Twice-Baked Potatoes are the epitome of comfort food, combining the creamy goodness of mashed potatoes with the satisfying crispiness of potato skins. This versatile dish is perfect for any occasion, from family dinners to festive gatherings. The combination of fluffy potato filling, crispy bacon, gooey cheese, and fresh green onions creates a delightful harmony of flavors and textures that everyone will love.

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Ingredients Needed

For this recipe, you will need 4 large baking potatoes, ½ cup of milk, ½ teaspoon of pepper, ½ teaspoon of salt, 4 tablespoons of butter, 1 cup of sour cream, and 8 slices of bacon. Additionally, you will require 1 cup of shredded Cheddar cheese, divided into two portions, and 8 green onions, sliced and divided. These ingredients work together to create a rich, flavorful, and satisfying dish.

Each ingredient plays a crucial role in crafting the perfect twice-baked potatoes. The large baking potatoes provide a sturdy base and enough flesh to create a creamy filling. Milk and butter add richness and smoothness to the potato mixture, while sour cream brings a tangy note. Bacon adds a savory crunch, Cheddar cheese melts into a delightful gooey topping, and green onions offer a fresh, vibrant flavor.

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Preparing the Potatoes

Start by preheating your oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). While the oven heats up, gather all your ingredients to ensure you have everything you need. Bake the potatoes in the oven for about an hour, or until they are tender. The baking time may vary depending on the size of your potatoes. Once baked, allow them to cool until they are comfortable to handle.

Cooking the Bacon

While the potatoes are baking, cook the bacon in a large skillet over medium-high heat until it reaches an even brown and crispy texture. Once cooked, drain the excess grease, crumble the bacon into small pieces, and set it aside. The crispy bacon will add a delightful crunch to the finished dish.

Creating the Filling

After the potatoes have cooled, slice them in half lengthwise. Carefully scoop out the potato flesh into a large mixing bowl, making sure to leave the skins intact. This potato flesh will form the base of your creamy filling. Add sour cream, milk, butter, salt, pepper, half of the shredded Cheddar cheese, and half of the sliced green onions to the bowl. Using a hand mixer, blend the ingredients until the mixture is smooth and creamy, ensuring all elements are well incorporated.

Assembling the Potatoes

Take the reserved potato skins and fill them generously with the creamy potato mixture. Ensure each skin is filled to the brim for maximum satisfaction. Once filled, sprinkle the remaining shredded Cheddar cheese, the rest of the green onions, and the crumbled bacon evenly over the top. These toppings not only add flavor but also create a visually appealing dish.

Final Baking

Place the filled potato skins back into the preheated oven and bake for an additional 15 minutes, or until the cheese on top is melted and bubbly. This final baking step melds all the flavors together and ensures the potatoes are heated through. Serve these twice-baked potatoes hot and enjoy the delightful combination of creamy, cheesy, and crispy textures.

Recipe Tips

For the best results, choose large baking potatoes that are firm and free of blemishes.
To achieve perfectly crispy bacon, cook it over medium-high heat and drain it well to remove excess grease.
For an extra creamy potato mixture, ensure the potatoes are thoroughly blended with the milk, butter, and sour cream.

What to Serve With this Recipe

Twice-Baked Potatoes make a fantastic side dish for a variety of main courses. Pair them with a juicy steak or grilled chicken for a hearty meal. They also complement a fresh salad, providing a satisfying contrast of textures. For beverages, consider serving a crisp white wine or a refreshing iced tea to balance the richness of the dish.

Variations and Add-Ons

Customize your twice-baked potatoes by experimenting with different cheeses or toppings. Try using sharp Cheddar, Gouda, or even blue cheese for a unique twist. Adding herbs like chives, parsley, or thyme can enhance the flavor profile. You can also incorporate spices such as paprika or garlic powder for an extra kick.

Frequently Asked Questions

How to store and reheat leftovers: Store any leftover twice-baked potatoes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat them in the oven at 350 degrees F (175 degrees C) until heated through.
Can this recipe be made ahead of time? Yes, you can prepare the potatoes up to the final baking step, then refrigerate them. When ready to serve, bake them in the oven until the cheese is melted and the potatoes are heated through.
Substitutions for ingredients: If you prefer, you can use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream for a tangier flavor. Feel free to substitute different types of cheese or add your favorite herbs and spices to customize the dish to your liking.

Twice-Baked Potatoes are a simple yet delicious recipe that combines the best of creamy mashed potatoes and crispy potato skins. This dish is sure to become a family favorite, offering endless possibilities for customization. Try this recipe today and savor the delightful combination of flavors and textures. Share your experience with friends and family, and enjoy the satisfaction of creating a homemade comfort food classic.

Ingredients

4 large baking potatoes
½ cup milk
½ teaspoon pepper
½ teaspoon salt
4 tablespoons butter
1 cup sour cream
8 slices bacon
1 cup shredded Cheddar cheese, divided
8 green onions, sliced, divided

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). While waiting for the oven to reach the desired temperature, gather all your ingredients.

Bake the potatoes in the oven until they are tender, which should take approximately 1 hour depending on their size. Once done, remove the potatoes and allow them to cool until they can be handled comfortably.

Meanwhile, cook the bacon in a large skillet over medium-high heat until it is evenly browned. Drain the excess grease, crumble the bacon, and set it aside.

Slice the cooled potatoes in half lengthwise. Carefully scoop out the potato flesh into a large mixing bowl, ensuring you save the skins for later use.

To the potato flesh, add sour cream, milk, butter, salt, pepper, half of the shredded Cheddar cheese, and half of the sliced green onions. Use a hand mixer to blend these ingredients until the mixture is smooth and creamy.

Fill the reserved potato skins with the creamy potato mixture. Sprinkle the remaining shredded Cheddar cheese, the rest of the green onions, and the crumbled bacon on top.

Place the filled potato skins back into the preheated oven and bake for an additional 15 minutes, or until the cheese on top is melted and bubbly. Serve these twice-baked potatoes hot and enjoy the delicious combination of flavors and textures.