There is something irresistibly comforting and delicious about a perfectly baked potato loaded with creamy, garlicky goodness. This Garlic Stuffed Jacket Potatoes Recipe takes the humble jacket potato to a whole new level, combining tender potato flesh infused with rich garlic butter, tangy sour cream, and a touch of melted cheddar. Whether you need a cozy weeknight dinner or a hearty side that impresses, these stuffed potatoes deliver big on flavor and warmth, making any meal feel like a special occasion.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Garlic Stuffed Jacket Potatoes Recipe lies in its simplicity. Each ingredient plays an essential role, from creating a crispy skin to a luscious, creamy filling packed with garlic’s irresistible aroma and flavor. Here’s what you’ll need to bring this dish to life:
- 4 large russet potatoes: The perfect size and texture for baking and scooping out a fluffy interior.
- 4 cloves garlic, minced: Adds that punch of fragrant, savory flavor that makes these potatoes unforgettable.
- 2 tbsp olive oil: Used to coat the potato skins, ensuring they crisp up beautifully in the oven.
- 1/4 cup butter: Melts into the potatoes, giving the filling its rich, indulgent texture.
- 1/2 cup sour cream: Brings creaminess and a subtle tang that balances the garlic’s boldness.
- 1/4 cup milk (or more as needed): Helps to adjust the filling’s consistency to luxuriously smooth perfection.
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional): Adds a delightful melted topping that enhances flavor and texture.
- 1/4 cup green onions, chopped: A fresh, mild oniony garnish that adds color and a touch of brightness.
- Salt and black pepper to taste: To season every component perfectly and bring the flavors together.
How to Make Garlic Stuffed Jacket Potatoes Recipe
Step 1: Prepare and Bake the Potatoes
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). Give your potatoes a good scrub to remove any dirt, then prick them a few times with a fork – this helps steam escape during baking. Rub each potato generously with olive oil and sprinkle with salt to encourage a crisp, flavorful skin. Place them on a baking sheet and pop them in the oven for 45 to 60 minutes, or until they’re tender all the way through when pierced with a fork. The soft potato inside paired with the crispy skin is absolute perfection.
Step 2: Infuse Butter with Garlic
While the potatoes bake, melt butter in a skillet over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and let it cook gently for 1-2 minutes until it fills your kitchen with that unmistakable, mouthwatering garlic aroma — careful not to let it brown or burn, though! This simple step transforms plain butter into a fragrant goldmine of flavor.
Step 3: Scoop Out the Potato Flesh
Once your potatoes are baked and cool enough to handle, carefully slice a slit down the center of each one. Gently scoop out the fluffy insides without breaking the skins, leaving a sturdy border that holds the filling perfectly. Transfer the scooped potato flesh into a large bowl; this creamy base is where the magic really happens.
Step 4: Mash and Mix the Filling
Add the garlic butter you prepared, the sour cream, milk, salt, and black pepper to the bowl with the potato flesh. Mash everything together until smooth and creamy, adjusting the milk quantity to get your desired consistency. This mixture is all about balancing lusciousness with the bright, savory kick from garlic and seasoning.
Step 5: Stuff and Cheese the Potatoes
Divide the rich mashed mixture evenly, stuffing it back into the potato skins. If you love extra indulgence, sprinkle each potato with shredded cheddar cheese. Pop them back into the oven for another 10 minutes to melt the cheese until it’s irresistibly bubbly and golden.
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
Once out of the oven, sprinkle chopped green onions over the top. Not only do they add a pop of color, but they bring fresh, mild onion notes that balance the creamy richness of the filling beautifully. Serve these beauties hot for maximum satisfaction.
How to Serve Garlic Stuffed Jacket Potatoes Recipe
Garnishes
Green onions are the classic and easy choice, but you can also experiment with fresh parsley or chives for a vibrant green contrast. Adding a dollop of extra sour cream on the side amps up the creaminess and cools down the garlic punch just a bit. For a little smoky twist, a sprinkle of smoked paprika or crispy bacon bits works wonders too.
Side Dishes
These Garlic Stuffed Jacket Potatoes are hearty enough to stand on their own but pair beautifully with a fresh garden salad or steamed green vegetables for a balanced meal. For a more indulgent spread, serve alongside grilled meats or roasted chicken where their creamy texture complements and contrasts perfectly.
Creative Ways to Present
Take your presentation up a notch by serving the stuffed potatoes on rustic wooden boards or colorful platters. You can also cut them into smaller, appetizer-sized portions topped with a swirl of sour cream and microgreens for parties. Another fun idea is to mix in different cheeses or add chopped herbs into the filling for various flavor profiles each time you make the Garlic Stuffed Jacket Potatoes Recipe.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftovers, wrap each stuffed potato tightly in plastic wrap or place them in an airtight container and store them in the refrigerator. They will keep well for up to 3 days without losing too much moisture or flavor, making them great for meal prepping.
