Comfort Food Cottage Cheese Loaded Baked Potato Bowl

Ingredients

• 4 large russet potatoes
• 2 cups cottage cheese
• 8 slices bacon
• 1.5 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
• 3 cups broccoli florets
• 1/4 cup fresh chives, chopped
• 3 tablespoons butter
• 1 tablespoon avocado oil
• 1/2 cup sour cream(optional)
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

Instructions

1. 1

   Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Scrub the potatoes, pat dry, pierce each several times with a fork, rub with avocado oil, and sprinkle with salt. Bake directly on the oven rack for 55-60 minutes until tender when pierced with a knife.

2. 2

   While the potatoes bake, cook the bacon in a skillet over medium heat for 8-10 minutes until crispy. Drain on paper towels, then crumble into pieces.

3. 3

   Steam the broccoli florets over simmering water for 5-6 minutes until bright green and tender-crisp. Set aside.

4. 4

   Split each baked potato open lengthwise, fluff the insides with a fork, and add a pat of butter to each. Season with black pepper.

5. 5

   Top each potato with a generous scoop of cottage cheese, then layer on steamed broccoli, crumbled bacon, shredded cheddar, and sour cream if using. The heat of the potato will soften the cheddar slightly.

6. 6

   Garnish with chopped fresh chives and serve immediately.