Twice Baked Potatoes
A beloved accompaniment for meals ranging from grilled steaks to hearty sandwiches, these Twice Baked Potatoes deliver a luscious, creamy center complemented by a crispy crown of bacon, scallions, and a touch of sour cream.
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Servings: 8
Ingredients
- ¼ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ cup finely shredded Monterey Jack cheese
- 2 tablespoons butter
- ¼-⅓ cup milk
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup finely shredded cheddar cheese reserve ½ cup for topping
- 1 scallion thinly sliced
- 2 slices of crispy cooked bacon chopped
- Olive oil
- ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
- 4 russet potatoes
- Salt for sprinkling potatoes
- ⅓ cup sour cream
- ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F. Wash and thoroughly dry the russet potatoes, then pierce each one 2–3 times with a fork. Rub them lightly with olive oil and sprinkle generously with salt. Arrange them unwrapped on a baking sheet and roast for 45 to 60 minutes, or until they yield to gentle pressure. Remove and allow to cool until manageable.
- Slice each potato lengthwise and carefully scoop the flesh into a mixing bowl, preserving a border of about ¼–⅓ inch within the skin.
- To the bowl, add sour cream, butter, Monterey Jack, ½ cup of cheddar, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Use a potato masher to blend until smooth, incorporating just enough milk to attain a creamy consistency.
- Evenly divide the mashed mixture among the hollowed potato skins. Top each with the remaining cheddar cheese and return to the oven for an additional 15 minutes at 350°F.
- Upon removal, garnish with chopped bacon and sliced scallions before serving.
Notes
Ensure the potatoes are dried completely before baking for optimal texture.
Avoid using foil during the initial bake to encourage a crisp exterior.
To enhance the shells’ firmness, briefly rebake them while preparing the filling.
Monitor the final bake carefully to prevent any spillage of the filling.
Toppings are customizable; chives, pickled jalapeños, and additional scallions are all excellent additions.
Avoid using foil during the initial bake to encourage a crisp exterior.
To enhance the shells’ firmness, briefly rebake them while preparing the filling.
Monitor the final bake carefully to prevent any spillage of the filling.
Toppings are customizable; chives, pickled jalapeños, and additional scallions are all excellent additions.