🥔 Twice-Baked Loaded Potatoes
Ingredients
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4 Large Russet Potatoes
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1/2 cup Sour Cream
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1/4 cup Milk
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4 tbsp Butter (softened)
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1 1/2 cups Shredded Sharp Cheddar Cheese (divided)
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6 strips Bacon (cooked until crispy and crumbled)
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2 tbsp Fresh Chives (finely chopped)
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Salt & Black Pepper (to taste)
Step-by-Step Instructions
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Bake the Potatoes ➔ Preheat your oven to 200°C (400°F). Scrub the potatoes and pierce them a few times with a fork. ➔ Bake directly on the oven rack for 45–60 minutes until the skin is crisp and the insides are soft.
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Prep the Filling ➔ Once cool enough to handle, slice each potato in half lengthwise. ➔ Scoop out the warm centers into a medium bowl, leaving a thin shell of potato against the skin to maintain its shape.
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Mash and Mix ➔ Add butter, sour cream, and milk to the potato centers. ➔ Mash until smooth and creamy. ➔ Fold in 1 cup of the shredded cheddar, half of the crumbled bacon, and half of the chopped chives. Season with salt and pepper.
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Refill ➔ Spoon the creamy potato mixture back into the crispy skins, piling it high.
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Second Bake ➔ Place the filled potatoes on a baking sheet. Top with the remaining 1/2 cup of cheese and the rest of the bacon. ➔ Bake for another 10–15 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbling.
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Final Flourish ➔ Garnish with the remaining fresh chives before serving hot. ➔ 🍽️✨
Q&A (Common Questions)
Q: Can I make these ahead of time? A: Absolutely! ➔ You can follow the steps through refilling (Step 4), then cover and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When ready to eat, simply add the toppings and bake until heated through.
Q: How do I get the skin extra crispy? A: Before the first bake, rub the potato skins with a little olive oil and a sprinkle of salt. ➔ This helps the skin crisp up beautifully in the oven.
Q: Can I use a slow cooker for the initial bake? A: Yes! ➔ Much like layering potatoes with garlic herb sauce, you can cook whole potatoes in a slow cooker on High for 4 hours until soft. However, you’ll still want to finish them in the oven for that signature crispy skin.
Q: Are there any vegetarian alternatives for the bacon? A: Definitely! ➔ You can swap the bacon for smoked paprika roasted chickpeas or simply add more sun-dried tomatoes for a similar savory “umami” hit.
Pro Tip
For a “loaded” experience that mimics your favorite restaurant, add a dollop of cold sour cream right on top of the hot, melted cheese just before serving! 🥣🔥