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Crispy Loaded Twice-Baked Potatoes with Cheddar and Bacon

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This recipe delivers perfectly crispy twice-baked potatoes with a creamy, cheesy interior loaded with smoky bacon bits. It’s a comforting, crowd-pleasing side dish that’s easy to make and full of flavor.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 large russet potatoes
  • 1 ½ cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
  • 6 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
  • ½ cup sour cream
  • 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
  • 2 green onions, finely sliced
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder (optional)

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
  2. Wash and dry the potatoes thoroughly. Pierce each potato a few times with a fork to let steam escape.
  3. Bake the potatoes directly on the oven rack or on a baking sheet for about 50-60 minutes until skins are crisp and a skewer slides easily inside.
  4. Remove from oven and let cool slightly.
  5. Cut each potato in half lengthwise. Scoop out the insides, leaving a thin border of potato attached to the skin for structure.
  6. In a mixing bowl, mash the potato flesh with butter, sour cream, garlic powder, salt, and pepper until smooth but still a bit textured (about 2-3 minutes).
  7. Stir in the shredded cheddar, crumbled bacon, and sliced green onions. Reserve a little cheese and bacon for topping.
  8. Fill the potato skins generously with the mixture, mounding it slightly.
  9. Sprinkle the reserved cheese and bacon on top.
  10. Place filled potatoes on a baking sheet and return to oven for 15-20 minutes until the cheese is melted and golden, and the edges start to brown.
  11. For extra crunch, broil for 2-3 minutes at the end, but watch carefully to avoid burning.
  12. Remove from oven and let cool for a few minutes before serving.

Notes

Do not wrap potatoes in foil during the first bake to ensure crispy skins. Let potatoes cool before scooping to avoid a mushy filling. Broil carefully at the end for a golden top. Prepare bacon ahead and keep warm to maintain crispiness. For reheating leftovers, bake at 350°F for 15-20 minutes to regain crispiness instead of microwaving.

Nutrition

Keywords: twice-baked potatoes, loaded potatoes, crispy potatoes, cheddar cheese, bacon, comfort food, easy side dish

Find it online: https://junomeals.com/crispy-loaded-twice-baked-potatoes-with-cheddar-and-bacon-recipe-made-easy/