Ingredients and Weight:
- 8 medium-sized potatoes (approximately 2 pounds)
- 1/2 pound ground bacon or sausage
- 1/4 cup chopped green onions or scallions
- 1/4 cup chopped bell peppers
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh thyme or oregano leaves (or according to preference)
- 3 tablespoons vegetable oil (for baking the potatoes)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Sour cream, cheese, or chili sauce for topping (optional)
Preparation Time:
- Preparation: 30 minutes (includes potato baking time)
- Cooking: 20-25 minutes
- Total Time: 55-60 minutes
Difficulty Level: Level 3 (Moderate difficulty)
Preparation Method Steps:
- Preheat the oven to 400°F.
- Scrub the potatoes clean and wrap each one in aluminum foil, then bake for about 1 hour or until tender.
- Remove the potatoes from the oven and let cool slightly. Then cut each potato in half lengthwise.
- Scoop out most of the flesh, leaving a thin layer of potato attached to the skin.
- In a separate pan, cook the ground bacon or sausage until done and break it up into small pieces.
- Add the chopped green onions, bell peppers, and herbs to the cooked bacon or sausage and mix well.
- Season the potato skins with salt and pepper and stuff them with the bacon mixture.
- Return the stuffed potato skins to the oven for 10-15 minutes until the tops are golden and bubbling.
- Serve immediately with a desired topping like sour cream, cheese, or chili sauce.
Nutritional Information: (Per serving, assuming 8 servings total)
Calories: Approximately 350 calories per serving (depending on toppings)
Fat: 18g, Carbohydrates: 35g, Protein: 12g
Dish Characteristics:
- Crispy potato skin with a soft, flavorful interior filled with a savory bacon-pepper mixture.
- A classic American dish that can be customized with various toppings.
- Easy to prepare in advance and bake later for a quick side dish or appetizer.
User Comments:
- "These potato skins were a hit at my party! Everyone loved the combination of flavors."
- "I made these as an appetizer for my family and they were a big hit! The potato skins were crispy and perfect for dipping."
- "I added some extra spices to the filling for a kick of flavor - these were delicious!"
Special Precautions and Tips:
- Make sure to bake the potatoes until they are tender before proceeding to the next step.
- When scooping out the flesh, be careful not to remove too much as you want some potato left to hold the filling in place.
- Adjust seasoning according to preference and add other toppings like cheese or chili sauce for added flavor.
