Baked Potatoes with Cheese and Spinach
Introduction
If you’re looking for a warm, wholesome dish that’s easy to make and full of flavor, these baked potatoes with cheese and spinach are the perfect solution. Golden, fluffy russets are stuffed with sautéed greens and gooey melted cheese—making them equally perfect as a hearty side or a satisfying vegetarian main. With minimal prep and major comfort, this recipe is a must-have for your weeknight rotation.
Why I Love This Recipe
Baked potatoes are timeless comfort food, and stuffing them with sautéed spinach and melted cheese turns them into something extra special. They’re warm, hearty, and customizable—just like easy turkey wings or Instant Pot lasagna. Plus, they’re great for meal prep and perfect for feeding a crowd on a budget.
🛒 Ingredients
- 4 medium russet potatoes
- 1 cup spinach, chopped
- 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or mozzarella work well)
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- ¼ tsp garlic powder (optional)
👨🍳 Instructions
1. Prep the Potatoes
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Scrub potatoes clean, then pierce each one several times with a fork. Rub with olive oil and season with salt and pepper.
2. Bake
Place the potatoes directly on a baking sheet or oven rack. Bake for 45–60 minutes, until tender when pierced with a fork.
3. Sauté the Spinach
While the potatoes bake, heat a small skillet over medium heat. Add chopped spinach and sauté for 2–3 minutes until wilted. Season with a pinch of salt, pepper, and garlic powder if using.
4. Stuff the Potatoes
Once baked, let potatoes cool slightly, then cut a slit down the center of each. Use a fork to fluff the insides.
5. Add the Filling
Stuff each potato with sautéed spinach and top generously with shredded cheese.
6. Final Bake
Return the stuffed potatoes to the oven for 5–7 minutes, or until the cheese is fully melted and bubbly.
7. Serve
Serve warm as a side dish or a filling vegetarian main.
💡 Tips for Success
- Choose starchy potatoes like russets for the fluffiest texture.
- Mix up the cheese: Try Gruyère, smoked gouda, or a sharp white cheddar for extra flavor.
- Add protein: Stir in cooked chicken, ground beef, or chickpeas to make it a full meal.
- Customize the greens: Kale or arugula make great substitutes for spinach.
🍽️ Serving Suggestions
These baked potatoes are incredibly versatile. Serve them:
- Alongside sheet pan quesadillas for a fun dinner spread
- With chicken enchiladas for a Tex-Mex twist
- As a meatless main with a side salad and a warm drink
- Followed by a sweet treat like edible cookie dough for a cozy finish
❄️ Storage & Leftovers
- Fridge: Store leftover potatoes in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Reheat: Bake at 350°F until warmed through or microwave in 1-minute intervals.
- Freezer: Not recommended—cheese and potatoes tend to lose texture when thawed.
🍴 More Recipes You’ll Love
Love easy, comforting meals? Try these from the ChefManiac kitchen next:
- These Sheet Pan Quesadillas Are My Favorite Way to Feed a Crowd Fast
- These Easy Turkey Wings Are My Favorite Comfort Food for Lazy Sundays
- This Instant Pot Lasagna Is My Favorite Way to Make Comfort Food Fast
- These Chicken Enchiladas Are My Go-To for Cozy Crowd-Pleasing Dinners
- This Edible Cookie Dough Is My Favorite No-Bake Treat for Late-Night Cravings
🧾 Final Thoughts
These baked potatoes with cheese and spinach are the perfect marriage of comfort and nutrition—simple to make, endlessly customizable, and always satisfying. Whether you serve them as a weeknight dinner or a crowd-pleasing side, they’re bound to become a staple in your kitchen.
💬 What’s Your Favorite Potato Topping?
Tried this recipe? Share your favorite twist in the comments or tag @ChefManiac on social! Want more wholesome comfort food ideas like this one? Follow us and never miss a delicious update.
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