Elevate Your Side Dish Game with Ultimate Twice-Baked Potatoes

Get ready to take your side dish game to the next level with our Ultimate Twice-Baked Potatoes recipe! These creamy, cheesy, and oh-so-indulgent potatoes are a true crowd-pleaser, perfect for any occasion from weeknight dinners to holiday feasts. With a crispy bacon and cheddar cheese topping, these twice-baked potatoes are sure to become a family favorite. Join us as we dive into the steps to create this ultimate comfort food dish that will leave everyone coming back for seconds!

Ingredients

4 large Russet potatoes
6 slices Bacon, cooked and crumbled
1 cup Sour cream
1/2 cup Butter, softened
1/2 cup Milk
2 cups Cheddar cheese, shredded
2 Green onions, thinly sliced
Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions

Preparing the Potatoes

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
Scrub the Russet potatoes thoroughly under running water to remove any dirt.
Pierce the potatoes several times with a fork to allow steam to escape during baking.
Place the potatoes directly on the oven rack and bake for 45-60 minutes, or until tender when pierced with a fork.

Scooping Out the Potato Flesh

Once the potatoes are cool enough to handle, slice them in half lengthwise.
Use a spoon to carefully scoop out the flesh from each potato half, leaving a thin shell intact.
Place the scooped-out potato flesh in a large mixing bowl, being careful not to tear the potato skins.

Mixing the Fillings

To the bowl of potato flesh, add the cooked and crumbled bacon, sour cream, softened butter, milk, shredded cheddar cheese, and sliced green onions.
Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Using a potato masher or fork, mash the ingredients together until well combined and creamy.

Refilling the Potato Skins

Spoon the mashed potato mixture back into the potato shells, dividing it evenly among them.
Sprinkle additional shredded cheddar cheese on top of each potato.

Baking the Twice-Baked Potatoes

Place the filled potato halves on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
Bake in the preheated oven for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Serving

Once the twice-baked potatoes are done, remove them from the oven and let them cool slightly.
Garnish with additional sliced green onions and crispy bacon bits, if desired.
Serve hot and enjoy the creamy, cheesy goodness!

Cook Notes and Variations

Vegetarian Option: Omit the bacon for a vegetarian version of this dish. You can add extra cheese or diced vegetables like bell peppers or spinach for added flavor.
Loaded Option: Amp up the flavor by adding additional toppings such as diced jalapeños, chopped cilantro, or even a dollop of guacamole on top of each potato.

Keto and Low-Carb Versions

Keto Ultimate Twice-Baked Potatoes

Replace the Russet potatoes with small cauliflower florets for a low-carb alternative.
Use full-fat sour cream and cheese to keep the keto ratio high.
Consider replacing the milk with heavy cream for extra richness without the added carbs.

Low-Carb Ultimate Twice-Baked Potatoes

Follow the keto version adjustments, focusing on minimizing the carb content while still enjoying the creamy and cheesy goodness of this dish.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Can I make twice-baked potatoes ahead of time?

A: Yes, you can prepare the twice-baked potatoes up to the point of refilling the potato skins and then store them in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. When ready to serve, simply bake them in the oven until heated through and the cheese is melted.

Q: Can I freeze twice-baked potatoes?

A: Yes, you can freeze twice-baked potatoes for up to 3 months. Wrap each individual potato tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil before freezing. To reheat, thaw the potatoes overnight in the refrigerator and then bake them in the oven until heated through.

Q: Can I customize the fillings?

A: Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with different fillings and toppings to suit your taste preferences. You can add ingredients like chopped cooked ham, caramelized onions, roasted garlic, or even blue cheese for a unique twist.

Indulge in the ultimate comfort food experience with our Ultimate Twice-Baked Potatoes recipe. Whether you’re serving them as a side dish for a family dinner or as a crowd-pleasing appetizer at your next gathering, these creamy, cheesy potatoes are guaranteed to be a hit. With their crispy bacon topping and gooey melted cheese, these twice-baked potatoes are sure to satisfy even the pickiest eaters. So gather your ingredients, roll up your sleeves, and get ready to enjoy the ultimate potato perfection!