Description
Cheese-Stuffed Potato Bombs
Garlic-infused cheesy potato bombs are perfect for garlic lovers! A crispy, flavorful snack or side dish.
Ingredients
4 medium potatoes
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 tbsp butter
½ cup bread crumbs
Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
Sauté garlic in butter and mix it with mashed potato and cheddar.
Stuff the mixture into the potato shells and top with bread crumbs.
Bake at 200°C until golden and crispy.
#GarlicCheeseDelight
Step-by-Step Guide
Follow these detailed instructions for perfect Cheese-Stuffed Potato Bombs every time.
- Prepare the Potatoes: Thoroughly wash the potatoes. Bake them at 200°C (400°F) for 45-60 minutes until completely tender. Let them cool until safe to handle.
- Create the Filling: Cut each potato in half lengthwise. Carefully scoop out the flesh into a bowl, leaving a 1/4-inch shell. In a small pan, sauté the minced garlic in butter until fragrant. Mash the potato flesh with the garlic butter, shredded cheddar cheese, salt, and pepper until smooth.
- Stuff and Coat: Generously fill each potato shell with the cheesy mixture, mounding it slightly. Gently press the top of the filling into the breadcrumbs to create a crispy, even coating.
- Bake to Perfection: Place the stuffed potatoes on a baking sheet. Bake at 200°C (400°F) for 20-25 minutes, or until the breadcrumb topping is golden brown and the cheese is bubbly.
Serving Suggestions
These versatile bombs are fantastic as a standalone snack with a cool sour cream and chive dip. As a side dish, they pair wonderfully with grilled steak, roasted chicken, or a simple garden salad. For a fun party appetizer, serve them on a platter with small bowls of marinara sauce and ranch dressing for dipping.
How-to Summary
Bake potatoes, scoop out flesh, and mix with sautéed garlic, butter, and cheddar cheese. Stuff the mixture back into the skins, top with breadcrumbs, and bake until golden and crispy.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make these ahead of time? Yes, you can assemble the stuffed potatoes up to a day in advance. Cover and refrigerate them, then add the breadcrumbs and bake just before serving.
What cheese can I use instead of cheddar? Monterey Jack, Gouda, or a sharp Parmesan blend work excellently. For a kick, try a pepper jack cheese.
How do I get a crispier topping? For extra crunch, toss the breadcrumbs with a tablespoon of olive oil or melted butter before pressing them onto the potatoes.
Can I use an air fryer? Absolutely. Air fry at 190°C (375°F) for 10-12 minutes, checking for desired crispness.
My potato mixture is too wet. How can I fix it? If the mashed potato mixture is runny, add a tablespoon or two of the breadcrumbs or a bit of grated Parmesan to help bind and thicken it.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Undercooking the initial potatoes: This leads to lumpy, difficult-to-mash flesh. Ensure they are fork-tender all the way through.
- Making the shells too thin: Scooping out too much potato weakens the shell, causing it to collapse during baking. Leave a sturdy 1/4-inch border.
- Overfilling the shells: While a generous mound is good, overstuffing can cause the filling to spill over and make a mess in your oven.
- Skipping the garlic sauté: Raw garlic can be harsh. Sautéing it in butter mellows the flavor and infuses the butter perfectly.
Conclusion
These Cheese-Stuffed Potato Bombs are the ultimate crowd-pleaser, combining creamy, garlicky cheese with a satisfying crispy shell. They are surprisingly simple to master, especially when you follow the detailed steps and avoid common pitfalls. Perfect for any occasion, from a family dinner to a game-day spread, this recipe is sure to become a beloved favorite for all garlic and cheese enthusiasts.
