Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These Grinch Stuffed Potatoes are the perfect combination of creamy mashed potatoes and a cheesy, savory filling. The vibrant green color, inspired by the Grinch, makes them a playful addition to your holiday meals. Not only are they festive and fun, but they’re also delicious, with a rich, cheesy spinach filling that’s sure to delight both kids and adults. Plus, they’re easy to make and can be prepared ahead of time, making them a great choice for holiday gatherings.

Ingredients

6 large russet potatoes
1 tablespoon olive oil
1/4 cup butter
1/2 cup milk (dairy or plant-based)
1/2 cup grated cheddar cheese (or vegan cheese if preferred)
1 cup fresh spinach, chopped
1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
Salt and pepper to taste
1/4 teaspoon paprika (optional, for garnish)
Fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

For the Potatoes:

Cook the Potatoes:
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Wash the russet potatoes thoroughly and prick them with a fork. Place them on a baking sheet and bake for 45-60 minutes, or until tender when pierced with a fork.
Prepare the Potato Flesh:
- Once the potatoes are done, remove them from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes. Slice them in half lengthwise and carefully scoop out the potato flesh, leaving a small border around the edges to form a shell. Set the potato skins aside.

For the Grinch Filling:

Mash the Potatoes:
- In a bowl, mash the scooped-out potato flesh with butter, milk, garlic powder, salt, and pepper until smooth and creamy. Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed.
Prepare the Green Filling:
- In a small skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped spinach and cook for 2-3 minutes, just until wilted. Stir in the grated cheddar cheese and cook for another minute until the cheese has melted and the filling is creamy. If the mixture seems too thick, add a little more milk to reach a spreadable consistency.

Assemble the Grinch Stuffed Potatoes:

Stuff the Potatoes:
- Spoon the creamy mashed potato mixture into the potato skins. Top with the spinach and cheese mixture, making sure each potato is fully stuffed with the vibrant green filling.
Bake the Stuffed Potatoes:
- Place the stuffed potatoes on a baking sheet and return them to the oven. Bake for another 10-15 minutes, or until the tops are golden and the filling is hot.

To Serve:

Garnish and Serve:
- Garnish the Grinch Stuffed Potatoes with a sprinkle of paprika and fresh parsley for a festive touch. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Servings and Timing

Servings: This recipe serves 6 people (1 stuffed potato half per person).
Preparation Time: 10 minutes (for mashing and filling)
Cooking Time: 45-60 minutes for baking the potatoes + 10-15 minutes for stuffing
Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes to 1 hour 30 minutes

Variations

Vegan Version: Use dairy-free butter and plant-based milk, and replace the cheddar cheese with vegan cheese or nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor.
Add Protein: You can add cooked, to the mashed potatoes for extra flavor.
Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or finely chopped jalapeños to the green filling for a spicy twist.
Herb-Infused: For more flavor, stir in fresh herbs like thyme, rosemary, or chives to the mashed potatoes or spinach filling.

Storage/Reheating

Storage: Leftover Grinch Stuffed Potatoes can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating: Reheat the potatoes in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes, or until hot. You can also microwave them for about 2 minutes, but the texture may not be as crisp.

FAQs

1. Can I prepare these potatoes ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the mashed potatoes and green filling ahead of time and store them separately in the fridge. When you’re ready to serve, stuff the potatoes and bake them.

2. Can I use a different type of cheese?

Yes, you can use any cheese you like, such as mozzarella, gouda, or parmesan. Vegan cheese options work well, too!

3. Can I add more vegetables to the filling?

Absolutely! Feel free to add sautéed onions, bell peppers, or mushrooms to the filling for added flavor and texture.

4. Can I make these potatoes without cheese?

Yes, you can skip the cheese for a dairy-free version or add some nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor without dairy.

5. Can I freeze the stuffed potatoes?

Yes, you can freeze the stuffed potatoes before baking. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and foil, and store in the freezer for up to 1 month. To reheat, bake from frozen at 375°F (190°C) for 30-40 minutes or until heated through.

6. Can I use sweet potatoes instead of russet potatoes?

Yes, you can use sweet potatoes for a different flavor. They will pair wonderfully with the spinach and cheese filling, giving the dish a slightly sweeter taste.

7. Can I make the stuffing spicier?

Yes, if you like a bit of heat, you can add chili flakes, diced jalapeños, or a dash of hot sauce to the filling.

8. Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, this recipe is naturally gluten-free, as long as you ensure that the cheese and any other added ingredients are also gluten-free.

9. How do I keep the potato skins from getting soggy?

To avoid soggy skins, make sure to bake the potatoes until the flesh is fully cooked and slightly dry before scooping them out, and avoid adding too much liquid to the mashed potatoes.

10. Can I make this dish without baking the stuffed potatoes again?

Yes, you can serve the stuffed potatoes immediately after stuffing them, but baking them for a few minutes gives the filling a nice golden top and ensures the potatoes are heated through.

Conclusion

Grinch Stuffed Potatoes are a fun, flavorful, and festive dish that will brighten up your holiday table. With creamy mashed potatoes, a vibrant green spinach and cheese filling, and a crispy potato skin, they’re the perfect combination of comfort and creativity. These stuffed potatoes are easy to make, fully customizable, and guaranteed to bring a smile to everyone’s face—whether you’re serving them for the holidays or just for a fun family dinner!

Grinch Stuffed Potatoes