Cheesy Spinach-Stuffed Twice-Baked Potatoes
These Cheesy Spinach-Stuffed Twice-Baked Potatoes are a delightful twist on a classic favorite, designed to sneak in healthy greens while delivering creamy, cheesy goodness. Perfectly baked potatoes are scooped, mixed with rich cheeses and sautéed spinach, then reloaded into their crispy skins for a stunning presentation. This dish not only appeals to picky eaters but also makes a fantastic side or main course for dinner parties, where their rich flavor and inviting aroma will impress everyone. Enjoy the satisfaction of getting your kids to eat their veggies with this recipe that's perfect for any occasion.
N/A
Servings
400
Calories
9
Ingredients
Ingredients
baking potatoes
4 large (scrubbed well)
frozen chopped spinach
1 (10 ounce) package (thawed and excess water squeezed out)
butter
1/4 cup (melted)
sour cream
1/4 cup (smooth)
warm milk
1/2 cup (approximate amount)
grated cheddar cheese
2 cups (divided)
salt
to taste
pepper
to taste
cayenne pepper
1 pinch
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2
Prepare the potatoes by cutting a small slit on top of each. Place them directly on the oven rack and bake for about 1 hour, or until they are tender and fully cooked.
3
Once the potatoes have cooled slightly, cut each in half lengthwise. Carefully scoop out the fluffy insides with a spoon, placing the potato flesh into a large mixing bowl, and leave the skins intact on a baking sheet.
4
Thoroughly squeeze the thawed spinach to remove excess moisture, then add it to the mixing bowl.
5
To the bowl, add the butter, sour cream, warm milk, salt, pepper, and cayenne. Mash the mixture until it's creamy and well combined.
6
Fold in 1 cup of the grated cheddar cheese, mixing until evenly distributed.
7
Spoon the spinach-potato mixture back into each potato skin, generously filling them.
8
Sprinkle the remaining cheddar cheese over the top of each stuffed potato.
9
If preparing ahead, you can cover the potatoes and refrigerate them overnight at this stage.
10
When ready to serve, bake the stuffed potatoes in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 30 minutes, or until heated through and the cheese is bubbly and golden.
Nutrition Information
20g
Fat
45g
Carbs
15g
Protein
4g
Fiber
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Cheesy Spinach-Stuffed Twice-Baked Potatoes?
They are a twist on classic twice-baked potatoes featuring a creamy mixture of potato, sautéed spinach, and cheddar cheese stuffed back into crispy potato skins.
How many potatoes do I need for this recipe?
This recipe calls for 4 large baking potatoes, which are scrubbed well before baking.
What type of spinach should I use?
The recipe specifies using one 10-ounce package of frozen chopped spinach that has been thawed.
How do I prepare the spinach for the filling?
After thawing the spinach, you must thoroughly squeeze it to remove all excess moisture before adding it to the potato mixture.
What temperature should the oven be for the initial bake?
The oven should be preheated to 400°F (200°C) for the first stage of baking the whole potatoes.
How long do the potatoes need to bake the first time?
They should bake for about 1 hour directly on the oven rack until they are tender and fully cooked.
Do I need to wrap the potatoes in foil?
No, the instructions suggest placing them directly on the oven rack to ensure the skins become tender and suitable for stuffing.
How do I scoop out the potato without breaking the skin?
Once cooled slightly, cut the potatoes in half lengthwise and carefully use a spoon to scoop out the fluffy insides, leaving the skins intact.
What ingredients are mixed with the potato flesh?
The potato flesh is mashed with butter, sour cream, warm milk, salt, pepper, cayenne, and thawed spinach.
Why is warm milk used instead of cold milk?
Using warm milk helps maintain the temperature of the mash and ensures a creamier, smoother consistency when mixing.
What kind of cheese is best for this recipe?
The recipe calls for 2 cups of grated cheddar cheese, divided between the filling and the topping.
How much cheese goes inside the potatoes?
You should fold 1 cup of the grated cheddar cheese into the potato and spinach mixture.
Is this recipe spicy?
It contains a pinch of cayenne pepper for a subtle hint of flavor, but it is generally considered mild and kid-friendly.
Can I make these potatoes ahead of time?
Yes, you can stuff the potatoes, top them with cheese, and then cover and refrigerate them overnight before the final bake.
What is the temperature for the second bake?
When you are ready to serve, the stuffed potatoes should be baked at 350°F (175°C).
How long is the second baking period?
The potatoes need about 30 minutes in the oven until they are heated through and the cheese is bubbly.
Are these potatoes suitable for a dinner party?
Absolutely. They offer a stunning presentation and rich flavor that makes them an excellent side dish for guests.
How many calories are in one serving?
Each serving contains approximately 400 calories.
What is the fat content per serving?
There are 20 grams of fat per serving in this recipe.
How much protein is in these stuffed potatoes?
Each serving provides 15 grams of protein.
Do these potatoes contain fiber?
Yes, each serving contains 4 grams of fiber, largely thanks to the spinach and potato.
What are the total carbohydrates per serving?
There are 45 grams of carbohydrates per serving.
Can I use fresh spinach instead of frozen?
Yes, but you would need to sauté and finely chop it first, ensuring all moisture is squeezed out just like the frozen version.
Is this dish considered vegetarian?
Yes, this recipe contains no meat and is suitable for vegetarians who consume dairy.
Can I swap sour cream for Greek yogurt?
While the recipe calls for sour cream, Greek yogurt is a common substitute that provides a similar tang and creaminess.
What makes the potato skins crispy?
Baking the potatoes directly on the oven rack at a high temperature (400°F) helps develop a crispier skin.
How do I store leftovers?
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3 to 4 days.
Can I freeze these potatoes?
Yes, twice-baked potatoes freeze well. Wrap them individually and thaw before reheating in the oven.
Is it necessary to scrub the potatoes?
Yes, because the skins are eaten, it is important to scrub them well to remove any dirt or debris.
What should the cheese look like when done?
The cheese on top should be bubbly and golden brown after the second bake.