Welcome to a culinary adventure that will transform your weeknight dinners! Today, we’re diving into the incredibly delicious and surprisingly simple world of Twice Baked Cubano Stuffed Potatoes. This recipe is a sponsored conversation written by me on behalf of Smithfield®. All opinions and text are my own, and I’m thrilled to share how this fantastic ingredient elevates a humble potato into a meal the whole family will rave about.

If you’re anything like me, the afternoon rush hits hard. It’s 3:15 PM, the kids are back from school, snacks are being handed out, and the eternal question echoes: “What’s for dinner?” Between school activities, sports practices, and homework, finding time to prepare a wholesome and delicious meal can feel like an impossible task. We all strive for those precious moments around the dinner table, connecting as a family, but the reality of a busy schedule often pushes us towards quick, less exciting options.

But what if I told you that a mouth-watering, flavor-packed dinner could be on your table in just about thirty minutes? That’s right! These Cubano Stuffed Potatoes are a game-changer for busy evenings. They take the iconic flavors of a Cuban sandwich – savory ham, tangy pickles, zesty mustard, and creamy Swiss cheese – and transform them into a comforting, hearty twice-baked potato masterpiece. It’s a complete meal wrapped in a crispy potato skin, designed to make your life easier and your taste buds sing.

The Secret to Speedy & Savory Dinners: Smithfield Anytime Favorites Diced Ham

The cornerstone of this incredibly convenient and flavorful dish is Smithfield® Anytime Favorites® Diced Ham. In the whirlwind of daily life, having high-quality, pre-prepped ingredients on hand is a lifesaver. Smithfield Diced Ham is precisely that – a convenient, fully cooked ham that’s ready to be added to your favorite recipes, instantly boosting flavor and protein without any extra fuss. No slicing, no dicing, just open and add! This makes it an ideal ingredient for those nights when time is of the essence but you refuse to compromise on taste.

When I’m planning my weeknight meals, I look for ingredients that offer versatility and convenience. Recently, during a shopping trip to Meijer, I made sure to stock up on Smithfield Anytime Favorites Diced Ham. It’s truly perfect for throwing into everything from hearty soups and fresh salads to savory main dishes like these Twice Baked Cubano Stuffed Potatoes. It provides that essential savory depth and texture, making every bite satisfying. Plus, its consistent quality ensures a delicious outcome every single time.

Why You’ll Love These Cubano Stuffed Potatoes

Imagine the warm, comforting embrace of a perfectly baked potato combined with the vibrant, zesty, and savory flavors of a Cubano sandwich. That’s exactly what you get with these incredible stuffed potatoes. Each bite offers a delightful balance of textures and tastes: the creamy, fluffy potato interior blended with the rich Smithfield ham, the sharp bite of Swiss cheese, the unmistakable tang of pickles, and a hint of pungent mustard, all seasoned with warm cumin and garlic powder. It’s a flavor explosion that’s both unique and deeply satisfying.

These ham and cheese stuffed potatoes are not only delicious but also incredibly adaptable. They can be a star main course served with a simple green salad, or a hearty side dish to complement a lighter protein. Their comforting nature makes them perfect for a cozy family dinner, while their unique flavor profile ensures they’ll be a hit for entertaining casual guests. And the best part? The use of Smithfield Anytime Favorites Diced Ham ensures quick preparation without sacrificing any of that homemade goodness.

Ingredients You’ll Need to Make These Flavorful Stuffed Potatoes

Gathering your ingredients for these quick Cubano stuffed potatoes is straightforward. You’ll be surprised how a few simple items combine to create such a memorable meal!

• Olive oil
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper
• 4 large baking potatoes (Russet potatoes work best for their fluffy texture)
• 1 (8oz brick) cream cheese, softened
• 1 (8oz package) Smithfield Anytime Favorites Diced Ham
• 1 tablespoon yellow mustard (or Dijon for a sharper kick)
• ½ teaspoon ground cumin
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• ¼ cup pickles, finely chopped (dill pickles are ideal)
• 1 cup Swiss cheese, shredded and divided

Right now, you can save $1.00 off any ONE Smithfield Anytime Favorites Item! Just head on over to your Mperks account here to clip the coupon before you shop. It’s a great way to save on a product that will quickly become a pantry staple!

How to Create These Quick & Easy Cubano Stuffed Potatoes

Preparing these easy stuffed potatoes with ham is a breeze, especially with the microwave-first method. Follow these simple steps for a truly delightful dinner:

• Begin by preparing your baking potatoes. Scrub them clean under running water, pat them dry, then rub them all over with a light coating of olive oil. Season generously with salt and pepper – remember, the skin is edible and contributes to the overall flavor! Prick each potato several times with a fork to allow steam to escape during cooking, which helps them cook evenly and prevents bursting.
• Place your prepared potatoes into the microwave and cook for 10-12 minutes, flipping them halfway through. This initial microwave cooking significantly reduces overall prep time, getting dinner on the table faster. If you prefer, or don’t have a microwave, you can bake them in a preheated 400°F (200°C) oven for 60-75 minutes, turning every 20 minutes, until tender.
• While the potatoes are cooking, prepare the rich and flavorful filling. In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese and the entire package of Smithfield Anytime Favorites Diced Ham. The convenience of pre-diced ham makes this step incredibly fast!

