Pommes de Terre Farcies en Forme de Sapins de Noël (Stuffed Potatoes Shaped Like Christmas Trees) are a whimsical and delicious holiday treat. These festive stuffed potatoes are carved into tree shapes and filled with creamy mashed potato mixed with cheese, herbs, and flavorful toppings. They make a delightful addition to any holiday table, combining creativity with irresistible taste.
Ingredients:
For the Potatoes:
- 4 large russet potatoes
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
For the Filling:
- 1 cup mashed potato (scooped from the baked potatoes)
- ½ cup grated Gruyère or cheddar cheese
- 2 tbsp sour cream or crème fraîche
- 1 tbsp butter
- 2 tbsp fresh chives or parsley, finely chopped
- Salt and pepper, to taste
For Decoration:
- Cherry tomatoes (halved, for ornaments)
- Fresh rosemary sprigs (for garnish)
- Paprika or edible gold dust (optional, for a festive touch)
Directions:
- Prepare the Potatoes:
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Wash and dry the potatoes thoroughly.
- Rub them with olive oil, season with salt, and bake directly on the oven rack for about 1 hour, or until soft.
- Scoop Out the Potatoes:
- Allow the potatoes to cool slightly.
- Slice a small layer off the bottom of each potato so they stand upright. Cut off the top third of each potato.
- Carefully scoop out the insides of each potato, leaving a thin shell. Reserve the scooped potato in a bowl.
- Prepare the Filling:
- Mash the reserved potato with butter, sour cream, and grated cheese until smooth and creamy.
- Stir in the chopped herbs and season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Shape the Christmas Trees:
- Fill each potato shell with the mashed potato mixture, mounding it to form a tree shape. Use a piping bag with a star tip for more detailed texture.
- Bake Again:
- Place the filled potatoes on a baking sheet.
- Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 15-20 minutes, until the tops are golden and slightly crispy.
- Decorate the Trees:
- Garnish each potato tree with cherry tomato halves as ornaments. Use rosemary sprigs to create the illusion of tree branches.
- Optionally, sprinkle a touch of paprika or edible gold dust for a festive finish.
- Serve:
- Arrange the potato trees on a serving platter and serve warm.
Tips:
To save time, you can prepare the mashed potato filling ahead of time and assemble the trees just before baking.
- Add diced cooked bacon or caramelized onions to the filling for an extra flavor boost.
- Use small cookie cutters to cut out star shapes from cheese slices and place them on top of the trees for a cute topper.
