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Twice Baked Potatoes

Twice Baked Potatoes

This "twice-baked" potato recipe has been a family favourite for as long as I can remember. Even when the kids were small they used to request this as part of their special birthday dinners - and they still do! The recipe itself is a delicious take on the traditional baked potato that elevates the old standard in every way imaginable. It combines the buttery mashed potato interior with a crispy potato skin exterior, and ramps things up with the addition of salty bacon, tangy cheese, and crisp green onions. It's both a flavour and texture explosion in every bite!
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour 10 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 30 minutes
Servings: 16
Course: Stunning Sides
Cuisine: Comfort Food
Calories: 394
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 8 potatoes
  • 1 lb bacon cooked + chopped
  • 1 cup cream cheese
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • 2 cups old cheddar cheese grated
  • 1/2 cup butter melted
  • 1 cup green onions chopped
  • 1 tsp fresh chives chopped
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika
  • 1 tsp Kosher salt
  • 1/4 tsp black pepper freshly ground

Equipment

  • grater
  • 2 large baking sheet
  • parchment paper
  • large spoon
  • potato masher
  • large mixing bowl
  • basting brush
  • measuring cups and spoons

Method
 

Mise en Place
  1. Assemble equipment. Peel and mince garlic, grate cheese, melt butter, chop onions and chives, measure and separate all ingredients.
Bring it Together
  1. Preheat oven to 400 degrees F.
  2. Coat potatoes in olive oil and place on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Place in the oven and cook for 45-50 minutes.
  3. At the same time, add bacon to a second parchment-lined baking sheet and cook for 18-20 minutes. Once fully cooked, remove excess grease and chop. Set aside.
  4. Remove baked potatoes from oven and cut in half length wise. Use a large spoon to scoop out the majority of the potato flesh, leaving the skin in tact.
  5. Set the oven to broil.
  6. Brush the potato skins with butter and broil in the oven for 5 minutes. Remove and set aside.
  7. Set the oven temperature to bake at 350 degrees F.
  8. Place the flesh into a large mixing bowl and mash until a smooth consistency is achieved. Add the cream cheese, garlic, spices, remaining butter, half the green onion, half the grated cheese, and 3/4 of the bacon and mix well to combine.
  9. Fill the potato skins with the potato, cheese, and bacon mixture. Return to the oven and back for 10 minutes.
  10. Remove from the oven and re-set the temperature to broil.
  11. Top the potatoes with the remaining cheese and return to the oven to broil for an additional 5-7 minutes until crisp and golden.
  12. Remove and garnish with the remaining bacon and green onions. Serve immediately.

Notes

  • The options for fillings for these potatoes are endless so go ahead and experiment. Also try changing up the cheese (e.g. smoked Gouda) to create different flavours, or add some jalapeno for some spicy heat.