Stuffed Red Bliss Potatoes

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When it comes to comfort food that is both easy to prepare and deliciously satisfying, Stuffed Red Bliss Potatoes offer the perfect combination of creamy textures and bold flavors. With their tender skin and smooth, flavorful filling, these potatoes are a great side dish for any occasion—be it a family dinner, holiday gathering, or casual weeknight meal. The mix of creamy mayonnaise, tangy sour cream, fragrant garlic, and savory cheese stuffed inside each potato skin is sure to please everyone at the table. The addition of fresh thyme or rosemary and a sprinkle of paprika adds aromatic and slightly earthy notes that make each bite a joy.

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These potatoes not only deliver on taste but also provide a healthy alternative with a light and balanced recipe. They’re perfect for those looking to enjoy rich flavors without feeling guilty. At only 95.9 calories per serving and packed with protein and fiber, Stuffed Red Bliss Potatoes make for a satisfying, yet nutritious side dish.

Ingredients Breakdown

For the Potatoes:

• Red Bliss Potatoes (10 oz, 8 small potatoes): Red Bliss potatoes are a great choice for this recipe due to their smooth, waxy texture. They hold up well when boiled and retain their shape after being scooped and stuffed. Their thin skins add extra flavor and a beautiful, rustic appearance to the dish.
• Olive Oil (4 tbsp): Olive oil adds a rich, fruity flavor and helps soften the garlic, creating a fragrant base for the filling.
• Garlic (6 cloves): Garlic provides a mellow, sweet flavor when cooked at low heat, enriching the potatoes with its aromatic presence.
• Fresh Thyme or Rosemary (2 tbsp): Both of these herbs bring an earthy, fragrant quality that enhances the creamy filling. Thyme has a more subtle, floral flavor, while rosemary offers a slightly piney, resinous taste.
• Grated Parmesan or Asiago Cheese (3 tbsp): Either of these cheeses melts beautifully and adds a sharp, tangy, and nutty flavor that complements the potatoes perfectly. Parmesan will give a more savory profile, while Asiago offers a creamier taste.
• Light Mayonnaise (1 tbsp): Light mayonnaise brings a smooth, creamy texture to the filling while keeping the calorie count low. It’s essential for binding the ingredients together.
• Fat-Free Sour Cream (2 tbsp): Sour cream offers a tangy, cooling contrast to the richness of the cheese and mayonnaise, creating a delightful balance of flavors.
• Salt and Pepper to Taste: Simple seasoning is key to enhancing the natural flavors of the ingredients. Add salt and pepper in moderation to ensure a balanced, flavorful filling.
• Paprika: A sprinkle of paprika adds a subtle smokiness and visual appeal to the stuffed potatoes. You can also use smoked paprika for a deeper, more robust flavor.

Instructions: Step-by-Step Guide

1. Boil the Potatoes:
   • Start by placing the red bliss potatoes in a medium pot and covering them with water. Add a teaspoon of salt to the water to help season the potatoes while they cook.
   • Bring the pot to a boil, then reduce the heat slightly and cook the potatoes for about 12 minutes or until they are soft enough to easily pierce with a fork.
   • Drain the potatoes and run them under cool water to stop the cooking process. Set them aside to cool slightly. This will make them easier to handle when it’s time to scoop them out.
2. Prepare the Garlic:
   • While the potatoes are cooking, take a small pan and heat the olive oil over very low heat.
   • Add the garlic cloves to the pan and cook them slowly for about 12 minutes, stirring occasionally. The garlic should soften and become fragrant but not browned.
   • Once soft, remove the garlic from the oil and discard the oil. Use a fork or a small press to mash the garlic. Set it aside to add to the filling.
3. Make the Filling:
   • In a medium bowl, combine the mashed garlic, fresh thyme (or rosemary), grated cheese, mayonnaise, sour cream, and a pinch of salt and pepper.
   • Stir everything together until well combined, creating a creamy, aromatic mixture. Taste the filling and adjust the seasoning if needed, adding more salt, pepper, or herbs according to your preference.
4. Scoop Out the Potatoes:
   • Once the potatoes are cool enough to handle, use a teaspoon or small spoon to scoop out the insides of each potato.
   • Be sure to leave about ¼ inch of potato around the skin to maintain the integrity of the shell. Place the scooped-out potato flesh in the bowl with the filling mixture.
5. Stuff the Potatoes:
   • Gently mix the scooped potato with the filling mixture, ensuring that all the ingredients are evenly distributed.
   • Carefully spoon the potato filling back into the empty potato shells, packing it in slightly so that it holds together. You want each potato to be fully stuffed with the creamy filling.
6. Bake the Potatoes:
   • Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
   • Place the stuffed potatoes on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or a lightly greased baking dish.
   • Lightly sprinkle the top of each stuffed potato with a dash of paprika for color and added flavor.
   • Bake in the oven for 20 minutes or until the filling is heated through and slightly golden on top.

Flavor, Texture, and Aroma Description

As you prepare these Stuffed Red Bliss Potatoes, the savory aroma of roasted garlic and fresh herbs fills the air, inviting you to savor the comforting, homely dish that’s about to come together. The tender potato skins are golden and slightly crisp after baking, providing a subtle crunch with every bite, while the inside remains perfectly creamy. The mashed potato filling, enriched with the velvety mayonnaise and sour cream, is smooth yet satisfying, and the hints of garlic, thyme, and cheese create a complex, savory flavor profile.

The addition of paprika gives the dish a warm, smoky note that enhances the richness of the potatoes, making each bite even more delightful. Whether served as a side to a roasted chicken or enjoyed as a vegetarian main course, these stuffed potatoes are sure to become a family favorite.

Tips for Substitutions and Variations

• Herb Substitutes: If you prefer a different herb profile, feel free to swap the thyme or rosemary with chives, parsley, or oregano for a fresh twist. You can also experiment with garlic powder or onion powder to intensify the savory flavors.
• Cheese Variations: While parmesan or asiago is a great choice, you could also use cheddar, mozzarella, or a cheese blend for a different flavor profile. For a sharper taste, try blue cheese or feta.
• Vegan Version: To make this dish vegan, swap the mayonnaise and sour cream with vegan alternatives like cashew cream or dairy-free sour cream. Use a vegan cheese like nutritional yeast or a dairy-free cheese blend for the cheesy element.
• Add-ins: For extra texture, you can mix in cooked bacon crumbles, sautéed onions, or chopped spinach into the filling for added richness and variety.

Serving Suggestions

These Stuffed Red Bliss Potatoes are a versatile side dish that pairs wonderfully with a variety of main courses. Serve them alongside grilled meats, such as roast chicken, steak, or pork chops. They also complement well with a hearty salad, such as a Greek salad or a fresh spinach and arugula salad.

For a more substantial meal, enjoy them with a creamy soup, such as butternut squash soup or a tomato basil bisque. These potatoes also make a great appetizer when served in smaller portions as part of a tapas-style spread.

With this detailed recipe, you’re ready to bring a comforting and crowd-pleasing dish to your table. These Stuffed Red Bliss Potatoes are an absolute delight, offering both flavor and nutrition in one satisfying bite. Whether you’re cooking for a small family dinner or a larger gathering, they’ll be a hit that everyone will savor. Happy cooking!