Ultimate Cheesy Stuffed Baked Potatoes
Indulge in these Ultimate Cheesy Stuffed Baked Potatoes that redefine comfort food! Inspired by a classic from 'Cook's Country from America's Test Kitchen,' these potatoes are transformed into a gourmet experience. Each russet potato is meticulously baked to a crisp perfection, then generously filled with a velvety mixture of Boursin cheese, creamy half-and-half, and fragrant garlic, accentuated with fresh chives. Topped with more cheese and a sprinkle of chives, these potatoes make a striking side dish or a satisfying main course. Perfect for family dinners, gatherings, or any occasion where deliciousness is a must.
6
Servings
150
Calories
8
Ingredients
Ingredients
russet potatoes
7 (12-ounce each, scrubbed)
unsalted butter
6 (3 tablespoons melted, 3 tablespoons cold)
salt
3/4 (teaspoon)
Boursin cheese
1 (5 1/4-ounce package, crumbled)
half-and-half
1/2 (cup)
garlic cloves
2 (minced)
fresh chives
1/4 (cup, chopped)
ground black pepper
1 (teaspoon)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 475°F (245°C).
2
Using a fork, prick each russet potato all over to allow steam to escape during cooking.
3
Arrange the potatoes on a paper towel in your microwave and cook on high for 20-25 minutes, turning them over halfway through, until they're tender and easily pierced with a fork.
4
Once cooked, carefully slice off the top quarter of each potato lengthwise. Let them cool for about 5 minutes before scooping out the flesh, leaving a 1/4-inch wall around the sides and bottom. Set aside the flesh and discard one of the shells.
5
Brush the insides and outsides of the potato shells with melted butter and sprinkle with salt. Place them on a rack set in a baking sheet and bake for 15 minutes until they are crisp and golden.
6
In a mixing bowl, whisk together half of the Boursin cheese with 1/4 cup of half-and-half until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
7
In a small saucepan, melt the remaining 3 tablespoons of unsalted butter over medium heat. Stir in the minced garlic and sauté for about 3-5 minutes, or until the garlic is fragrant and slightly golden, being careful not to burn it. Remove from heat and fold in the Boursin mixture.
8
Using a ricer or food mill, press the reserved potato flesh until it's fluffy and smooth. Fold in the garlic-Boursin mixture, along with 3 tablespoons of fresh chives, salt, and ground black pepper. Mix until all ingredients are well-combined.
9
Remove the potato shells from the oven and generously fill each shell with the creamy mashed potato mixture. Crumble the remaining Boursin cheese on top of the filled potatoes.
10
Return the stuffed potatoes to the oven and bake them for another 15 minutes, or until the tops are golden brown and bubbly.
11
Once done, sprinkle the remaining chopped chives on top for garnish and serve hot.
Nutrition Information
9
Fat
15
Carbs
3.5
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Ultimate Cheesy Stuffed Baked Potatoes?
They are a gourmet take on twice-baked potatoes featuring a creamy filling made with Boursin cheese, garlic, and chives, based on a recipe from Cook's Country.
What type of potatoes is best for this recipe?
Russet potatoes are best for this recipe because their high starch content leads to a fluffy filling and their skins become crisp when baked.
How many potatoes do I need?
You will need 7 russet potatoes, each weighing approximately 12 ounces.
Why does the recipe call for 7 potatoes but only 6 servings?
One potato shell is discarded so that there is extra potato flesh to generously overstuff the remaining six shells.
What temperature should I preheat the oven to?
Preheat your oven to 475°F (245°C) to ensure the potato shells become crisp and golden.
How long do the potatoes need to cook in the microwave?
Cook the potatoes on high for 20-25 minutes, turning them over halfway through the process.
Why should I prick the potatoes with a fork?
Pricking the potatoes allows steam to escape during the cooking process, preventing them from bursting.
What is the secret to a smooth potato filling?
Using a ricer or food mill to process the cooked potato flesh ensures a fluffy, lump-free, and smooth texture.
What is Boursin cheese?
Boursin is a brand of creamy, crumbly Gournay cheese, typically flavored with herbs and garlic.
How much Boursin cheese is used in this recipe?
The recipe uses one 5 1/4-ounce package of crumbled Boursin cheese.
Can I substitute the half-and-half?
While half-and-half provides the best balance of creaminess, you can use whole milk or heavy cream as a substitute.
How do I prepare the garlic for the filling?
Mince two garlic cloves and sauté them in 3 tablespoons of butter for 3-5 minutes until fragrant and golden.
How do I ensure the potato skins are crispy?
Brush the inside and outside of the empty shells with melted butter and bake them on a rack for 15 minutes before stuffing.
How thick should the potato shell walls be?
Leave about a 1/4-inch wall of flesh around the sides and bottom to provide structure for the stuffing.
What is the total baking time after the potatoes are stuffed?
The stuffed potatoes should bake for an additional 15 minutes until the tops are golden brown and bubbly.
Is this recipe vegetarian?
Yes, this recipe is vegetarian as it contains no meat products.
What garnish is recommended?
Freshly chopped chives are used both in the filling and as a final garnish on top.
How many calories are in one serving?
Each serving contains approximately 150 calories.
What is the fat content per serving?
Each serving has approximately 9 grams of fat.
How many carbohydrates are in these potatoes?
There are approximately 15 grams of carbohydrates per serving.
Can these be served as a main dish?
Yes, because they are generously stuffed and rich, they can serve as a satisfying vegetarian main course.
Should I use salted or unsalted butter?
The recipe specifically calls for unsalted butter to better control the overall saltiness of the dish.
How do I prevent the garlic from burning?
Sauté the garlic over medium heat and watch it closely, removing it from the heat as soon as it becomes fragrant and slightly golden.
What equipment is needed for the shells?
You will need a baking sheet and a wire rack to help the air circulate so the shells get crisp on all sides.
Can I make these potatoes ahead of time?
You can prepare the filling and shells in advance and perform the final 15-minute bake just before serving.
How much salt and pepper is used?
The recipe uses 3/4 teaspoon of salt and 1 teaspoon of ground black pepper.
What if I don't have a ricer?
You can use a standard potato masher, though the texture may be slightly less fluffy than using a ricer.
How do I store leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-5 days.
Can I add bacon to this recipe?
While not in the original recipe, cooked bacon bits would make a great additional topping for non-vegetarians.
Is there a specific way to microwave the potatoes?
The recipe recommends arranging them on a paper towel to help manage moisture during the 20-25 minute cook time.