🧀 Cheesy Garlic Stuffed Baked Potatoes (Full Recipe + Q&A)

🥔 Full Recipe

🛒 Ingredients (Serves 4 – 8 halves)

• 4 medium russet potatoes

• 2 tbsp olive oil

• Salt (for rubbing skins)

• 3 tbsp butter, softened

• ¼ cup sour cream (or Greek yogurt)

• ½ cup milk or heavy cream (adjust for texture)

• 2 cloves garlic, minced (or 1 tsp garlic powder)

• 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella or cheddar cheese

• 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley

• Black pepper to taste

Optional add-ins: cooked bacon bits, green onions, parmesan, cream cheese.

👩‍🍳 Step-by-Step Instructions

1️⃣ Bake the Potatoes

1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).

2. Scrub potatoes clean and dry well.

3. Rub skins with olive oil and sprinkle with salt.

4. Bake directly on rack for 45–60 minutes until fork-tender.

2️⃣ Scoop & Mix Filling

1. Let potatoes cool slightly.

2. Slice in half lengthwise.

3. Scoop out inside flesh (leave thin shell so skins stay sturdy).

4. Mash potato flesh with:

   • Butter

   • Sour cream

   • Milk/cream

   • Garlic

   • 1 cup shredded cheese

   • Salt & pepper

Mash until smooth and creamy.

3️⃣ Stuff & Bake Again

1. Spoon mixture back into potato skins.

2. Top with remaining ½ cup cheese.

3. Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 15–20 minutes until cheese melts and turns golden.

4. Broil 2–3 minutes for bubbly brown tops.

5. Sprinkle parsley and serve hot.

📊 Approximate Nutrition (Per Half)

• Calories: ~210–250

• Carbs: 28g

• Protein: 7g

• Fat: 10–12g

❓ Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: Can I make these ahead of time?

Yes! Assemble completely, cover, and refrigerate up to 24 hours. Bake when ready to serve.

Q2: Can I freeze them?

Yes. Wrap individually and freeze up to 2 months. Reheat at 375°F for 25–30 minutes (from frozen).

Q3: How do I make them extra crispy?

• Brush skins lightly with oil before second bake.

• Broil at the end for 2–4 minutes.

Q4: Can I make them lighter?

Swap:

• Greek yogurt for sour cream

• Low-fat cheese

• Reduce butter by half

Q5: What’s the best potato to use?

Russet potatoes work best because they’re fluffy inside and sturdy outside.

Q6: Can I cook these in the air fryer?

Yes!

• Air fry whole potatoes at 400°F for 35–40 minutes.

• After stuffing, air fry 5–8 minutes until cheese bubbles.

Q7: Why are my potatoes gummy?

Overmixing releases starch. Mash gently — don’t use a blender or food processor.