Potato Skins with Cheddar and Bacon

Recipe by: Victoria Blashford-Snell, Brigitte Hafner | from The Illustrated Kitchen Bible

Cookstr

Course: Main Course

Total Time: Under 2 Hours

Skill Level: Moderate

Cost: Inexpensive

Photo by:

Presented this way, these baked potatoes are a real treat.

Yield: Makes 4 servings

INGREDIENTS

4 medium baking potatoes, scrubbed
7 oz (200g) bacon, rind removed, cut into sticks
2 shallots, finely chopped
Scant ½ cup whole milk
2 tbsp butter
¾ cup shredded Cheddar cheese
2 tbsp chopped parsley
Salt and freshly ground black pepper

Directions

1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Prick the potato skins all over with a fork. Bake in the oven for about 45–50 minutes, until tender. Reduce the oven temperature to 350°F (180°C).

2. Meanwhile, cook the bacon in a frying pan over medium-high heat about 4 minutes until golden. Add the shallots and cook until they soften, about 1 minute more.

3. Slice off the top third of each potato, horizontally. Using a spoon, scoop out the flesh into a large bowl. Reserve the hollowed-out skins and place in a lightly oiled baking dish.

4. Mash the potato with a potato masher. Add the milk and butter, and beat until smooth. Stir in the Cheddar and bacon mixture along with the parsley. Season with salt and pepper.

5. Spoon the mixture back into the potato skins and bake for 20–25 minutes, or until the filling is heated through and golden on top. Serve hot with extra chopped parsley sprinkled on top, if desired.

Variations

Potato Skins with Crab:

Mix the mashed potato with a 16oz (168g) can crabmeat, drained, 3 chopped scallions, 1 chopped fresh small red chile, ¼ cup créme fraîche, and 2 tbsp chopped cilantro. Spoon back into the skins and bake as above.

Potato Skins with Chorizo:

Mix the mashed potato with 5oz (145g) chopped smoked chorizo, 1 ripe tomato, seeded and diced, 5oz (145g) mozzarella, diced, and 1 tbsp chopped oregano. Spoon back into the skins and bake as above.

NUTRITIONAL INFORMATION

Nutrients per serving (% daily value)

Calories 546kcal (27%)

Calcium 207mg (21%)

Vitamin C 45mg (75%)

Vitamin A 131mcg RAE (4%)

Potassium 1087mg

Magnesium 66mg

Protein 16g

Sugar 3g

Fiber 5g

Total Carbohydrate 40g