven and bake for 15 minutes, or until the bacon is crispy and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Serving
- Serve and Enjoy: Once the potatoes are baked to perfection, remove them from the oven and let them cool slightly before serving. These stuffed potatoes make a perfect side dish or a hearty main course. Enjoy the rich and creamy filling, the crispy bacon, and the melted mozzarella cheese.
Tips and Variations
- Vegetarian Option: For a vegetarian version, omit the ham and bacon and add extra vegetables like bell peppers, onions, or mushrooms to the filling.
- Cheese Variations: Experiment with different types of cheese such as cheddar, gouda, or blue cheese for a unique twist.
- Spice It Up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or some chopped jalapeños to the filling for a spicy kick.
- Herb Enhancements: Fresh herbs like chives, thyme, or rosemary can be added to the filling for additional flavor.
Nutritional Information
This recipe offers a balanced combination of carbohydrates from the potatoes, protein from the ham and cheese, and fats from the cream cheese and bacon. Adjust the quantities of cheese and bacon to manage the calorie content based on dietary preferences.
Storage and Reheating
- Storage: Store any leftover stuffed potatoes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: Reheat the potatoes in the oven at 180°C (350°F) for about 10-15 minutes or until heated through. Alternatively, you can reheat them in the microwave, though the bacon may not be as crispy.
This ultimate stuffed potatoes recipe is a delightful way to enjoy a hearty and flavorful dish. The combination of tender potatoes, savory ham, creamy cheese, and crispy bacon creates a delicious meal that is sure to impress. Share this recipe with your friends and family to spread the joy of cooking. Enjoy this tasty dish, and see you in the next recipe!
This recipe transforms simple ingredients into a gourmet meal with minimal effort. Enjoy the rich flavors and comforting texture of these stuffed potatoes, a dish that’s sure to become a household favorite. Happy cooking!
