Imagine sinking your fork into a perfectly crispy potato skin, revealing a creamy, herb-infused interior that's loaded with rich Parmesan cheese and butter. These Parmesan Herb Stuffed Baked Potatoes aren't just a side dish – they're a culinary experience that transforms the humble potato into a gourmet masterpiece that will have your family and friends begging for seconds. Whether you're looking to impress dinner guests or simply elevate your weeknight meal, this recipe promises to deliver maximum flavor with minimal effort.
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 45 mins
Total Time: 60 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 4 large baking potatoes
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/4 cup chives, chopped
- 1/4 cup butter
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 425°F (218°C). Wash the potatoes thoroughly under cold running water, scrubbing the skin to remove any dirt.
- Pat the potatoes dry with paper towels and pierce each potato multiple times with a fork to allow steam to escape during baking.
- Rub the potato skins with a light coating of olive oil and sprinkle with salt to help create a crispy exterior.
- Place potatoes directly on the middle oven rack and bake for 45-50 minutes, or until the skin is crisp and the inside is soft when pierced with a fork.
- Remove potatoes from the oven and let them cool for 5-10 minutes until they are comfortable to handle.
- Cut each potato lengthwise and gently scoop out the interior, leaving a thin layer of potato attached to the skin to maintain the potato's structure.
- In a mixing bowl, combine the scooped potato flesh, grated Parmesan cheese, sour cream, chopped chives, melted butter, salt, and pepper. Mash until smooth and well combined.
- Carefully refill each potato skin with the cheesy herb mixture, mounding it slightly on top.
- Return the stuffed potatoes to the oven and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes until the tops are golden brown and slightly crispy.
- Remove from oven and let rest for 2-3 minutes before serving hot, garnished with additional chopped chives if desired.
Tips
- Choose the right potatoes: Select large, uniform baking potatoes like Russet for the best texture and ease of stuffing.
- Crispy skin secret: The olive oil and salt rub is crucial for achieving that irresistible crispy exterior. Don't skip this step!
- Mashing technique: For the smoothest filling, use a potato masher or ripper instead of a mixer to avoid over-working the potato and making it gluey.
- Cheese matters: Use freshly grated Parmesan for the most robust flavor – pre-grated cheese won't melt as smoothly.
- Make-ahead magic: You can prepare these potatoes in advance and reheat them in the oven for 10-15 minutes before serving, making them perfect for meal prep or entertaining.
- Garnish generously: A sprinkle of fresh chives or even some crispy bacon bits can take these stuffed potatoes to the next level.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 552kcal
Carbohydrates: g
Protein: g
Fat: g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 74mg
