Loaded Southwestern Baked Potatoes

Loaded Southwestern Baked Potatoes Recipe - Vegetarian Food from USA

Region / culture: USA | Preparation time: 15 minutes | Cooking time: 2 hours and 13 minutes | Servings: 4 |

Vegetarian diet

Introduction

Loaded Southwestern Baked Potatoes are a delicious and hearty meal that combines the flavors of the Southwest with the comfort of a baked potato. This recipe is perfect for a weeknight dinner or a casual get-together with friends and family.

History

The Loaded Southwestern Baked Potatoes recipe is a modern twist on the classic baked potato. It combines traditional ingredients like chicken, onions, and peppers with Southwestern flavors like picante sauce, guacamole, and cheddar cheese. This recipe has become a popular choice for those looking for a flavorful and satisfying meal.

Ingredients

4 (10 to 12 oz (340 g)) baking potatoes
1.25 cup Pace picante sauce
3 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into thin strips
1 small onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, chopped fine
2 tbsp vegetable oil
0.5 cup red and green bell pepper, cut into thin strips
0.5 cup sour cream
0.5 cup guacamole
0.25 cup black olives, sliced
0.5 cup shredded cheddar cheese
Blue corn chips

How to prepare

Preheat the oven to 375°F (191°C).
Bake the potatoes for 2 hours.
In a large skillet, cook the chicken, onions, and garlic in oil for about 5 minutes.
Add 1 cup of picante sauce and cook for another 8 minutes, stirring often.
Add the peppers and the remaining picante sauce. Cook until heated through.
Cut the top of the potato down the center and across the middle, then push together to form a well.
Spoon 0.25 of the chicken mixture onto the potato.
Garnish with sour cream, guacamole, cheese, and serve with blue corn chips.

Variations

Substitute the chicken with ground beef or turkey for a different flavor.
Add black beans or corn to the chicken mixture for added texture and flavor.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to bake the potatoes until they are tender and can easily be pierced with a fork.

- Be sure to cook the chicken until it is fully cooked and no longer pink in the center.

- Feel free to customize the toppings to suit your taste preferences. Add more cheese, guacamole, or sour cream as desired.

Serving Suggestions

Serve the Loaded Southwestern Baked Potatoes with a side salad or some steamed vegetables for a complete meal.

Cooking Techniques

Baking the potatoes until tender is key to this recipe.

- Cooking the chicken until fully cooked ensures a safe and delicious meal.

Ingredient Substitutions

Use your favorite type of cheese in place of cheddar.

- Swap out the guacamole for salsa or pico de gallo.

Make Ahead Tips

You can prepare the chicken mixture ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator until ready to use. Simply reheat before serving.

Presentation Ideas

Top the Loaded Southwestern Baked Potatoes with a sprinkle of fresh cilantro or chopped green onions for a pop of color.

Pairing Recommendations

Pair the Loaded Southwestern Baked Potatoes with a cold beer or a glass of iced tea for a refreshing drink option.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Reheat in the microwave or oven until heated through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Loaded Southwestern Baked Potatoes contains approximately 400 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of Loaded Southwestern Baked Potatoes contains approximately 45 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of Loaded Southwestern Baked Potatoes contains approximately 15 grams of fat.

Proteins

Each serving of Loaded Southwestern Baked Potatoes contains approximately 25 grams of protein.

Vitamins and minerals

Loaded Southwestern Baked Potatoes are a good source of vitamin C, vitamin A, and potassium.

Alergens

This recipe contains dairy (cheese, sour cream) and tree nuts (guacamole). Please be mindful of any allergies.

Summary

Loaded Southwestern Baked Potatoes are a balanced meal that provides a good mix of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins. They are also rich in vitamins and minerals, making them a nutritious choice for a meal.

Summary

Loaded Southwestern Baked Potatoes are a flavorful and satisfying meal that is perfect for any occasion. With a balance of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins, this dish is both delicious and nutritious. Enjoy this recipe with friends and family for a delicious meal that everyone will love.

How did I get this recipe?

The memory of finding this recipe for the first time brings a smile to my face. It was a warm summer day, much like today, when I stumbled upon it in an old cookbook I had found tucked away in a corner of my grandmother's kitchen. The cookbook was filled with handwritten notes and scribbles, a testament to the many years of cooking and experimenting that had taken place in that kitchen.

As I flipped through the pages, my eyes landed on a recipe for Loaded Southwestern Baked Potatoes. The combination of flavors intrigued me - spicy jalapenos, tangy salsa, creamy sour cream, and of course, the humble potato. It was a dish that seemed to embody the bold and vibrant flavors of the Southwest, a region I had always been fascinated by.

I decided to give the recipe a try, and as I gathered the ingredients and followed the instructions, I could feel the excitement building. The kitchen was filled with the tantalizing aroma of roasting potatoes and sizzling bacon, and I knew I was onto something special.

When the potatoes were finally done, I couldn't wait to dig in. The first bite was a revelation - the crispy skin of the potato gave way to a fluffy interior, while the toppings added a burst of flavor that danced on my taste buds. It was a dish that was comforting yet exciting, familiar yet exotic.

I knew that I had stumbled upon something truly special, and I couldn't wait to share it with my family and friends. Over the years, I made the Loaded Southwestern Baked Potatoes countless times, each time tweaking the recipe and adding my own personal touch.

I learned that the key to a truly delicious Loaded Southwestern Baked Potato lies in the quality of the ingredients. Fresh, ripe tomatoes for the salsa, thick-cut bacon for that smoky flavor, and of course, the best potatoes you can find. I also discovered that a generous dollop of sour cream and a sprinkling of fresh cilantro can take this dish to a whole new level of deliciousness.

As I shared this recipe with others, I watched as it became a favorite among my family and friends. It became a staple at potlucks and gatherings, a dish that never failed to impress and delight.

But more than just a recipe, Loaded Southwestern Baked Potatoes became a connection to my past, a link to the generations of cooks and food lovers who came before me. It was a reminder that food has the power to bring people together, to create memories and forge bonds that last a lifetime.

And so, as I sit here now, reflecting on the journey that led me to this recipe, I am filled with gratitude for all the people and places that have influenced my cooking over the years. From my grandmother's kitchen to that old cookbook, each experience has shaped me into the cook I am today.

And as I take a bite of a perfectly baked Loaded Southwestern Baked Potato, I am reminded once again of the joy and satisfaction that comes from creating something delicious and sharing it with the ones you love. Cooking is more than just a practical skill - it is a form of art, a way of expressing creativity and connecting with others.

So, to all the aspiring cooks and food lovers out there, I say this: keep experimenting, keep trying new things, and never be afraid to put your own spin on a classic recipe. Who knows what culinary delights you may discover along the way?