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Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Wash and scrub the potatoes thoroughly to remove any dirt. Pat them dry with a paper towel.
- Pierce each potato several times with a fork or a knife to allow steam to escape during baking.
- Rub the potatoes with olive oil and sprinkle them with salt and pepper. Place them on a baking sheet.
- Bake the potatoes in the preheated oven for about 45-60 minutes or until they are tender. The exact time will depend on the size of your potatoes. You can check for doneness by inserting a fork or knife; it should go in easily.
- Once the potatoes are done, remove them from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes.
- Cut the top third of each potato off and set the tops aside. Using a spoon, scoop out the flesh of the potatoes, leaving about 1/4 inch of potato around the skin to form a sturdy shell.
- Mash the potato flesh with butter, sour cream, and about half of the grated cheese. Season with salt and pepper to taste. You can also add any optional fillings like chives, bacon bits, or sautéed mushrooms at this stage.
- Fill each hollowed-out potato skin with the mashed potato mixture.
- Sprinkle the remaining cheese on top of each stuffed potato.
- Place the stuffed potatoes back in the oven and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the tops are golden brown.
- Serve the stuffed potatoes with the reserved potato tops placed back on each potato for presentation.
Stuffed potatoes are a versatile dish, and you can customize them with various fillings and toppings to suit your taste. They can be a great side dish or even a main course when filled with hearty ingredients like ground meat or vegetables. Enjoy your stuffed potatoes!