Potato Boats

Potato Boats Recipe - Vegetarian Asian-Pakistani Dish with Bacon, Cranberries, and Mozzarella Cheese

Region / culture: Asia, Pakistan | Preparation time: 30 minutes | Cooking time: 20 minutes | Servings: 8 |

Vegetarian diet

Introduction

Potato boats are a delicious and satisfying appetizer or side dish that are perfect for any occasion. These boats are filled with a savory blend of bacon, cheese, and cranberries, creating a flavorful and indulgent dish that is sure to impress your guests.

History

Potato boats have been a popular dish for many years, with variations of the recipe found in different cultures around the world. The combination of crispy bacon, gooey cheese, and sweet cranberries creates a harmonious blend of flavors that is both comforting and delicious.

Ingredients

36 oz (1.02 kg) thick and sliced bacon
6 oz (170 g) dried cranberries
4 tbsp hot or lukewarm water
30 oz (850 g) shredded mozzarella cheese
30 oz (850 g) crumbled blue cheese
96 oz (2.72 kg) Simplot Classic Skin-on potato boats
fresh chives, chopped for garnishing
72 fl oz (2.13 liter) prepared ranch dressing

How to prepare

Place the bacon in a single layer on a sheet pan lined with parchment paper. Cook the bacon in a preheated oven at 375°F for 12-15 minutes.
Drain the grease and crumble the bacon, then set it aside.
In a small sauté pan, simmer the dried cranberries with water until almost all the liquid is absorbed.
In a bowl, toss the mozzarella with the blue cheese until well blended.
Fry the Simplot Classic Skin-on potato boats in a fryer at 350°F for 5.5 minutes, then drain them.
For each serving, place 4 prepared Simplot Classic Skin-on potato boats on a sheet pan, sprinkle with 2 oz (57 g) of cheese blend, 0.5 oz of bacon, and 0.5 oz (14 g) of cranberries, and top with 0.5 oz (14 g) of cheese.
Place the sheet pan under a salamander or in a hot oven until the cheese melts. Sprinkle with the chopped chives.
Transfer the potato boats to a serving plate along with 3 oz (85 g) of ranch dressing. Serve them warm, plain, or with other appetizers or vegetables.

Variations

Add diced jalapenos for a spicy kick.
Substitute the bacon with cooked sausage or ham.
Use different types of cheese such as cheddar or feta for a unique flavor.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to cook the bacon until it is crispy to add a crunchy texture to the dish.

- Be sure to drain the cranberries well before adding them to the potato boats to prevent excess liquid.

- Use a blend of mozzarella and blue cheese for a rich and creamy filling.

- Serve the potato boats warm to ensure the cheese is melted and gooey.

Serving Suggestions

Serve potato boats as an appetizer at a party or as a side dish with a main course. Pair them with a fresh salad or roasted vegetables for a complete meal.

Cooking Techniques

Fry the potato boats in a fryer for a crispy exterior.

- Bake the potato boats in the oven for a healthier option.

Ingredient Substitutions

Use sweet potatoes instead of regular potatoes for a different flavor profile.

- Substitute dried cherries or raisins for the cranberries.

Make Ahead Tips

Prepare the potato boats ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator until ready to bake. This will save time on the day of serving.

Presentation Ideas

Arrange the potato boats on a platter and garnish with fresh herbs such as parsley or thyme for a beautiful presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

Pair potato boats with a glass of white wine or a cold beer for a delicious and satisfying meal.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftover potato boats in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave until heated through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of potato boats contains approximately 350 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of potato boats contains approximately 30 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of potato boats contains approximately 20 grams of fat.

Proteins

Each serving of potato boats contains approximately 15 grams of protein.

Vitamins and minerals

Potato boats are a good source of calcium, vitamin A, and vitamin C.

Alergens

Potato boats contain dairy (cheese) and pork (bacon) allergens.

Summary

Potato boats are a delicious and indulgent dish that is high in fat and protein, making them a satisfying appetizer or side dish option.

Summary

Potato boats are a delicious and indulgent dish that is perfect for any occasion. Filled with a savory blend of bacon, cheese, and cranberries, these boats are sure to be a hit with your guests. Serve them as an appetizer or side dish for a memorable meal.

How did I get this recipe?

I remember the sense of wonder I felt when I first saw this recipe for Potato Boats. It was many years ago, when I was just a young girl learning how to cook from my own grandmother. She was a master in the kitchen, able to whip up delicious dishes with just a few simple ingredients. I would watch in awe as she effortlessly created meals that were not only tasty, but filled with love and tradition.

One day, as I was helping my grandmother prepare dinner, she pulled out a recipe card from her collection. It was for Potato Boats, a dish I had never heard of before. The recipe called for hollowed out potatoes filled with a mixture of cheese, bacon, and sour cream, then baked until golden and bubbly. My mouth watered just thinking about it.

My grandmother explained that she had learned the recipe from a dear friend many years ago. The friend, who was a master chef in her own right, had passed it down to her as a gesture of friendship and sharing. As my grandmother read through the recipe, I could see the joy and nostalgia in her eyes.

"Would you like to give it a try, dear?" she asked, handing me the recipe card. I eagerly nodded, excited to learn a new dish from her vast repertoire. Together, we set to work peeling, boiling, and hollowing out the potatoes. As we mixed together the filling ingredients, the kitchen filled with the savory aroma of bacon and cheese.

Once the Potato Boats were assembled and placed in the oven, my grandmother and I sat down at the kitchen table to wait. We chatted and laughed, sharing stories and creating memories that would last a lifetime. As the timer chimed, we rushed to the oven to pull out the steaming hot Potato Boats.

The first bite was pure bliss. The creamy filling melted in my mouth, complemented perfectly by the crisp potato shell. My grandmother beamed with pride as I savored each bite, knowing that I had successfully learned a new recipe under her watchful eye.

From that day on, Potato Boats became a staple in our household. My grandmother and I would make them together for special occasions, family gatherings, or simply as a delicious weeknight meal. Each time we prepared them, I felt a sense of closeness to my grandmother and a deep appreciation for the culinary traditions she had passed down to me.

As the years passed, I began to experiment with the recipe, adding my own twists and variations to make it my own. I would sometimes swap out the bacon for ham, or sprinkle in some fresh herbs for a burst of flavor. My grandmother would watch with a twinkle in her eye, proud to see me carrying on the tradition in my own unique way.

Now, as I share the recipe for Potato Boats with my own grandchildren, I can't help but think back to that day in the kitchen with my grandmother. I realize that it's not just about the food itself, but the memories and connections that come with it. Cooking has always been a way for me to express love, tradition, and creativity – and I have my grandmother to thank for instilling that passion in me.

So whenever I make Potato Boats now, I do so with a heart full of gratitude and a spirit of joy. I know that with each bite, I am not only nourishing my body but also my soul, carrying on a legacy of love and tradition that will continue to live on for generations to come. And for that, I am forever grateful to my dear grandmother and the recipe that started it all.