Delicious and gooey potatoes with a crispiness.
These Twice Baked Potatoes are a boat full of textures and flavors, transforming humble spuds into a decadent delight. The process begins with baking russet potatoes until tender, then scooping out the fluffy insides. Mashed with a luxurious blend of sour cream, butter, milk, cheddar cheese, crispy bacon, and vibrant green onions, this flavorful filling is returned to the potato shells. A second stint in the oven creates a golden, cheesy crust. The result is a side dish that marries creamy richness with savory indulgence, offering a delectable balance of comfort and sophistication in every spoonful. Twice Baked Potatoes elevate the ordinary to extraordinary.
Ingredients
- 4 large russet potatoes
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 4 tablespoons butter, softened
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1/2 teaspoon of seasoning salt
- pepper to taste
- 1- 1 1/2 cups shredded or grated cheddar cheese
- 4-6 slices cooked nitrate free bacon, crumbled (turkey bacon crumbles are a lighter option)
- 2 green onions, chopped (optional)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Directions
- Preheat Oven
- Preheat your oven to 375°F.
- Bake Potatoes
- Scrub the potatoes and pierce them with a fork. Rub the potatoes with olive oil and place them directly on the oven rack or on a baking sheet. Bake for about 1 hour or until tender. I have also microwaved the potatoes on occasion to speed this step up.
- Cool and Slice
- Allow the potatoes to cool slightly. Cut each potato in half lengthwise, and scoop out the flesh, leaving a thin shell.
- Prepare Filling
- In a bowl, mash the potato flesh. Add sour cream, butter, milk, most of the shredded cheddar cheese, seasoning salt, pepper, 1/2 the crumbled bacon, and most of the chopped green onions (optional). Mix until well combined.
- Refill Potato Shells
- Spoon the mashed potato mixture back into the potato shells. Top with the rest of the shredded cheese and sprinkle with rest of the bacon.
- Bake Again
- Place the filled and topped potato halves on a baking sheet. Bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the tops are golden.
- Garnish and Serve
- Garnish with rest of the chopped green onions, Serve hot.
These Twice Baked Potatoes are creamy, cheesy, and loaded with flavor. They make a fantastic side dish for special occasions or as a comforting treat for any meal.