Stuffed baked potatoes make a great appetizer for parties of all kinds and can be prepared ahead of time. They are also a perfect side dish to accompany just about any meal. This is a stuffed potato recipe I learned from our friend’s grandma or “buni” as we all call her :).  I baked them in the oven but you could also use a microwave to pre-bake the potato before stuffing; just make sure to pierce a few holes with a fork in each potato so they don’t explode in the microwave.

Time: 80 min, Prep: 20 min.  Cook: 60 min.
Servings: 10-12      

Ingredients:

• 10-12 medium-sized potatoes
• 4 Tbsp Philadelphia cream cheese
• 4 slices smoked pork neck or bacon
• 150 g cheddar cheese

Directions:

Thoroughly wash potatoes and bake them at 400°F (205°C) for 45 minutes or until tender when pierced with a fork. Cut baked potatoes in half lengthwise and carefully scoop out the flesh.

Add cream cheese and mash well.

Stuff mixture back into potato shells and top with small pieces of cheddar cheese (or grated) and smoked pork neck.

Bake for 15-20 minutes until cheese is melted.