Description

This Cheddar Chive Melt recipe transforms simple Russet potatoes into a hearty, family-friendly meal. It features fluffy baked potatoes stuffed with a creamy filling of sharp cheddar, sour cream, butter, milk, and fresh chives, then baked until golden.

Ingredients

Scale

4 medium Russet potatoes (about 2–2.5 lbs)
1 cup (113g) sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
0.5 cup (120g) sour cream or Greek yogurt
0.25 cup (57g) unsalted butter, melted
0.25 cup (60ml) milk (any kind)
2 tablespoons fresh chives, chopped
0.5 teaspoon fine sea salt, or to taste
0.25 teaspoon black pepper, freshly ground, or to taste

Instructions

Prep & Bake Potatoes: Scrub 4-6 medium Russet potatoes. Pierce each several times with a fork to allow steam to escape. Place on a baking sheet and bake at 400F (200C) for 45-60 minutes, or until the skin feels firm and the interior yields easily when squeezed.
Scoop the Flesh: Once potatoes are cool enough to handle (about 10-15 minutes), slice each lengthwise and carefully scoop the fluffy flesh into a large mixing bowl, leaving a thin, sturdy shell.
Create Creamy Filling: Mash potato flesh with 0.25 cup (57g) melted butter, 0.25 cup (60ml) milk, 0.5 cup (120g) sour cream (or Greek yogurt), 1 cup (113g) shredded sharp cheddar, and 2 tablespoons chopped fresh chives until smooth. Season with salt and black pepper. (If mixture looks dry, add 1-2 tablespoons milk for creaminess.)
Stuff & Top: Generously spoon the mashed potato mixture back into the empty potato skins, mounding it slightly. Sprinkle the tops with extra shredded sharp cheddar cheese for a glorious golden crust.
Final Bake to Melt: Return stuffed potatoes to the oven for 15-20 minutes, or until cheese is melted, bubbly, and edges are golden. Garnish with fresh chives before serving.

Notes

For quick meals, microwave Russet potatoes for 10-15 minutes. Use a potato masher for quick, smooth filling. Prep filling ahead and refrigerate for assembly later. For extra zest, add garlic powder or onion powder. For a lighter version, reduce butter; use Greek yogurt. A dash of cayenne pepper or finely diced jalapeño adds pleasant heat.

Prep Time: 30 minutes
Cook Time: 70 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 stuffed potato
Calories: 485 calories
Sugar: 3 g
Sodium: 425 mg
Fat: 27 g
Saturated Fat: 17 g
Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
Trans Fat: 0 g
Carbohydrates: 47 g
Fiber: 4 g
Protein: 14 g
Cholesterol: 60 mg

Keywords: easy dinner, stuffed potatoes, cheddar, chives, baked potatoes, comfort food, family meal, quick recipe, make-ahead, russet potatoes