Stuffed Baked Potatoes with Cheese

To prepare a delicious stuffed potato recipe, we start by preparing the potatoes. Choose medium-sized potatoes, suitable for stuffing, so they are easy to handle and have a pleasant texture after baking. The first step is to wash the potatoes well under cold running water, making sure to remove any traces of dirt. Once clean, peel them with a sharp knife and cut them in half lengthwise. Each half should be hollowed out with a teaspoon, being careful not to break the edges, so as to form a 'little boat' from the potatoes.

The extracted potato pulp can be used in various ways. If you wish, you can chop it finely and fry it in a pan with oil until it becomes golden and crispy. This fried pulp will add an interesting texture to the filling. Once cooled, mix the fried pulp with other ingredients such as cheese, bacon, sautéed onions, or sautéed vegetables, depending on your preferences. If you do not want to use the fried pulp, that’s no problem; the potatoes will be just as tasty without it.

Once the filling is ready, fill each half of the potato with this mixture, being careful not to overfill. Then, place the stuffed potato halves in a lightly oiled baking dish, making sure they are placed side by side. It is important that the dish has enough oil so that the potatoes do not stick and have a nice, golden crust. Before placing the dish in the oven, preheat the oven to a high temperature of about 220°C (425°F).

Once the oven is heated, place the dish on the top rack of the oven. Let the potatoes bake for about 35-45 minutes, depending on the oven and the type of potatoes you used. During baking, check them from time to time to ensure they brown evenly. When they are ready, take them out of the oven and let them cool slightly. On top, sprinkle dried parsley or rosemary, and for an extra flavor boost, add grated parmesan if desired. These delicious potato halves are served warm, making them a perfect dish for family dinners as well as festive meals. Enjoy every bite!