Hearty Loaded Baked Potatoes with Feta and Bacon
Elevate your comfort food game with these Hearty Loaded Baked Potatoes, packed with creamy feta cheese and savory bacon. Inspired by a classic Weight Watchers recipe from 2000, this dish is both flavorful and guilt-free at just 5 points per serving. Perfect for a cozy family dinner or a satisfying side dish, these potatoes are sure to become a staple in your meal rotation. Save any extras to create another delicious meal using our upcoming recipe #210213, which makes the most of your leftovers.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
9
Ingredients
Ingredients
baking potatoes
4 large (about 3 pounds) (washed and pricked with a fork)
1% low-fat milk
1/2 cup
crumbled feta cheese
1/2 cup
reduced-fat cream cheese
1/3 cup (about 3 oz) (softened (Neufchatel))
minced fresh oregano
2 tablespoons (or 2 teaspoons dried oregano)
salt
1/2 teaspoon
pepper
1/4 teaspoon
green onion
1/4 cup (thinly sliced)
hickory smoked bacon
2 slices (cooked and crumbled)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2
Wash the baking potatoes thoroughly and pat them dry. Prick each potato a few times with a fork to allow steam to escape during baking.
3
Place the potatoes directly on the oven rack and bake for about 1 hour, or until the potatoes are tender when pierced with a fork. (Alternatively, for quicker preparation, you can microwave the potatoes until tender, but the oven method yields the best texture.)
4
Once the potatoes are baked, remove them from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes.
5
Carefully cut each potato in half lengthwise and scoop out the flesh into a large mixing bowl, leaving about 1/4 inch of potato on the skin to form a sturdy shell.
6
Using a potato masher, mash the potato pulp until smooth and creamy.
7
Add the 1% low-fat milk, crumbled feta cheese, softened reduced-fat cream cheese, minced oregano, salt, and pepper to the mashed potato mixture. Mix well until smooth and combined.
8
Spoon the creamy potato mixture back into the potato shells, mounding it slightly.
9
Place the filled potato halves on a baking sheet and return them to the oven. Bake for an additional 15 minutes, until heated through.
10
Remove from the oven and garnish each potato half with 1 1/2 teaspoons of thinly sliced green onions and a sprinkle of crumbled hickory smoked bacon before serving.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the name of this recipe?
The recipe is for Hearty Loaded Baked Potatoes with Feta and Bacon.
How many Weight Watchers points is this recipe?
This dish is 5 points per serving according to the classic Weight Watchers recipe from 2000.
What is the preheat temperature for the oven?
The oven should be preheated to 400°F (200°C).
How long do the potatoes bake initially?
The potatoes should bake directly on the oven rack for about 1 hour.
Can I cook the potatoes in the microwave?
Yes, you can microwave the potatoes until tender for quicker preparation, though the oven yields the best texture.
How many potatoes are needed?
The recipe calls for 4 large baking potatoes, totaling about 3 pounds.
How much feta cheese is required?
You will need 1/2 cup of crumbled feta cheese.
What type of cream cheese is used?
The recipe uses 1/3 cup (about 3 oz) of softened reduced-fat cream cheese, such as Neufchatel.
Can I use dried herbs instead of fresh oregano?
Yes, you can substitute 2 tablespoons of minced fresh oregano with 2 teaspoons of dried oregano.
How much milk is added to the filling?
The recipe requires 1/2 cup of 1% low-fat milk.
What are the primary seasonings?
The primary seasonings are 1/2 teaspoon of salt and 1/4 teaspoon of pepper.
How much bacon is used for the topping?
The recipe uses 2 slices of hickory smoked bacon, cooked and crumbled.
What garnish is used besides bacon?
The potatoes are garnished with 1/4 cup of thinly sliced green onions.
How do I prepare the potato shells?
Cut the baked potatoes in half lengthwise and scoop out the flesh, leaving about 1/4 inch of potato on the skin.
How long is the second baking period?
After filling the shells, bake them for an additional 15 minutes until heated through.
What is the total ingredient count?
There are 9 ingredients in total.
Is this recipe suitable for a low-fat diet?
Yes, it is tagged as low fat and uses reduced-fat dairy products.
How should I prepare the potatoes before baking?
Wash them thoroughly, pat them dry, and prick them with a fork to allow steam to escape.
What should the texture of the potato pulp be?
The potato pulp should be mashed until it is smooth and creamy.
Can I use leftovers for another recipe?
Yes, leftovers can be used for recipe #210213.
What type of bacon is recommended?
Hickory smoked bacon is recommended for this recipe.
How much green onion goes on each potato half?
Each half gets 1 1/2 teaspoons of thinly sliced green onions.
What tags are associated with this recipe?
Tags include baked potatoes, loaded potatoes, healthy comfort food, and weight watchers.
Is this recipe considered vegetarian?
While it contains bacon, it is tagged as vegetarian, implying the bacon can be omitted or replaced.
How do I know when the potatoes are done baking the first time?
They are done when they are tender when pierced with a fork.
What tool is recommended for mashing the potatoes?
A potato masher is recommended for mashing the pulp.
What is the total weight of the potatoes?
The total weight is approximately 3 pounds.
Is Neufchatel cheese the same as the cream cheese used?
Yes, the recipe specifies Neufchatel as the softened reduced-fat cream cheese.
How do I place the potatoes for the final bake?
Place the filled potato halves on a baking sheet before returning them to the oven.
Can this be served as a main dish?
Yes, it is described as a hearty comfort food suitable for a cozy family dinner.