There are those nights when the thought of another frozen pizza or takeout menu just doesn’t cut it. You crave something more, something homemade that feels like a warm hug from the inside out. That’s exactly where these Potato Boats come in. Forget bland fast food; this recipe is a resurrected classic, a delightful way to transform simple potatoes into savory bites that are perfect for any occasion.
You’d never guess this elegant appetizer takes just a little bit of effort, but the payoff is huge. Imagine fluffy baked potato halves, cradling a rich, cheesy filling packed with savory ham and a hint of onion, all topped with melted mozzarella. It’s comfort food elevated, and I’m so excited to share this gem from Chefclub US daily with you!
Potato Boats Recipe: Ham & Cheese Perfection?
Simple, delicious, and incredibly satisfying, these potato boats are your shortcut to homemade happiness.
- Two Comfort Foods in One: Experience the best of both worlds with hearty potatoes and a savory, cheesy filling.
- Weeknight Wonder: Whip up this crowd-pleaser in no time; it’s the perfect answer to a busy schedule.
- Flavor Bomb: Savory ham, sharp onion, and gooey mozzarella create an irresistible taste sensation.
- Perfectly Portable: These make fantastic appetizers or a satisfying side dish, great for
entertaining guests.
Potato Boats Ingredients: Ham & Cheese Perfection
- For the Potato Shells
- Large Potatoes – Choose starchy varieties like Russets or Maris Piper for the best fluffy interior and crispy skin. 6 large potatoes recommended.
- Olive Oil – A light coating helps the potato skins crisp beautifully in the oven.
- For the Savory Filling
- Eggs – These act as the binder, making sure all our delicious fillings stay together in a perfect little boat. 4 eggs recommended.
- Ham, diced – Look for good quality deli ham or even leftover cooked ham for that salty, savory punch. About 1 slice is suggested.
- Red Onion, diced – A small red onion, finely diced, adds a touch of sweetness and a mild bite.
- Grated Mozzarella Cheese – For that irresistible, gooey, melty goodness that makes these potato boats.
- For Garnish
- Fresh Parsley – A sprinkle adds a pop of color and a burst of fresh flavor to finish.
How to Make Potato Boats
- Prep the Potatoes: Gently wash and pat dry your potatoes. Prick them a few times with a fork so they don’t explode in the oven like tiny flavor bombs.
- First Bake: Arrange the potatoes on a baking sheet and bake until they’re tender enough to be easily pierced with a fork, about 45-60 minutes at 400°F (200°C). This sets the stage for our delicious Potato Boats recipe.
- Make the Filling: While the potatoes bake, finely dice your ham and red onion. In a bowl, whisk your eggs until light, then stir in the diced ham, onion, and most of the mozzarella cheese.
- Halve & Scoop: Once tender, let the potatoes cool just enough to handle. Slice them in half lengthwise and carefully scoop out the fluffy insides, leaving a sturdy shell.
- Fill ‘Em Up: Spoon the savory egg, ham, and cheese mixture generously into each potato hollow, creating your perfect little boats.
- Second Bake: Place the filled potato boats back on the baking sheet and bake for another 15-20 minutes at 375°F (190°C), or until the filling is set and beautifully golden brown on top.
Optional: Garnish with fresh parsley for a pop of color.
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
What to Serve with Potato Boats?
Turn these savory baked delights into a complete meal with these perfect partner dishes.
- Crisp Green Salad: A vibrant, fresh salad with a zesty vinaigrette cuts through the richness of the potato boats beautifully.
- Simple Steamed Broccoli:
Offers a healthy, lightly steamed vegetable that adds a pop of color and balances the flavors. - Sour Cream & Chives: A dollop of cool sour cream and fresh chives adds complementary tangy creaminess to the warm, savory boats.
- Spicy Mustard Dip: A little kick from a robust mustard dip adds an exciting flavor dimension that plays well with the ham and cheese. This is especially good if you are seeking a bit more zing.
- Garlic Bread: Warm, toasty garlic bread is always a winner and provides a satisfying crunch alongside the soft interior of the potato boats.
- Coleslaw: A creamy or vinegraw coleslaw offers a refreshing crunch and a touch of sweetness.
- Light Vinaigrette: A simple dressing with a bright, acidic note can cleanse the palate between bites of the hearty potato boats.
