Loaded Turkey and Gravy Stuffed Potatoes: The Ultimate Comfort Food Recipe
Are you craving a comforting and satisfying meal that’s both easy to make and packed with flavor? Look no further than these Loaded Turkey and Gravy Stuffed Potatoes! This recipe takes the classic baked potato to a whole new level, transforming it into a hearty and delicious dish perfect for weeknight dinners, holiday leftovers, or any time you need a dose of pure comfort. Imagine fluffy baked potatoes loaded with savory shredded turkey, smothered in creamy homemade gravy, and topped with all your favorite fixings. Trust me, this is one recipe you’ll want to make again and again.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
* **Comfort Food Heaven:** These stuffed potatoes are the epitome of comfort food. The combination of creamy potatoes, savory turkey, rich gravy, and flavorful toppings creates a symphony of textures and tastes that will warm you from the inside out.
* **Perfect for Leftovers:** Got leftover Thanksgiving turkey? This recipe is the perfect way to use it up! It’s a creative and delicious way to repurpose those holiday leftovers into a brand new meal.
* **Easy to Customize:** The beauty of this recipe is that it’s incredibly versatile. You can easily customize the toppings and seasonings to suit your taste preferences. Add your favorite cheeses, vegetables, herbs, and spices to create your perfect stuffed potato.
* **Simple to Make:** Despite its impressive appearance, this recipe is surprisingly easy to make. With just a few simple steps, you can have a comforting and satisfying meal on the table in no time.
* **Crowd-Pleasing:** These loaded potatoes are a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. They’re perfect for potlucks, game day gatherings, or any occasion where you want to impress your guests with a delicious and memorable dish.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Here’s a breakdown of the ingredients you’ll need to make these delectable Loaded Turkey and Gravy Stuffed Potatoes:
* **Russet Potatoes:** Choose large, firm russet potatoes for the best results. Russets have a high starch content, which makes them perfect for baking and creating a fluffy interior.
* **Cooked Turkey:** Shredded or diced cooked turkey is the star of this recipe. You can use leftover Thanksgiving turkey, rotisserie chicken (in a pinch), or even ground turkey. Aim for about 2-3 cups of cooked turkey.
* **Butter:** Butter adds richness and flavor to the potatoes and helps create a creamy texture.
* **All-Purpose Flour:** All-purpose flour is used to thicken the gravy.
* **Turkey or Chicken Broth:** Turkey or chicken broth forms the base of the gravy. Use low-sodium broth to control the saltiness of the dish.
* **Milk or Cream:** Milk or cream adds creaminess and richness to the gravy. You can use whole milk, 2% milk, or even heavy cream for an extra decadent gravy.
* **Onion:** Diced onion adds flavor to the gravy.
* **Garlic:** Minced garlic adds a pungent and aromatic flavor to the gravy.
* **Dried Thyme:** Dried thyme adds a subtle earthy and herbaceous flavor to the gravy.
* **Salt and Black Pepper:** Salt and black pepper are essential for seasoning the potatoes and gravy.
* **Optional Toppings:** The possibilities for toppings are endless! Here are a few ideas to get you started:
* Shredded Cheese (cheddar, Monterey Jack, or your favorite)
* Sour Cream or Greek Yogurt
* Chopped Green Onions
* Crispy Bacon Bits
* Chopped Fresh Parsley
* Hot Sauce
* Chives
* Cranberry Sauce (for a festive touch)
Equipment You’ll Need
* **Baking Sheet:** For baking the potatoes.
* **Fork:** For piercing the potatoes before baking and for fluffing the potato filling.
* **Large Skillet or Saucepan:** For making the gravy.
* **Whisk:** For whisking the gravy to prevent lumps.
* **Measuring Cups and Spoons:** For measuring the ingredients.
* **Potato Masher (Optional):** For mashing the potato filling.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Now, let’s get to the fun part – making these Loaded Turkey and Gravy Stuffed Potatoes! Follow these step-by-step instructions for a foolproof recipe:
**1. Prepare the Potatoes:**
* Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Adjust the oven rack to the middle position.
* Wash the russet potatoes thoroughly under cold running water. Scrub them to remove any dirt or debris.
* Pat the potatoes dry with a clean kitchen towel or paper towels.
* Using a fork, pierce each potato several times. This will allow steam to escape during baking and prevent the potatoes from exploding in the oven.
* Rub the potatoes with a little bit of olive oil or butter. This will help the skin crisp up nicely during baking. Season the outside of the potatoes with salt and pepper.
* Place the potatoes on a baking sheet and bake for 45-60 minutes, or until they are tender when pierced with a fork. Baking time will vary depending on the size of the potatoes.
**2. Make the Turkey Gravy:**
* While the potatoes are baking, prepare the turkey gravy. In a large skillet or saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat.
* Add the diced onion to the skillet and cook until softened and translucent, about 5-7 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent burning.
* Add the minced garlic to the skillet and cook for another minute, until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic.
* Sprinkle the all-purpose flour over the onion and garlic mixture. Cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly, to create a roux. This will help thicken the gravy.
* Gradually whisk in the turkey or chicken broth, making sure to break up any lumps that may form. Continue whisking until the mixture is smooth.