• Next, add the remaining Cubano-inspired ingredients to the bowl: yellow mustard, ground cumin, garlic powder, finely chopped pickles, and about half of your shredded Swiss cheese. Mix all the ingredients thoroughly until well combined and uniform. This creamy, savory mixture is so good, it’s hard not to sneak a taste!
• Once your potatoes are cooked and cool enough to handle, carefully cut each potato in half lengthwise. Using a spoon, gently scoop out the fluffy potato flesh from the center, leaving a sturdy border of about ¼ inch of potato attached to the skin. Be careful not to break the skin!
• Add the scooped-out potato flesh to the cream cheese and ham mixture. Stir everything together until smooth and well incorporated. This creates the wonderfully creamy and flavorful stuffing for your twice-baked potatoes.

• Generously spoon the potato filling mixture back into the empty potato skins, mounding it slightly on top. Don’t be shy – really load them up!
• Top each stuffed potato half with the remaining shredded Swiss cheese. This will melt beautifully and create a golden, gooey crust.
• Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Once hot, place the stuffed potatoes on a baking sheet and bake for 15 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbling and golden brown, and the potato filling is warmed through.
• Serve these magnificent Cubano Stuffed Potatoes immediately. Feel free to offer additional mustard on the side for those who love an extra tangy kick, just like a true Cubano sandwich! We love pairing them with a simple, crisp green salad dressed with a light vinaigrette to complete the meal.

Can You Make These Twice Baked Potatoes Ahead of Time?

Absolutely! These make-ahead stuffed potatoes are perfect for meal prepping. You can prepare them up to the point of adding the final cheese topping. Once stuffed, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and place them in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When ready to bake, simply unwrap, top with the remaining Swiss cheese, and bake as directed, adding a few extra minutes if baking from cold.

Can You Freeze Stuffed Potatoes?

Yes, these freezer-friendly Cubano stuffed potatoes are excellent for freezing! After stuffing the potato shells, place the filled potatoes onto a baking sheet and freeze until solid, which usually takes about 1-2 hours. Once solid, wrap each potato individually in plastic wrap, then again in aluminum foil. Place the wrapped potatoes into a freezer bag or airtight container and freeze for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy them, simply unwrap and bake from frozen at 400°F (200°C) for 30-40 minutes, or until thoroughly heated through and the cheese is melted and bubbly. This makes for an incredibly convenient future meal!

Tips for the Perfect Twice Baked Potato

Achieving the perfect twice-baked potato is an art, but these simple tips will guide you to success for your ham and cheese stuffed potatoes:

• Choose Wisely: Opt for large, uniformly shaped Russet potatoes. Their starchy flesh bakes up light and fluffy, perfect for scooping and mixing into a creamy filling, and their thick skin holds up well.
• Clean & Crisp Skin: Always scrub the outside of your potatoes thoroughly under running water and pat them completely dry before seasoning. The olive oil and generous sprinkle of salt and pepper aren’t just for flavor; they help the skin crisp up beautifully, making it a delicious part of the meal.
• Even Cooking: Prick your potatoes all over with a fork before cooking. This crucial step allows steam to escape, preventing the potatoes from bursting and ensuring they cook evenly throughout.
• Flip for Uniformity: Whether microwaving or oven-baking, flip the potatoes halfway through their initial cooking time. This helps ensure even cooking and a consistent texture.
• Don’t Overmix the Filling: While you want the potato flesh and filling ingredients well combined, avoid overmixing. Overmixing can lead to a gummy texture. Mix just until everything is incorporated and smooth.
• A Golden Crust: For an extra golden-brown and slightly crispy topping, consider a quick broil for the last minute or two of baking, but keep a very close eye on them to prevent burning.

Twice Baked Cubano Stuffed Potatoes

Yield:
4 servings

Prep Time:
10 minutes

Cook Time:
22 minutes

Total Time:
32 minutes

A quick and easy weeknight dinner solution, these Twice Baked Cubano Stuffed Potatoes are packed with savory diced ham, creamy cheese, tangy pickles, and zesty mustard, offering a delightful twist on a classic comfort food. Perfect for busy families!

The entire family went absolutely crazy for these Twice Baked Cubano Stuffed Potatoes, and I was thrilled by how incredibly easy they were to prepare. It truly felt like a gourmet meal without all the usual effort, making it a staple in our busy weeknight rotation.

Smithfield Anytime Favorites Diced Ham isn’t just a savior for dinner; it’s a versatile solution for so many occasions. It’s fantastic for quick lunches, creating satisfying snack trays, or adding a savory element to charcuterie boards for holiday entertaining. Its delicious flavor and convenient packaging make it an essential item to keep stocked in your fridge.

So, next time you’re at Meijer, make sure to snag a few packages of Smithfield Anytime Favorites Diced Ham. And whatever you do, don’t forget to clip your coupon before you go! You won’t regret having this versatile ingredient on hand to whip up delicious meals like these incredible Cubano Stuffed Potatoes.

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