Meet Alex Caspero
Alex Caspero is a Registered Dietitian, New York Times Bestselling Chef, and mom of two. She aims to cut through the nutrition noise by providing real-life, nourishing tips for body and mind. Learn more about Alex.
Oh my, I’ve forgotten how much I love baked potatoes. I’ve been so focused on it’s sweeter cousin, that I completely forgot how comforting and delicious a simple baked potato can be. To take this spud over the top (pun intended), I’ve loaded it with summer flavors: smoky vegetarian baked beans, sharp cheddar, garlicky greens and avocado. Always avocado.
These protein-packed potatoes are the perfect lunch or dinner when you’re craving maximum flavor without a lot of effort.
The star of these BBQ loaded potatoes are the hefty pile of vegetarian baked beans on top. I’m using Pacific Food’s Organic Baked Beans here as they are lower in sugar than other brands, yet just as delicious. I also appreciate that they use just a hint of brown sugar as the sweetener, instead of high-fructose corn syrup or other questionable sweeteners.
Beans, spices, tomato paste and a little sugar for balance. My pantry is always stocked with these beans whenever I need a quick side to pair with veggie burgers, hummus wraps or these potatoes.
Whenever I talk about baked potatoes with my clients, I’m met with a healthy dose of skepticism. Aren’t potatoes bad for you!? They are full of sugar! Not quite. While we tend to eat a lot of potatoes in the french-fried version, a baked potato is much different and loaded with nutrients. Sadly, french fries aren’t a health food, but that doesn’t meal all potatoes are out.
One medium-size baked potato contains 110 calories, 2g of fiber and is free of fat, sodium and cholesterol. While I’m not personally a calorie counter, I like to remind people that as filling as a baked potato is, it’s relatively low in calories. So, I think it’s unfair to vilify the humble baked potato. It’s not the same as a cupcake.
The combo of toppings may seem a little weird, but trust me when I say that it works. Creamy potatoes, sharp cheese, tender greens and avocado pile on perfectly! The saucy beans get into all the nooks and crannies of the potato, the cheese adds another layer of flavor, and the greens and avocado bring the entire thing home.
Be warned- these are really filling potatoes! All that protein, fiber and healthy fats kept me full for hours.
If you make these (or any dish), I’d love to see! Tag #delishknowledge on social media or leave a comment below. Seeing your creations of my recipes completely makes my day!
Tell me: how do you like to eat baked beans? Do you think potatoes are a healthy choice?
If you try this recipe, let me know! Leave a comment, rate it, and tag your Instagram photos with #delishknowledge . I absolutely love seeing your creations. Happy cooking!
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BBQ Loaded Stuffed Baked Potatoes! Topped with baked beans, cheddar, sauteed spinach, avocado and red pepper flakes. Hearty, filling and vegetarian! These healthy potatoes are the perfect BBQ option for summer! Less than 10 ingredients, high-protein, gluten-free and easily vegan.
Tag @delishknowledge on Instagram and hashtag it #delishknowledge
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(16 comments) leave a comment
I grew up on baked beans and still love them. Nice to know there’s an option that isn’t so sugary sweet and doesn’t have corn syrup. Great photos, as usual!
Lots of spud love for this one! I love Pacific Foods, too 🙂 This is fab with all the beans and greens!
Mmm fantastic meatless EASY meal!
This looks delicious! I love the addition of the avocado!
Thanks Kaleigh! Avocado makes everything taste better 🙂
The ultimate loaded backed potato! They look amazing!
Thanks Marye!
can i just say how i love stuffed baked potato, thanks for the new recipe 🙂
I love how baked potatoes can become a full meal just by stuffing them 🙂 Sometimes it’s nice to take a break from the sweet ones to enjoy a good old fashioned white one too! Absolutely love Pacific products (I have like 25 cartons of their broth in my basement lol) but I’ve yet to try their baked beans, definitely a must now!
Me too! I tend to always pick up the sweet ones, I forgot how much I love regular white ones! Pacific products are amazing, you’ve gotta try their beans. They aren’t super sweet like other brands and have a great BBQ flavor.
What a gorgeous potato, so healthy and stuffed to the gills with incredible flavor and nutrition!!!! I always say – as long as you have potatoes in the pantry you can eat! Now this, my friend, is EATING!!!!
Thanks Allie!
I grew up in a potato-loving household! But it’s been ages since I’ve had a baked (non-sweet) potato for dinner! They are so good for you too! I remember my Nutrition Science professor at uni telling us that if you had only potatoes and butter you could survive for months. Doesn’t sound too bad to me 😉
I’ll be loading up my potato with baked beans and avocado sometime this week for dinner! Thanks for a great idea Alex 🙂
Yes! I remember the study from school about the guy who only ate white potatoes for a month and how healthy his bloodwork looked afterwards. Though, I think he was a potato farmer 🙂 Not that I recommend that, but a baked potato like this? I might be able to do it for a month straight!
I grew up in a potato-loving household! But it’s been ages since I’ve had a baked (non-sweet) potato for dinner! They are so good for you too! I remember my Nutrition Science professor at uni telling us that if you had only potatoes and butter you could survive for months. Doesn’t sound too bad to me 😉
I’ll be loading up my potato with baked beans and avocado sometime this week for dinner! Thanks for a great idea Alex 🙂