* Add the milk or cream to the gravy and stir to combine.
* Stir in the dried thyme, salt, and black pepper. Adjust the seasoning to taste.
* Bring the gravy to a simmer and cook for 5-7 minutes, or until it has thickened to your desired consistency. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
* If the gravy is too thick, add a little more broth or milk to thin it out. If it’s too thin, continue simmering it until it thickens up.
**3. Prepare the Turkey Filling:**
* While the gravy is simmering, prepare the turkey filling. If you’re using leftover turkey, shred or dice it into bite-sized pieces. If you’re using rotisserie chicken, remove the skin and bones and shred the meat. If you’re using ground turkey, cook it in a skillet over medium heat until browned. Drain off any excess fat.
**4. Assemble the Stuffed Potatoes:**
* Once the potatoes are baked and the gravy is ready, carefully remove the potatoes from the oven and let them cool slightly.
* Using a sharp knife, cut each potato lengthwise down the middle, being careful not to cut all the way through.
* Gently scoop out the potato filling from each potato half, leaving a thin layer of potato attached to the skin. Place the scooped-out potato filling in a bowl.
* Add the butter to the bowl with the potato filling and mash with a potato masher or fork until smooth and creamy. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
* Stir in the shredded or diced turkey into the mashed potato mixture.
* Spoon the turkey and potato mixture back into the potato skins, mounding it high.
* Ladle the warm turkey gravy over the stuffed potatoes.
* Top with your favorite toppings, such as shredded cheese, sour cream, chopped green onions, crispy bacon bits, and chopped fresh parsley.
**5. Serve and Enjoy:**
* Serve the Loaded Turkey and Gravy Stuffed Potatoes immediately while they’re hot and delicious. Garnish with extra toppings as desired.
* Enjoy this comforting and satisfying meal! It’s perfect for a cozy night in, a holiday gathering, or any time you’re craving a taste of home.
Tips and Variations
* **Bake the Potatoes Ahead of Time:** You can bake the potatoes ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat them in the oven or microwave before stuffing.
* **Make the Gravy in Advance:** The gravy can also be made in advance and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat it gently on the stovetop before serving.
* **Use Different Types of Potatoes:** While russet potatoes are the classic choice for baked potatoes, you can also use other types of potatoes, such as Yukon gold or sweet potatoes.
* **Add Vegetables to the Filling:** Stir in cooked vegetables, such as broccoli, cauliflower, or peas, into the turkey and potato mixture for added nutrition and flavor.
* **Spice It Up:** Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce to the gravy for a little extra heat.
* **Make it Vegetarian:** Substitute the turkey with cooked lentils or chickpeas for a vegetarian version of this recipe. Use vegetable broth instead of turkey or chicken broth.
* **Add Cheese to the Gravy:** Stir in shredded cheese, such as cheddar or Gruyere, into the gravy for an extra cheesy and decadent flavor.
* **Try Different Herbs:** Experiment with different herbs, such as rosemary, sage, or oregano, in the gravy for a unique flavor profile.
* **Use Different Meats:** Instead of turkey, you can use shredded chicken, pulled pork, or even ground beef in this recipe.
* **Make Mini Stuffed Potatoes:** Use small potatoes, such as fingerling potatoes, to make mini stuffed potatoes that are perfect for appetizers or snacks.
Serving Suggestions
These Loaded Turkey and Gravy Stuffed Potatoes are a complete meal on their own, but you can also serve them with a side salad or steamed vegetables for a more balanced meal. Here are a few serving suggestions:
* **Green Salad:** A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette dressing complements the richness of the stuffed potatoes.
* **Steamed Broccoli:** Steamed broccoli adds a healthy dose of vitamins and fiber to the meal.
* **Roasted Asparagus:** Roasted asparagus is a delicious and elegant side dish that pairs well with the flavors of the stuffed potatoes.
* **Cranberry Sauce:** Cranberry sauce adds a festive touch to the meal, especially if you’re using leftover Thanksgiving turkey.
* **Dinner Rolls:** Serve with warm dinner rolls or crusty bread for soaking up the delicious gravy.
Storage Instructions
* **Refrigerate:** Store leftover Loaded Turkey and Gravy Stuffed Potatoes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
* **Reheat:** Reheat the stuffed potatoes in the oven or microwave until heated through. You may need to add a little extra gravy to prevent them from drying out.
* **Freeze:** Freezing is not recommended, as the potatoes can become mushy when thawed.
Nutritional Information (Approximate)
(Note: Nutritional information will vary depending on the specific ingredients and toppings used.)
* Calories: 400-600 per serving
* Protein: 25-35 grams
* Fat: 15-25 grams
* Carbohydrates: 40-60 grams
Conclusion
These Loaded Turkey and Gravy Stuffed Potatoes are a delicious and comforting meal that’s perfect for any occasion. With their creamy potatoes, savory turkey, rich gravy, and flavorful toppings, they’re sure to be a hit with your family and friends. So, gather your ingredients, follow these simple instructions, and get ready to enjoy a truly unforgettable dish! This recipe is a fantastic way to use leftovers, create a satisfying weeknight dinner, or impress your guests at a potluck. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different toppings and seasonings to create your own unique version of this classic comfort food. Bon appétit!