Get ready to transform your ordinary baked potato into a mouthwatering Mexican-inspired masterpiece that'll make your taste buds dance! These Santa Fe Baked Potatoes are not just a side dish – they're a complete flavor explosion that combines the comfort of perfectly baked potatoes with the zesty kick of Southwestern cuisine. Whether you're looking to impress dinner guests or treat yourself to a quick and delicious meal, this recipe is about to become your new obsession.
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 45 mins
Total Time: 60 mins
Cuisine: Mexican
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 4 large baking potatoes
- 1 cup black beans, drained
- 1 cup corn
- 1 cup salsa
- 1 cup shredded cheese
- 1/4 cup chopped cilantro
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C). Thoroughly wash the baking potatoes and pat them dry with a clean kitchen towel.
- Using a fork, pierce each potato several times around its surface to allow steam to escape during baking. This prevents the potatoes from potentially bursting in the oven.
- Rub each potato lightly with olive oil and sprinkle with kosher salt. This will help create a crispy skin and enhance the potato's flavor.
- Place the potatoes directly on the middle oven rack and bake for approximately 45-50 minutes, or until they are completely tender when pierced with a fork. The internal temperature should reach about 210°F (99°C).
- While potatoes are baking, prepare the filling by combining black beans, corn, and salsa in a medium saucepan. Heat the mixture over medium heat until warm and well combined.
- Once potatoes are fully cooked, remove them from the oven and let them rest for 5 minutes to cool slightly.
- Carefully slice each potato lengthwise and gently push the ends to open and create a fluffy interior.
- Spoon the warm bean and corn mixture into each potato, ensuring an even distribution.
- Top each potato generously with shredded cheese, allowing the residual heat to slightly melt the cheese.
- Garnish with freshly chopped cilantro and serve immediately while hot.
Tips
- Potato Selection Matters: Choose large, uniform baking potatoes for the best results. Russet potatoes work perfectly due to their starchy texture.
- Crispy Skin Secret: Don't skip the olive oil and salt rub – this creates a deliciously crispy exterior that adds amazing texture to your potato.
- Even Cooking Hack: Pierce the potatoes thoroughly and place them directly on the oven rack to ensure even baking and prevent soggy bottoms.
- Cheese Melting Trick: Let the residual heat from the hot potatoes do the cheese melting work for you – it creates a perfectly smooth, gooey topping.
- Fresh is Best: Use fresh cilantro for garnishing to add a bright, fresh flavor that complements the warm, hearty filling.
- Make-Ahead Friendly: You can prepare the bean and corn mixture in advance and quickly assemble the potatoes when you're ready to serve.Pro Tip: For an extra protein boost, consider adding some shredded chicken or ground beef to the filling for a more substantial meal!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 380kcal
Carbohydrates: 65g
Protein: 15g
Fat: 10g
Saturated Fat: 5g
Cholesterol: 25mg
