Baked potatoes with sausages

Baked potatoes with sausages and cheese - a quick and hearty delight

Preparation time: 15 minutes
Baking time: 50 minutes
Total time: 1 hour 5 minutes
Number of servings: 4

When it comes to cooking, sometimes the simplest dishes bring the greatest joy. This recipe for baked potatoes with sausages and cheese is a perfect choice for a quick and delicious dinner that will surely be appreciated by both kids and adults. It’s a combination of flavors and textures that will fill the house with an inviting aroma and bring smiles to everyone’s faces.

The history of baked potatoes is long, as they are a staple ingredient in many culinary cultures. Whether served plain, with butter, or filled with various ingredients, potatoes have managed to become a versatile food, easily adapted to any taste. In this recipe, the potatoes are filled with sausages and cheese, transforming them into a hearty main dish, perfect for a family evening.

Necessary ingredients:

- 1 kg potatoes (choose larger potatoes suitable for stuffing)
- 1 smoked homemade sausage (any type of preferred sausage can be used, but smoked adds a special flavor)
- 2 slices of cheese (can be cow cheese or processed cheese, depending on preferences)
- 50 ml oil (olive oil is an excellent choice for a more intense flavor)
- 1 teaspoon salt (sea salt is ideal)
- 1 teaspoon pepper (freshly ground for a more intense taste)
- 1 teaspoon thyme (dried or fresh thyme, according to preferences)
- 1 teaspoon paprika (sweet or smoked paprika, depending on the desired taste)

Step by step:

1. Preparing the potatoes: Wash the potatoes well under cold running water, then peel them. It is important to use uniformly sized potatoes so they bake evenly. Once peeled, leave them in cold water to prevent oxidation.

2. Hollowing the potatoes: Remove the potatoes from the water and use a knife or a small spoon to hollow them out in the middle. Make sure not to pierce them completely, as you want to leave a base for the filling.

3. Preparing the filling: Cut the homemade sausage into thin strips and the cheese into small cubes. These will be the ingredients that will fill the warmth of the potatoes.

4. Assembling the dish: In a baking tray, pour the oil and place the hollowed potatoes. Fill each potato with strips of sausage and cubes of cheese. Make sure the filling is well distributed.

5. Seasoning: Sprinkle salt, pepper, paprika, and thyme over the stuffed potatoes. These spices will add a special flavor and enhance the taste of the ingredients.

6. Baking: Preheat the oven to 190 degrees Celsius. Place the tray in the oven and let the potatoes bake for about 50 minutes, or until they become golden and crispy on the outside. It’s good to check from time to time if they are ready, and if you want a crunchier crust, you can leave them longer.

7. Serving: Once the potatoes are ready, take them out of the oven and let them cool slightly. Serve warm, ideally with a garlic sauce made from 3-4 crushed garlic cloves, mixed with salt and a little olive oil. This combination of flavors will make every bite a true delight.

Useful tips:

- Choosing the potatoes: New potatoes with thin skin are less starchy and perform better in this recipe. However, older potatoes with a high starch content will absorb flavors better.
- Filling variations: You can experiment with different types of sausages (chicken, pork, or turkey) and cheese (mozzarella, feta cheese, or even goat cheese). Additionally, adding roasted vegetables or mushrooms to the filling can provide a different taste and texture.
- Complementary drinks: This dish pairs perfectly with a blonde beer or freshly made lemonade. Also, a dry white wine can add an elegant touch to the table.

Calories and nutritional benefits:

This recipe for baked potatoes with sausages and cheese offers approximately 400-500 calories per serving, depending on the amount of oil and type of sausage used. Potatoes are a good source of carbohydrates, while sausages provide protein, but it is important to consume in moderation, considering the fat content.

Frequently asked questions:

- Can I use healthy potatoes, like sweet potatoes? Yes, sweet potatoes are an excellent option, offering a sweeter taste and higher nutritional value.
- Can I prepare this recipe in advance? Of course! You can prepare the potatoes and the filling a few hours ahead, keeping them in the refrigerator until baking.

This recipe for baked potatoes with sausages and cheese is not only delicious but also an excellent way to bring the family to the table. Experiment with the ingredients, adapt them to your taste, and enjoy every bite! Enjoy your meal!