Air Fryer Bacon and Sausage-Stuffed Potato Loaf

Ooh, an air fryer bacon and sausage-stuffed potato loaf sounds absolutely delicious! It’s like the perfect comfort food with all the savory, crispy elements. The air fryer will help achieve that golden, crispy crust while keeping the inside soft and flavorful. Here’s how you can make it:

Ingredients:

For the Potato Loaf:

• 4-5 medium-sized Russet potatoes (peeled and cubed)
• 2 tbsp butter
• 1/4 cup sour cream or cream cheese
• 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1/4 cup milk (or as needed to mash)
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 1/4 tsp garlic powder
• 1/4 tsp onion powder
• 1/2 cup bread crumbs (for texture)
• 1 egg (optional, for binding)

For the Filling:

• 4-5 slices of bacon (chopped)
• 1/2 lb sausage (ground breakfast sausage or Italian sausage)
• 1/2 medium onion (diced)
• 1/2 bell pepper (diced)
• 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional for extra richness)
• Fresh herbs (like parsley or thyme, optional)

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Instructions:

1. Prepare the Potato Base:

1. Boil the potatoes: Place the cubed potatoes in a large pot of salted water. Boil for about 10-12 minutes or until fork-tender.
2. Mash the potatoes: Drain the potatoes and return them to the pot. Mash them with butter, sour cream (or cream cheese), and milk until smooth. Season with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder. Stir in the shredded cheddar cheese and let the mixture cool slightly.
3. Bind the mashed potatoes: Once the mashed potatoes have cooled a bit, add the egg (if using) and mix well to help bind everything together. You can also fold in bread crumbs at this stage for a bit of texture.

2. Prepare the Bacon and Sausage Filling:

1. Cook the bacon: In a skillet, cook the chopped bacon over medium heat until crispy. Remove and set aside on paper towels to drain.
2. Cook the sausage: In the same skillet, cook the sausage, breaking it apart with a spoon, until browned. Add the diced onion and bell pepper and cook for another 3-4 minutes until softened.
3. Combine the filling: Add the crispy bacon back to the sausage mixture. Stir in any fresh herbs and let everything cool slightly. If you’re adding extra cheese, mix it in now.

3. Assemble the Potato Loaf:

1. Shape the mashed potatoes: On a piece of parchment paper, shape the mashed potatoes into a loaf shape, about 10-12 inches long. Use your hands or a spoon to flatten and shape the loaf.
2. Stuff the loaf: Create a well in the middle of the mashed potato loaf. Spoon the sausage and bacon mixture into the well, pressing it down gently. If you’d like, you can sprinkle some extra cheese over the filling for an even cheesier interior.
3. Seal the loaf: Carefully fold the mashed potatoes over the filling, sealing the loaf back together. You may want to pinch the edges closed to make sure the filling stays inside.

4. Air Fry the Loaf:

1. Preheat the air fryer to 360°F (180°C).
2. Place the loaf in the air fryer: Carefully transfer the stuffed potato loaf to the air fryer basket. If needed, line it with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
3. Air fry for 20-25 minutes, or until the loaf is golden and crispy on the outside. You can check halfway through and gently flip it to ensure even cooking.
4. Optional: If you’d like a more crispy exterior, you can spray the top with a bit of cooking spray or brush with melted butter before the last 5-10 minutes of air frying.

5. Serve:

• Once the potato loaf is golden brown, remove it from the air fryer and let it cool for a few minutes before slicing.
• Serve with a side salad, extra sour cream, or a dipping sauce of your choice!

This recipe combines the creamy, comforting mashed potatoes with the savory goodness of bacon and sausage in a way that’s perfect for a hearty meal. Are you thinking of adding any extras, like a sauce or vegetables? Or perhaps a twist on the filling? Let me know if you’d like to make adjustments!