Instant Baked Potatoes
A quick and convenient take on a loaded baked potato, using instant mashed potatoes as a base. Mixed with cheese, bacon, and vegetables, then heated in foil packets on the grill or in the oven for an easy and satisfying side dish.
An original recipe by Forkin
- Total time
- 30 min
- Serves
- 4
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Per serving
- 413 kcal
Allergen information: may contain milk. Always check ingredient packaging if you have an allergy.
Mise en place
Ingredients
Converted for display; the recipe amounts stay equivalent.
Ingredients
- 100 ginstant potato flakes
- 480 mlwater
- 120 mlmilk
- 30 gunsalted butter
- 120 gcheddar cheese, grated
- 75 gyellow onion, finely chopped
- 50 gcooked bacon, crumbled
- 75 ggreen bell pepper, finely chopped
- 1 tspsalt
- 0.5 tspblack pepper, freshly ground
garnish
- 30 gunsalted butter, cut into 4 pats, for serving(optional)
Equipment
saucepan · grill · mixing bowl · aluminum foil · knife · whisk · cutting board · oven
The method
Step by step
- 1
Preheat your grill to medium heat (around 180°C / 350°F), or preheat your oven to the same temperature.
About 5 min
Cook’s note: If using an oven, place a baking sheet inside as it preheats.
- 2
Cut four large sheets of heavy-duty aluminum foil, each about 30cm square.
About 1 min
- 3
In a medium saucepan, bring the water and the main portion of butter to a boil.
About 3 min
- 4
Remove the saucepan from the heat and stir in the milk.
Cook’s note: Adding cold milk off the heat prevents the potatoes from becoming gummy.
- 5
Gradually whisk in the instant potato flakes until smooth, then let the mixture stand for one minute to thicken.
About 1 min
- 6
In a large bowl, combine the prepared potatoes with the grated cheddar cheese, chopped onion, crumbled bacon, green bell pepper, salt, and black pepper.
About 2 min
- 7
Divide the potato mixture evenly among the four foil sheets, placing it in the center of each.
About 2 min
- 8
Fold the sides of the foil up and seal the edges to create enclosed packets.
About 1 min
Cook’s note: Leave a little space inside the packet for steam to circulate and melt the cheese.
- 9
Place the foil packets directly on the grill grates or on a baking sheet in the preheated oven.
- 10
Cook for 20 minutes, or until heated through and the cheese is fully melted.
About 20 min
- 11
Carefully open the packets, as hot steam will be released.
- 12
Serve immediately, topped with an optional pat of butter if desired.
Per serving
Nutrition
- Calories
- 413.3kcal
- Protein
- 16.6g
- Carbs
- 21.7g
- Fat
- 29g
- Fibre
- 2g
- Sugar
- 5.9g
Estimated from the recipe’s ingredient quantities. Values can vary with brands and substitutions.
Keep it good
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
Reheat in a microwave-safe dish or in a new foil packet in the oven until warmed through.
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