Bacon and Sausage-Stuffed Potato Loaf! This savory dish combines the rich flavors of crispy bacon, savory sausage, and creamy mashed potatoes, all wrapped in a warm, fluffy loaf. It’s perfect for a hearty breakfast, lunch, or dinner!
Bacon and Sausage-Stuffed Potato Loaf
Ingredients:
For the Potato Loaf:
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4 large potatoes (Russet or Yukon Gold work well)
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1/4 cup unsalted butter
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1/4 cup milk (or cream for a richer flavor)
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Salt and pepper, to taste
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1 egg (for binding the potato mixture)
For the Filling:
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6 slices of bacon, chopped
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2 sausage links (Italian or breakfast sausage, casing removed)
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1 small onion, finely chopped
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1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar, mozzarella, or your favorite)
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1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
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Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions:
1. Prepare the Potatoes:
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Peel the potatoes and cut them into chunks.
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Boil the potatoes in salted water until tender, about 12-15 minutes.
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Drain the potatoes and return them to the pot. Add the butter, milk, salt, and pepper.
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Mash the potatoes until smooth and creamy. Stir in the egg to help bind the mixture. Set aside to cool slightly.
2. Prepare the Filling:
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In a large skillet, cook the bacon over medium heat until crispy, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the bacon from the pan and drain on paper towels.
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In the same skillet, remove excess bacon fat, leaving about 1 tablespoon. Add the sausage and cook, breaking it up into small pieces, until browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes.
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Add the onion to the skillet and cook until softened, about 3 minutes.
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Add the cooked bacon back into the pan with the sausage and onions. Stir in the cheese and parsley (if using). Season with salt and pepper to taste. Set aside to cool slightly.
3. Assemble the Loaf:
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Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
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Lightly grease a loaf pan or line it with parchment paper.
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Spread half of the mashed potato mixture into the bottom of the loaf pan, pressing down gently to create an even layer.
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Add the bacon and sausage filling on top of the mashed potatoes, spreading it out evenly.
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Top the filling with the remaining mashed potatoes, smoothing it out to cover the filling completely.
4. Bake the Potato Loaf:
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Bake the loaf in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden and the loaf is heated through.
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For extra crispiness on top, you can broil the loaf for an additional 2-3 minutes at the end of baking.
5. Serve:
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Let the potato loaf cool for a few minutes before slicing it.
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Serve warm with a side of salad or roasted vegetables, or enjoy it on its own!
Q&A Section:
Q: Can I use a different kind of sausage?
A: Yes! You can use any type of sausage you prefer, such as chorizo, turkey sausage, or vegetarian sausage. Just adjust the seasoning to suit the type of sausage you choose.
Q: Can I make the mashed potatoes ahead of time?
A: Absolutely! You can prepare the mashed potatoes a day ahead and store them in the fridge. Just make sure to let them cool slightly before assembling the loaf.
Q: Can I make this without bacon?
A: Yes, you can omit the bacon if you prefer a lighter version or need a bacon-free dish. You can substitute with more sausage or add some sautéed mushrooms or bell peppers for extra flavor.
Q: Can I add vegetables to the filling?
A: Yes! Feel free to add vegetables like spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers to the filling for added flavor and nutrition. Just sauté them along with the onions.
Q: What can I serve with this loaf?
A: This stuffed potato loaf is hearty on its own, but it pairs well with green salads, roasted vegetables, or even a side of gravy for extra richness.
Q: Can I freeze this loaf?
A: Yes! You can freeze the potato loaf before baking. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, then freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to bake, thaw it in the fridge overnight and bake as directed, adding an extra 5-10 minutes if needed.
Tips:
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Choose your cheese: Use a cheese that melts well, such as cheddar, mozzarella, or Swiss. You can even mix cheeses for a unique flavor.
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Customize the filling: Experiment with different meats or vegetables to make this loaf your own. Bacon and sausage are just the starting point!
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Serve it with a sauce: For extra flavor, you can drizzle some gravy or sour cream over the loaf before serving.
Enjoy