Baked potatoes with spinach and cheese

Baked potatoes are a versatile and comforting dish, and when you add spinach and cheese, they become even more decadent and flavorful. The crispy potato skin holds a creamy, cheesy spinach filling that’s sure to please everyone at the table. You can customize this recipe with different types of cheese or add other seasonings to make it your own.

---

Ingredients:

• 4 large russet potatoes (or your preferred variety for baking)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 2 cups fresh spinach (or 1 cup frozen spinach, thawed and drained)
• 1/2 cup cream cheese (softened)
• 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg (optional, for added warmth)
• 1/2 cup milk (or heavy cream for a richer texture)
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 1/4 cup chopped green onions (optional, for garnish)
• Extra cheese for topping (optional, such as more mozzarella or cheddar)

---

Instructions:

Step 1: Prepare and Bake the Potatoes (45-60 minutes)

1. Preheat the Oven:
   Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). This is the ideal temperature for getting crispy potato skins and soft, fluffy interiors.
2. Prepare the Potatoes:
   Wash the russet potatoes thoroughly, scrubbing off any dirt. Pat them dry with a paper towel. Use a fork to prick the potatoes a few times on each side to allow steam to escape during baking.
3. Coat with Oil and Seasoning:
   Rub the potatoes with olive oil and sprinkle them generously with salt and pepper. This will help the skins become crispy and flavorful.
4. Bake the Potatoes:
   Place the prepared potatoes directly on the oven rack (or on a baking sheet if you prefer) and bake for 45-60 minutes, depending on their size. You’ll know they’re done when a fork can easily pierce through the flesh, and the skins are golden brown and crispy.

Step 2: Prepare the Spinach and Cheese Filling (10 minutes)

1. Sauté the Spinach:
   While the potatoes are baking, heat a large skillet over medium heat and add the spinach. If you’re using fresh spinach, cook it until it wilts down (about 2-3 minutes). If you’re using frozen spinach, make sure it’s thoroughly thawed and drained to remove excess moisture before adding it to the skillet.
2. Season the Spinach:
   Once the spinach is cooked down, add garlic powder, onion powder, nutmeg (if using), and a pinch of salt and pepper. Stir to combine and cook for another minute, then remove from heat.
3. Make the Cheese Mixture:
   In a separate bowl, mix together the cream cheese, mozzarella cheese, Parmesan cheese, and milk (or cream) until smooth and well-combined. You can use a hand mixer or a whisk to help get a creamy consistency. If the mixture seems too thick, add a little more milk to thin it out to your desired texture.
4. Combine Spinach and Cheese:
   Stir the sautéed spinach into the cheese mixture until fully incorporated. The spinach should be evenly distributed throughout the creamy cheese sauce.

Step 3: Prepare the Potatoes (5-10 minutes)

1. Cut and Scoop the Potatoes:
   Once the potatoes are baked, remove them from the oven and allow them to cool slightly for about 5 minutes. Then, use a sharp knife to cut a slit down the center of each potato. Gently squeeze the sides to open up the potato.
2. Scoop Out the Flesh:
   Use a spoon to scoop out the majority of the potato flesh, leaving about a 1/4-inch border around the skin. Be careful not to tear the skin, as you’ll be refilling it later. Place the scooped-out potato flesh into a bowl.
3. Mash the Potato Flesh:
   Mash the scooped-out potato with a fork or potato masher. Add butter, salt, and pepper to taste. You can also add a little extra milk to make it smoother if you like.

Step 4: Assemble the Potatoes (5 minutes)

1. Fill the Potatoes:
   Spoon the spinach and cheese mixture into the hollowed-out baked potato skins. Be generous with the filling—make sure the potatoes are well-packed with the creamy mixture. You can top each filled potato with a little extra shredded cheese if you want a cheesy crust.
2. Bake Again (Optional):
   If you added extra cheese on top, place the filled potatoes back in the oven for about 10 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly. This step is optional but will give the potatoes a nice, golden cheese topping.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy (2-3 minutes)

1. Garnish:
   Once the potatoes are done, remove them from the oven and allow them to cool for a minute before serving. Garnish with chopped green onions for added color and flavor.
2. Serve:
   Serve the baked potatoes with spinach and cheese immediately. They make a perfect side dish to any main course or can be enjoyed as a filling vegetarian meal on their own.

---

Time and Temperature:

• Prep Time: 10-15 minutes
• Cook Time: 45-60 minutes (for baking the potatoes), 5-10 minutes (for filling and baking again)
• Total Time: 60-75 minutes
• Oven Temperature: 400°F (200°C)

---

Notes:

1. Cheese Variations:
   You can customize the cheeses used in this recipe. If you prefer sharp cheddar, gouda, or Gruyère, feel free to swap them in. Each type of cheese will give a different flavor profile.
2. Spinach Options:
   If you don’t have fresh spinach, frozen spinach works just as well, but make sure to thaw and drain it thoroughly to avoid excess moisture in the filling.
3. Other Add-ins:
   You can add other ingredients to the filling, such as sautéed onions, garlic, mushrooms, or even bacon bits for added flavor. The great thing about this recipe is that you can easily make it your own based on what you have on hand.
4. Make Ahead:
   You can prepare the potato skins and spinach-cheese mixture ahead of time. Simply bake the potatoes, scoop them out, and store the skins in the refrigerator. You can also prepare the spinach mixture and refrigerate it. When you’re ready to serve, just fill the skins and bake as directed.
5. Serving Suggestions:
   These baked potatoes with spinach and cheese are fantastic on their own, but they also pair well with:
   • A simple green salad
   • Grilled chicken or steak
   • Roasted vegetables or a light soup

---

Nutritional Information (per serving, 1 potato):

• Calories: 350-400 calories
• Carbohydrates: 45g
• Protein: 9g
• Fat: 18g
• Fiber: 5g
• Sodium: 400-500mg (depending on the cheese and salt added)

---

Conclusion:

These Baked Potatoes with Spinach and Cheese are the perfect combination of comforting, hearty potatoes and creamy, cheesy filling with a healthy spinach boost. Whether served as a side or as a main dish, they are sure to be a hit at any meal. With easy-to-find ingredients and customizable options, this recipe is a great addition to your go-to collection of meals.