Baked potatoes

Delicious baked potato recipe with sausages and melted cheese

Preparation time: 15 minutes
Baking time: 40 minutes
Total time: 55 minutes
Number of servings: 4-6

Welcome to the world of delicious flavors! Today we will prepare a simple and quick recipe, perfect for a family dinner or a tasty meal with friends. Baked potatoes with sausages and melted cheese are not only a savory combination but also an excellent choice for those looking for a hearty yet easy-to-make main dish.

Some say that potato recipes are among the oldest in culinary history, and today we will enjoy a modern version that blends tradition with favorite ingredients.

Ingredients:

- 2 kg potatoes (choose varieties suitable for baking, such as new potatoes or red potatoes)
- 3 large sausages (about the size of a kabanos, you can opt for smoked or chicken varieties for a lighter alternative)
- A few olives (black or green, pitted, for an extra flavor)
- Olive oil (about 3-4 tablespoons)
- Salt (to taste)
- Slices of melted cheese (choose cheese with a tasty flavor, such as cheese or cheddar)

Instructions:

1. Preparing the potatoes: Start by peeling the potatoes using a peeler or a sharp knife. It is important to choose healthy potatoes, free of spots or damaged areas. After peeling, cut them into cubes about 2-3 cm. This will allow for even baking and a pleasant texture.

2. Washing and preparing the tray: Wash the potato cubes under cold running water to remove excess starch. This will help achieve a crispy exterior after baking. Place them in a tray lined with baking paper, which will prevent sticking and make cleaning easier.

3. Adding the sausages and olives: Cut the sausages into slices about 1 cm thick. Add them over the potatoes in the tray, along with the pitted olives. This combination brings a salty and savory taste, perfect for complementing the sweetness of the potatoes.

4. Seasoning: Sprinkle salt over the ingredients, being careful not to overdo it, as the sausages are already salty. Drizzle everything with olive oil, which will help caramelize the potatoes and give them a special flavor. Use your hands to mix the ingredients, ensuring they are well coated with oil and salt.

5. Baking: Preheat the oven to 200 degrees Celsius. Once the oven is hot, place the tray inside and let the potatoes bake for 30-40 minutes. It is important to check them occasionally and stir them from time to time to ensure even baking.

6. Adding the cheese: When the potatoes are nicely browned and crispy, remove the tray from the oven. Place the slices of melted cheese on top of the hot potatoes. The heat from the potatoes will melt the cheese, creating a delicious crust. Put the tray back in the oven for another 5-10 minutes until the cheese is golden and starts to melt.

7. Serving: Once the cheese is perfectly melted, take the tray out of the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. You can serve this dish alongside a fresh salad or a yogurt garlic sauce for a contrast of flavors.

Useful tips:

- Variations: You can also add other vegetables, such as bell peppers or onions, for an extra splash of color and nutrients. Additionally, you can experiment with different types of cheese, such as feta or mozzarella.
- Flavoring: If you want to add a hint of flavor, you can sprinkle dried herbs, such as oregano or rosemary, before placing the tray in the oven.
- Calories: This recipe contains approximately 350-400 calories per serving, depending on the amount of cheese and sausages used. It is a hearty meal but can be adjusted by choosing lighter ingredients.

Frequently asked questions:

- Can I use sweet potatoes? Yes, sweet potatoes are a wonderful alternative and will add a hint of sweetness to the dish.
- How can I make the recipe healthier? You can opt for lean meat sausages or soy sausages and reduce the amount of oil used.
- Can I prepare the recipe in advance? Sure, you can prepare the potatoes and sausages in advance and store them in the fridge, then bake them before serving.

Serving recommendations:

These baked potatoes pair perfectly with a cold beer or a dry white wine. If you prefer something non-alcoholic, a cold lemon tea will complement the flavors excellently.

I encourage you to try this baked potato recipe with sausages and melted cheese, which brings together comfort and flavor in one dish. It is an easy meal to prepare and will surely become a favorite in your family's menu! Enjoy!