Description
Creamy, cheesy twice baked potatoes deliver comfort straight from classic American kitchens. Rich potato skins stuffed with smooth filling offer passionate cooks a perfect side dish you’ll crave at every meal.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 4 large russet potatoes
- 1 cup (240 milliliters / 8 ounces) shredded cheddar cheese
- 4 slices cooked bacon, crumbled
Dairy and Seasoning:
- 1/2 cup (120 milliliters / 4 ounces) sour cream
- 1/4 cup (60 milliliters / 2 ounces) milk
- 2 tablespoons butter
Herbs and Seasonings:
- 2 tablespoons chopped chives
- Salt to taste
- Pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare potatoes by thoroughly washing and patting dry. Use a fork to create multiple punctures across the surface for even heating.
- Roast potatoes in a preheated 400°F oven for 50-60 minutes until fork-tender and skin becomes crispy.
- Allow potatoes to cool slightly, then carefully slice each potato lengthwise using a sharp knife.
- Gently scoop out potato flesh, maintaining a thin protective shell to prevent tearing.
- Transfer potato flesh to a mixing bowl and mash until smooth and creamy, eliminating large chunks.
- Incorporate sour cream, milk, and butter into the mashed potato, blending until well combined and silky.
- Season the mixture with salt and pepper, ensuring balanced flavor throughout.
- Fold half the shredded cheese and crumbled bacon into the potato mixture, distributing evenly.
- Spoon the enhanced potato filling back into the original potato shells, creating generous mounds.
- Sprinkle remaining cheese and bacon over the stuffed potatoes for additional texture and flavor.
- Reduce oven temperature to 375°F and bake for 15-20 minutes until potato tops turn golden and cheese melts completely.
- Remove from oven and garnish with freshly chopped chives for a vibrant finishing touch.
Notes
- Opt for starchy potatoes like Russet for the fluffiest, most creamy interior that absorbs seasonings perfectly.
- Ensure potato shells remain thick enough to hold the filling without breaking, about 1/4 inch border.
- Balance cheese and bacon ratios based on dietary preferences, easily swap with vegetarian alternatives like roasted mushrooms or plant-based bacon bits.
- Try additional mix-ins like caramelized onions, roasted garlic, or fresh herbs to elevate flavor complexity without overwhelming the classic profile.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer, Snacks
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 410 kcal
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 420 mg
- Fat: 22 g
- Saturated Fat: 12 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 38 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Protein: 13 g
- Cholesterol: 50 mg