These Oven-Fried Stuffed Potatoes are everything you want in a baked potato—and then some. We’re talking fluffy mashed potato centers blended with sour cream, bacon, cheese, and green onion, all nestled back into their crispy skins and oven-fried to golden perfection. They’re like a cross between a twice-baked potato and a potato skin—with less mess, more flavor, and no deep frying needed.
Whether you serve them as a side dish, a game day bite, or a stand-alone dinner, they’re guaranteed to steal the show.
Why I Love This Recipe
This recipe delivers crispy edges, melty cheese, and flavor in every forkful—without ever touching a fryer. I love that you can prep them ahead, customize the fillings, and reheat leftovers without sacrificing texture. Plus, the paprika and olive oil drizzle before the final bake? Game-changer.
And let’s be honest: cheesy bacon-loaded potatoes never need convincing.
Ingredients
- 4 large russet potatoes
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- ½ cup sour cream
- ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese
- ¼ cup cooked bacon, crumbled
- 2 green onions, chopped
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- ¼ teaspoon paprika (optional)
Swaps and Notes
- Cheese: Try Monterey Jack, mozzarella, or pepper jack for a spicy twist.
- Sour Cream Substitute: Use Greek yogurt for extra protein.
- Vegetarian Option: Skip the bacon or swap in sautéed mushrooms.
- Topping Tip: A dollop of Beer Cheese Dip takes these to the next level.
Step-by-Step Instructions
🔹 Step 1: Bake the Potatoes
Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
Pierce potatoes with a fork and place directly on the oven rack.
Bake for 45–50 minutes until tender. Let cool slightly.
🔹 Step 2: Prep the Filling
Cut each potato in half lengthwise.
Scoop out the flesh, leaving a ¼-inch border. Place flesh in a mixing bowl.
Mash with sour cream, cheese, bacon, salt, and pepper until smooth.
🔹 Step 3: Stuff and Season
Spoon mashed mixture back into the potato shells, dividing evenly.
Place on a baking sheet. Drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle paprika on top if using.
🔹 Step 4: Oven-Fry to Crisp
Bake for an additional 15–20 minutes, or until the tops are golden and edges are crisp.
🔹 Step 5: Finish and Serve
Top with chopped green onions. Serve hot with sour cream, ranch, or your favorite dipping sauce.
Tips for Success
- Don’t skip the olive oil drizzle: It helps the skins crisp up like they’ve been fried.
- Leave a potato border: This keeps the skins sturdy and helps them hold the filling.
- Double the batch: These freeze and reheat beautifully for easy lunches or party prep.
Serving Suggestions and Pairings
These stuffed potatoes pair perfectly with:
- Dorito Casserole – for an all-out comfort food combo
- Sheet Pan Quesadillas – Tex-Mex meets crispy potatoes
- Beer Cheese Dip – spoon it right on top or serve on the side
- Blueberry Lemonade – a refreshing sip to balance the richness
- Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Brownie Bombs – a sweet ending to your savory spread
Storage and Leftovers
- Fridge: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Reheat: Warm in the oven at 350°F until heated through and crisp again.
- Freeze: Wrap individually and freeze for up to 2 months. Reheat from frozen at 375°F for 25–30 minutes.
More Recipes You’ll Love
Try more comfort food favorites from the ChefManiac kitchen:
Final Thoughts
These Oven-Fried Stuffed Potatoes combine the best parts of baked potatoes, mashed potatoes, and crispy skins—all in one easy, cheesy dish. Whether you’re hosting game night, feeding a hungry crowd, or just treating yourself, these will become your new favorite potato fix.
Tried them? Tag @chefmaniac and show us how you stuff your spuds! 🥔🧀🥓
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