Bacon & Sausage Stuffed Potatoes

Bacon & Sausage Stuffed Potatoes Recipe

These Bacon & Sausage Stuffed Potatoes are the ultimate comfort food. Creamy mashed potatoes, crispy bacon, savory sausage, and melted cheese all come together in a perfect bite. Whether you’re looking for a fun side dish or a filling meal, these stuffed potatoes are sure to impress your guests.

Ingredients:

• For the Potatoes:

  • 4 large russet potatoes
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • 1 tablespoon butter
  • ½ cup sour cream
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • ½ cup milk (more if needed)

• For the Filling:

  • 4 strips of bacon, cooked and crumbled
  • 1/2 lb (about 2 sausages) breakfast sausage, crumbled and cooked
  • ½ small onion, finely chopped
  • 1 clove garlic, minced Homemade Samoas Girl Scout Cookies
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme or Italian seasoning
  • 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (optional for extra cheesiness)
  • ¼ cup chopped green onions or chives (for garnish)

Instructions:

1. Bake the Potatoes:

   • Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Scrub the russet potatoes clean and pat them dry with a towel. Prick the potatoes a few times with a fork.
   • Rub the potatoes with olive oil, and sprinkle with salt and pepper. Place them directly on the oven rack or a baking sheet and bake for 45-60 minutes, or until tender when pierced with a fork.
   • Once baked, remove the potatoes from the oven and let them cool slightly.

2. Prepare the Filling:

   • While the potatoes bake, cook the breakfast sausage in a large skillet over medium heat until browned, breaking it apart as it cooks. Once cooked through, transfer it to a plate and set aside. Potsticker Soup with Mushrooms Bok Choy
   • In the same skillet, add the crumbled bacon and cook until crispy, about 3-4 minutes. Remove the bacon and set aside.
   • In the remaining bacon and sausage fat, sauté the chopped onion and minced garlic until soft and fragrant, about 2-3 minutes.
   • Add the cooked sausage and bacon back to the skillet. Stir in the dried thyme or Italian seasoning. Set aside.

3. Mash the Potatoes:

   • Once the baked potatoes are cool enough to handle, cut them in half lengthwise. Scoop out the insides, leaving a small border around the edges to help hold the shape.
   • Place the potato insides into a large bowl. Add the butter, sour cream, shredded cheddar cheese, and milk. Mash until smooth and creamy, adjusting the milk to achieve your desired consistency. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

4. Stuff the Potatoes:

   • Gently fold the bacon, sausage, and onion mixture into the mashed potatoes. If you want extra cheese, fold in the shredded mozzarella as well.
   • Spoon the filling back into the potato skins, pressing down slightly to pack them in.

5. Bake the Stuffed Potatoes:

   • Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Place the stuffed potatoes on a baking sheet and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the tops are golden and the filling is heated through.
   • Optional: For extra crispiness, sprinkle a little extra cheese on top of each stuffed potato during the last 5 minutes of baking.

6. Serve and Garnish:

   • Remove the stuffed potatoes from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes. Garnish with freshly chopped green onions or chives for a fresh pop of color and flavor.

Tips for the Best Bacon & Sausage Stuffed Potatoes:

• Make Ahead: You can prepare the mashed potatoes and filling in advance. Store them in the refrigerator and stuff the potatoes before baking. This makes it an ideal dish to prepare ahead of time for busy days. Butter Biscuits

• Customize the Filling: If you prefer a different type of sausage (such as Italian sausage or chorizo), feel free to swap it out for the breakfast sausage. You can also add sautéed mushrooms or bell peppers for extra flavor.

• Crispy Skin: For an extra crispy skin, broil the stuffed potatoes for 1-2 minutes at the end of the baking time.

• Cheese Lovers: If you love cheese, feel free to load up on extra cheese inside the filling and sprinkle more on top before baking. Garlic Butter Steak with Cheesy Herb Pasta

• Spicy Version: Add a bit of heat to the filling by including some diced jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne pepper for a kick.

Why You’ll Love These Bacon & Sausage Stuffed Potatoes:

• Flavor-Packed: The crispy bacon and savory sausage pair perfectly with the creamy mashed potatoes, making every bite incredibly satisfying.
• Customizable: You can easily modify the filling to suit your tastes, from adding extra vegetables to trying different types of sausage.
• Comfort Food at its Best: Hearty, filling, and perfect for family gatherings, this dish will become a new favorite.
• Perfect for Meal Prep: These stuffed potatoes are great for leftovers and can be reheated without losing flavor or texture.

FAQs:

Q: Can I make these in advance? Yes! You can prepare and stuff the potatoes in advance, then refrigerate them for up to 1 day before baking. Just pop them in the oven when you’re ready to serve.

Q: Can I use other types of potatoes? While russet potatoes are ideal for their size and texture, you can use other potatoes, such as Yukon Gold or red potatoes, for a slightly different texture. Billion Dollar Buttery Biscuits

Q: Can I make this recipe vegetarian? Yes! Simply omit the bacon and sausage and replace them with sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or other veggies of your choice. You could also add plant-based sausage or crumbled tofu as a protein option.