Stuffed potatoes

Delicious stuffed potato recipe with bologna, mushrooms, and mozzarella

Preparation time: 20 minutes
Cooking time: 30 minutes
Total time: 50 minutes
Servings: 4

Who doesn't love a dish that is both delicious and easy to make? This stuffed potato recipe is perfect for days when you have little time and a lot of ingredients in the fridge. Thanks to the combination of flavors, these potatoes quickly become a family favorite. Let's start the culinary adventure!

Necessary ingredients

- 6-7 large potatoes
- 200 g bologna
- 200 g mushrooms (fresh or canned)
- 1 red bell pepper
- 1 large onion
- 200 g sour cream
- Salt (to taste)
- Olive oil (for greasing the tray and sautéing the vegetables)
- 150 g mozzarella (for topping)

Ingredient details

- Potatoes: Choose medium-sized, firm potatoes that won’t fall apart during cooking. New potatoes are an excellent choice, but old ones will work perfectly too.
- Bologna: You can use any type of bologna you like: pork, chicken, or turkey. It will add a salty and savory note to the dish.
- Mushrooms: Opt for fresh mushrooms, but if you don’t have them on hand, canned mushrooms are a quick and convenient choice.
- Bell pepper: This adds sweetness and color to the dish. You can also experiment with other types of peppers, depending on your preferences.
- Mozzarella: This will melt beautifully in the oven, bringing a creamy texture to the potatoes.

Step by step

1. Preparing the potatoes:
- Peel the potatoes and, using a knife or spoon, scoop them out gently, leaving a wall of about 1 cm. This will create a perfect space for the filling.
- Sprinkle salt and a dash of butter inside each potato for flavor.

2. Preparing the filling:
- In a skillet, add a little olive oil and sauté the finely chopped onion until it becomes translucent.
- Add the diced bell pepper and finely chopped mushrooms. Continue to sauté until the vegetables become tender.
- Cut the bologna into small cubes and add it to the skillet, allowing it to brown slightly.
- When the filling is nearly ready, add the sour cream and mix well, leaving everything on the heat for another 2-3 minutes. This step will add creaminess to the filling.

3. Filling the potatoes:
- Take half of the scooped-out potato and mix it with the filling. This step will enhance the flavor of the dish.
- Fill each potato with the prepared mixture, making sure they are full to the brim.

4. Baking:
- Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F).
- Place the stuffed potatoes in a greased baking tray. The slices of mozzarella are nicely placed on top of each potato.
- Put the tray in the oven and let the potatoes bake for 20-30 minutes or until the mozzarella is golden and the potatoes are tender.

Chef's tip

For an extra flavor boost, you can add herbs such as basil, oregano, or dill to the filling. You can also replace the bologna with ground meat or cheese for a vegetarian option.

Serving suggestions

Serve the stuffed potatoes warm, alongside a fresh green salad to add a crunchy contrast and a note of freshness. A tomato sauce or a yogurt garlic sauce could perfectly accompany this dish.

Interesting variations

1. Stuffed potatoes with goat cheese: Replace the bologna with goat cheese for a more gourmet option.
2. Adding vegetables: You can add carrots or zucchini to the filling for extra nutrients.
3. Meat-filled potatoes: You can add ground beef or chicken instead of bologna for a heartier dish.

Nutritional benefits

This dish is rich in complex carbohydrates from the potatoes, providing long-lasting energy. Additionally, the vegetables and sour cream contribute important vitamins and minerals. Depending on the chosen ingredients, you can adjust the caloric content of the dish; a goat cheese option will be higher in calories, while a vegetarian version will be lighter.

Frequently asked questions

1. Can I use sweet potatoes?
- Yes, sweet potatoes offer a distinct and sweeter flavor, making an excellent alternative.

2. What other types of cheese can I use?
- You can experiment with cheddar, feta, or gouda cheese to vary the flavors.

3. How can I store leftovers?
- The stuffed potatoes can be stored in the fridge in an airtight container for up to 3 days. You can reheat them in the oven or microwave.

This stuffed potato recipe is not only simple and quick but also a wonderful way to transform common ingredients into something special. So gather your ingredients and enjoy a delicious meal full of flavors!