Twice Baked Potatoes Recipe
Overview:
Twice Baked Potatoes are a classic comfort food, offering a creamy and indulgent experience with every bite. This recipe is not only easy to make but also highly customizable, allowing you to tailor it to your taste preferences. Whether you’re looking for a satisfying weeknight dinner or a delicious side dish for a special occasion, these potatoes are sure to please. Plus, they can be prepared in advance and frozen for future enjoyment, making them a convenient option for busy days.
- Preparation Time: 30 minutes
- Cooking Time: 1 hour and 30 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours
- Servings: 4
- Calories per Serving: 349.5
- Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (based on 56 reviews)
Ingredients:
- 4 baking potatoes
- 3 green onions
- 1/4 cup milk
- Salt and pepper (to taste)
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup grated romano cheese
- 4 tablespoons grated parmesan cheese
- 1 strip of bacon (optional)
- Paprika (for garnish)
- Sour cream (for serving)
Instructions:
1. Preheat Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Prepare Potatoes:
- Clean and scrub the baking potatoes under cold water to remove any dirt.
- Use a fork to pierce the potatoes once or twice to allow steam to escape during baking.
3. Bake Potatoes:
- Place the pierced potatoes directly on the oven rack or on a baking sheet.
- Bake at 350°F (175°C) for approximately 1 hour, or until the potatoes are tender when pierced with a fork.
4. Cool Potatoes:
- Once the potatoes are baked, remove them from the oven and allow them to cool slightly.
5. Prepare Filling:
- Cut each baked potato in half lengthwise, and carefully scoop out the flesh, leaving about 1/4 inch of potato attached to the skin.
- In a mixing bowl, mash the potato flesh with milk, finely chopped green onions, salt, pepper, and butter until smooth and creamy.
6. Fill Potato Shells:
- Stuff each potato shell with the mashed potato mixture, ensuring they are evenly filled.
7. Add Toppings:
- Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese, grated romano cheese, and grated parmesan cheese over the filled potato shells.
- If desired, add crumbled bacon on top for extra flavor.
8. Bake Again:
- Place the stuffed potato halves on a baking sheet and return them to the 350°F (175°C) oven.
- Bake for an additional 15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
9. Serve:
- Once the cheese is melted and the potatoes are heated through, remove them from the oven.
- Garnish with a sprinkle of paprika for color and extra flavor.
- Serve hot with a dollop of sour cream on the side.
Tips:
- Feel free to customize the filling with your favorite ingredients such as cooked broccoli, diced ham, or roasted garlic.
- For a vegetarian option, omit the bacon and add additional vegetables like bell peppers or mushrooms.
- These potatoes can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days before baking.
- To freeze, wrap the stuffed potatoes individually in aluminum foil and place them in a freezer-safe container. When ready to eat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight, then bake as directed, adding an additional 5-10 minutes to the baking time if necessary.
- Experiment with different types of cheese for varied flavor profiles. Gruyère, mozzarella, or gouda would all be delicious alternatives.
- For a crispy topping, broil the potatoes for a few minutes after baking until the cheese is golden brown and bubbly.
- Serve these Twice Baked Potatoes as a main dish with a side salad for a complete meal, or as a side dish alongside grilled steak or roasted chicken.
Enjoy the creamy, cheesy goodness of these Twice Baked Potatoes for a satisfying and comforting meal that’s easy to make and sure to please everyone at the table!
