Description
A detailed recipe for making twice baked potatoes, resulting in a creamy, flavorful side dish or main course.
Ingredients
- 4 medium Russet potatoes
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1/2 cup milk (whole or 2%)
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (or cheese of choice)
- 2-4 slices bacon, cooked crisp and crumbled (optional)
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh chives or green onions (for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Wash the potatoes thoroughly and rub them with olive oil. Pierce each potato several times with a fork.
- Bake the potatoes directly on the oven rack for 45-60 minutes, or until they are soft when squeezed.
- Remove the potatoes from the oven and let them cool slightly until they are comfortable to handle.
- Carefully slice each potato in half lengthwise. Scoop out the potato flesh into a medium bowl, leaving a thin shell intact. Be careful not to tear the skin.
- To the scooped potato flesh, add the milk, butter, salt, and pepper. Mash the mixture until it is smooth and creamy.
- Stir in half of the shredded cheese and half of the crumbled bacon (if using).
- Spoon the potato mixture back into the potato skins, mounding it slightly.
- Top the filled potatoes with the remaining cheese and bacon.
- Return the potatoes to the oven and bake for another 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the filling is heated through.
- Garnish with fresh chives or green onions before serving.
Notes
- For extra flavor, you can sauté a small amount of garlic or onion and mix it into the potato filling.
- Sour cream or cream cheese can be substituted for some of the milk and butter for a richer filling.
- Make sure the potato skins are sturdy enough to hold the filling; leaving a good layer of flesh inside helps maintain their shape.
- These potatoes can be prepped ahead of time. Complete steps 1-9, then cover and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Add 5-10 minutes to the final cook time if baking from cold.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 60-80 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American