Freezing
Yes, you can freeze these stuffed potatoes! After they have cooled completely, place them in freezer-safe containers or bags, ensuring they are sealed properly to avoid freezer burn. Frozen Garlic Stuffed Jacket Potatoes Recipe portions will maintain good quality for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to eat, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
The best way to reheat your Garlic Stuffed Jacket Potatoes Recipe is in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes, or until heated through and the cheese is bubbly again. Avoid microwaving if possible, as that can make the texture a little soggy instead of creamy and fluffy.
FAQs
Can I use sweet potatoes instead of russet potatoes?
Absolutely! Sweet potatoes offer a naturally sweeter and somewhat denser alternative. Just adjust cooking time slightly, and you may want to play with the seasoning to balance their sweetness with the garlic filling.
Is there a vegetarian or vegan adaptation for this recipe?
Yes, you can easily make this recipe vegan by substituting butter for vegan margarine or oil, replacing sour cream with a dairy-free alternative like coconut or cashew sour cream, and choosing a vegan cheese or skipping the cheese topping altogether.
How can I make the potato skin crispier?
Rubbing olive oil and salt on the skins before baking helps tremendously. Also, bake the potatoes directly on the oven rack rather than a baking sheet if possible, which allows air circulation around the potato for even crispiness.
Can I prepare the filling ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the garlic potato filling a few hours in advance and refrigerate it until you are ready to stuff the potato skins. Just give it a good stir before stuffing, and add a bit more milk if it seems too thick.
What cheese works best in this recipe?
Cheddar is a classic choice for its sharp flavor and excellent melting quality, but feel free to experiment with Monterey Jack, mozzarella, or even a blend of cheeses to suit your taste.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for a dish that’s both comforting and bursting with flavor, this Garlic Stuffed Jacket Potatoes Recipe is a must-try. It’s simple enough for a busy weeknight but special enough to make anyone feel cared for. Once you’ve made it, it’s guaranteed to become one of your favorite potato recipes to share with family and friends. Happy cooking and enjoy every creamy, garlicky bite!
Print
Garlic Stuffed Jacket Potatoes Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Garlic Stuffed Jacket Potatoes are a comforting and flavorful side or main dish featuring tender baked russet potatoes filled with a creamy garlic butter and sour cream mixture, then topped with melted cheddar cheese and fresh green onions. Perfectly crispy on the outside and fluffy on the inside, this recipe delivers a perfect balance of savory garlic goodness and cheesy richness that’s sure to satisfy any craving.
Ingredients
Potatoes
- 4 large russet potatoes
Garlic Butter Mixture
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1/4 cup butter
Filling
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/4 cup milk (or more for desired consistency)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Topping
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional)
- 1/4 cup green onions, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Prepare and bake potatoes: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Scrub the potatoes clean and prick each potato several times with a fork to allow steam to escape. Rub the potatoes with olive oil and season generously with salt. Place them on a baking sheet and bake for 45-60 minutes, until the potatoes are tender when pierced with a fork.
- Make garlic butter: While the potatoes are baking, melt butter in a skillet over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant, being careful not to burn the garlic. Remove from heat and set aside.
- Prepare potato filling: Once the baked potatoes are cool enough to handle, cut a slit down the center of each potato. Carefully scoop out the potato flesh into a large bowl, leaving a sturdy border around the skin so it holds its shape.
- Mash and season filling: To the bowl with the scooped potato flesh, add the garlic butter, sour cream, milk, salt, and black pepper. Mash everything together until smooth and creamy, adjusting seasoning and milk for your desired consistency.
- Stuff potatoes: Evenly divide the creamy garlic potato mixture back into the hollowed potato skins.
- Add cheese and bake: If using, sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese on top of each stuffed potato. Return them to the oven for an additional 10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and slightly golden.
- Garnish and serve: Remove the stuffed potatoes from the oven and garnish with chopped green onions. Serve immediately while hot and enjoy!
Notes
- You can substitute sour cream with Greek yogurt for a tangier taste and added protein.
- Adjust the amount of milk to achieve your preferred mashed potato consistency.
- For extra flavor, consider adding cooked bacon bits or a pinch of smoked paprika to the filling.
- If you prefer a healthier option, omit the cheese or use a reduced-fat variety.
- Leftover stuffed potatoes can be refrigerated for up to 2 days and reheated in the oven.