How to Make Potato Boats Ahead of Time
These delightful Potato Boats are fantastic for meal prep, saving you precious time on busy weeknights or when hosting guests! You can prepare the unbaked, filled potato boats entirely up to 24 hours ahead of time. Simply bake the potatoes until just tender, let them cool slightly, then halve and scoop out the insides as directed. Prepare the filling mixture and spoon it into the potato shells, topping with the remaining mozzarella. Cover the assembled, uncooked boats tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate. When ready to serve, simply remove the plastic wrap, place the potato boats on a baking sheet, and bake at 375°F (190°C) for about 25-30 minutes, or until the filling is fully set and golden brown, ensuring they’re just as delicious as fresh.
Expert Tips
- Potato Choice: Use starchy potatoes like Russets; they bake up fluffier, making your potato boats more satisfying and easier to scoop.
- Gentle Scooping: Don’t excavate too deeply! Leaving a thin layer ensures your potato shells hold their delicious filling without collapsing.
- Egg Wash: For an extra crispy skin on your potato shells, brush them with a little olive oil before the first bake.
Potato Boats Variations
Let’s get creative and tailor these delightful potato boats to your heart’s content!
- Veggie Boost: Add finely chopped bell peppers, mushrooms, or peas to the filling for extra color and nutrients.
- Cheese Swap: Try sharp cheddar, smoky Gouda, or tangy Monterey Jack for a different cheesy experience.
- Bacon Bliss: Crumble in some crispy cooked bacon for an irresistible smoky, salty crunch.
- Spicy Kick: For those who love a little heat, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a spoonful of your favorite hot sauce to the filling.
- Herb Garden: Mix in fresh chives, dill, or thyme for a fragrant twist on the classic filling.
- Everything Bagel: Top the finished boats with everything bagel seasoning for an extra layer of texture and flavor.
- Guacamole: Serve with a dollop of creamy guacamole on top for a fresh, zesty finish.
Storage Tips for Potato Boats
- Fridge: Store leftover potato boats in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Ensure they are completely cooled before sealing to prevent condensation.
- Freezer: For longer storage, freeze tightly wrapped potato boats individually. They can be kept frozen for up to 1 month; thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
- Reheating: Reheat gently in an oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes until warmed through and the cheese is melty again.
Potato Boats Recipe FAQs
-
What kind of potatoes are best for making potato boats?
For the best potato boats, I always recommend using starchy potatoes like Russets. They bake up incredibly fluffy on the inside, which makes them easy to scoop out and creates a wonderful texture for the filling to nestle into. Plus, their skins get wonderfully crispy! -
How long can I store leftover potato boats?
You can absolutely store your delicious leftovers! Once completely cooled, place them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They’ll keep well for about 3 to 4 days and are still fantastic when reheated. -
Can I freeze potato boats for later?
Yes, you can! I often make a double batch just to freeze some for later. Let the potato boats cool completely, then wrap each one tightly in plastic wrap, followed by a layer of aluminum foil (or place them in a freezer-safe bag). They’ll keep their flavor and texture for up to 1 month in the freezer. -
My potato boat filling seems a bit too runny when I bake it a second time. What did I do wrong?
This can happen if the eggs weren’t fully whisked or if there wasn’t enough cheese to bind everything together. Make sure to whisk your eggs until they’re light and frothy, and ensure that all the filling ingredients (ham, onion, cheese) are thoroughly mixed into the egg. The mozzarella also helps create that gooey structure, so don’t skimp on it! -
Can I make these potato boats ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the potato shells and the filling separately up to a day in advance. Store the scooped-out potato shells covered in the fridge, and keep the filling mixture chilled in a separate container. When you’re ready to bake, fill the shells and proceed with the second bake. It makes entertaining so much smoother!
Foolproof Potato Boats Ham Cheese Recipe Chefclub US
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Gently wash and pat dry your potatoes. Prick them a few times with a fork.
- Arrange the potatoes on a baking sheet and bake at 400°F (200°C) for 45-60 minutes.
- Finely dice the ham and red onion. Whisk the eggs in a bowl, then stir in the diced ham, onion, and most of the mozzarella cheese.
- Once tender, let the potatoes cool, slice in half lengthwise, and scoop out the insides.
- Spoon the filling mixture generously into each potato hollow.
- Bake the filled potato boats at 375°F (190°C) for 15-20 minutes until golden brown.
- Optional: Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.