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Comforting Twice Baked Potatoes with Bacon Cheddar Filling

twice baked potatoes - featured image

These twice baked potatoes feature a creamy, cheesy, and smoky bacon filling with crispy skins, making a perfect easy and comforting side dish for any occasion.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 medium russet potatoes
  • 68 slices bacon, cooked crispy and chopped
  • 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
  • 1/2 cup sour cream
  • 1/4 cup milk (whole or 2%)
  • 23 green onions, thinly sliced
  • Salt, to taste
  • Black pepper, to taste
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder (optional)

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Wash and scrub the russet potatoes well.
  2. Bake the potatoes directly on the oven rack or on a foil-lined baking sheet for 50-60 minutes until skins are crisp and potatoes are soft inside.
  3. Cook the bacon in a skillet over medium heat until crispy, about 6-8 minutes. Drain on paper towels and chop into small pieces.
  4. Let the potatoes cool for about 10 minutes until they can be handled safely. Slice each potato in half lengthwise.
  5. Scoop out the flesh into a mixing bowl, leaving a thin layer inside the skins to keep them sturdy.
  6. Mash the potato flesh with softened butter, sour cream, milk, garlic powder (if using), salt, and pepper. Stir in half the cheddar cheese, chopped bacon, and green onions until creamy and combined.
  7. Fill each potato skin generously with the mashed potato mixture.
  8. Top each filled potato with the remaining cheddar cheese.
  9. Return the filled potatoes to the oven on a baking sheet and bake at 375°F (190°C) for 15-20 minutes until cheese is melted and golden.
  10. Serve warm, garnished with extra green onions or a dollop of sour cream if desired.

Notes

For crispier skins, brush potato skins with olive oil before baking or place potatoes on a wire rack over the baking sheet during the final bake. Broil for 2-3 minutes at the end for extra golden tops but watch closely to avoid burning. Variations include skipping bacon for vegetarian, adding jalapeños for spice, or using dairy-free substitutes.

Nutrition

Keywords: twice baked potatoes, bacon cheddar potatoes, comfort food, easy side dish, cheesy potatoes, baked potatoes, bacon recipes