Gourmet Loaded Twice-Baked Potatoes with Bacon, Cheddar, and Chives
Indulge in these Gourmet Loaded Twice-Baked Potatoes that combine the rich flavors of crispy bacon, tangy sour cream, and sharp cheddar cheese, enhanced by the freshness of chives. Perfect as a side dish or a hearty main course, these potatoes are twice baked to create a deliciously creamy filling, with a golden cheese topping that will tantalize taste buds. Share these delights at your next gathering and impress your friends and family with this comforting twist on a classic potato dish.
8
Servings
N/A
Calories
10
Ingredients
Ingredients
Large baking potatoes
4 (Washed and wrapped in foil)
Bacon bits
1/2 cup (Real bacon, cooked and chopped)
Sour cream
1/2 cup (Regular or low-fat)
Miracle Whip or salad dressing
1/3 cup (Choose your preferred flavor)
Sweet onion
1/2 cup (Diced very fine)
Shredded cheddar cheese
1/2 cup (Reserve a handful for topping)
Roasted garlic
1/2 teaspoon (Or garlic salt to taste)
Chopped chives
1 tablespoon (Fresh or dried)
Salt
1/2 teaspoon (To taste)
Pepper
1/2 teaspoon (To taste)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Carefully wrap each baking potato in aluminum foil and place them directly onto the oven rack.
2
Bake the potatoes for 45-60 minutes or until they are fork-tender. Once cooked, remove them from the oven and let them cool slightly, still wrapped.
3
Once the potatoes are cool enough to handle, unwrap them and slice each potato in half lengthwise. Using a small spoon, gently scoop out the insides to create a 'boat', leaving about 1/4 inch of potato flesh on the skin to maintain structure.
4
Place the scooped-out potato in a mixing bowl. Add the bacon bits, sour cream, Miracle Whip (or salad dressing), finely diced sweet onion, shredded cheddar cheese (reserving a handful for topping), roasted garlic, chopped chives, salt, and pepper. Mix everything until smooth and well combined.
5
Using a spoon, carefully fill each potato boat with the creamy mixture, mounding it slightly if possible. Sprinkle the reserved shredded cheese on top of each filled potato.
6
Reduce the oven temperature to 375°F (190°C) and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until heated through and the cheese is melted.
7
Switch to broil for a couple of minutes, keeping a close eye on the potatoes to avoid burning, until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
8
Serve the loaded twice-baked potatoes warm, topped with extra sour cream and chopped chives if desired. Enjoy your delicious creation!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Gourmet Loaded Twice-Baked Potatoes?
They are a comforting twist on a classic potato dish that combines crispy bacon, tangy sour cream, and sharp cheddar cheese in a creamy filling.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
This recipe makes 8 servings, as each of the 4 large potatoes is sliced in half.
What is the initial oven temperature for baking the potatoes?
The oven should be preheated to 400°F (200°C) for the first stage of baking.
How long do the potatoes need to bake initially?
The potatoes should bake for 45-60 minutes or until they are fork-tender.
Should I wrap the potatoes in foil?
Yes, carefully wrap each baking potato in aluminum foil before placing them in the oven.
How do I prepare the potato boats?
Slice the cooked potatoes in half lengthwise and scoop out the insides, leaving about 1/4 inch of flesh on the skin.
What ingredients are needed for the filling?
The filling consists of the scooped-out potato, bacon bits, sour cream, Miracle Whip, sweet onion, cheddar cheese, roasted garlic, chives, salt, and pepper.
What type of cheese is recommended?
The recipe calls for 1/2 cup of shredded cheddar cheese.
Can I use low-fat sour cream?
Yes, you can use either regular or low-fat sour cream according to your preference.
What is the second baking temperature?
Reduce the oven temperature to 375°F (190°C) for the second bake.
How long is the second bake?
Bake the filled potatoes for an additional 10-15 minutes until heated through.
How do I get a golden cheese topping?
Switch the oven to broil for a couple of minutes at the end until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
How much bacon is required?
You will need 1/2 cup of real bacon bits, cooked and chopped.
What kind of onion should I use?
The recipe suggests 1/2 cup of sweet onion, diced very fine.
How much roasted garlic is used?
Use 1/2 teaspoon of roasted garlic or garlic salt to taste.
Can I use dried chives?
Yes, you can use either 1 tablespoon of fresh or dried chopped chives.
What is a good substitute for Miracle Whip?
You can use any preferred salad dressing of your choice.
How should the potatoes be served?
Serve them warm, topped with extra sour cream and chopped chives if desired.
Is this recipe suitable for vegetarians?
The recipe contains bacon bits; however, these can be omitted or replaced with a vegetarian alternative to make it meat-free.
How much salt and pepper should I add?
The recipe recommends 1/2 teaspoon each of salt and pepper, or to taste.
Why should I leave some potato flesh in the skin?
Leaving about 1/4 inch of potato flesh helps the skin maintain its structure as a boat.
Should the potatoes cool before scooping?
Yes, let them cool slightly so they are easy to handle, but they should still be somewhat warm for easier mashing.
What is the category of this dish?
This dish is categorized under Potato dishes.
Can this be a main course?
Yes, it is hearty enough to be served as a main course or as a rich side dish.
How do I avoid burning the cheese under the broiler?
Keep a close eye on the potatoes as broiling only takes a couple of minutes.
What size potatoes work best?
Large baking potatoes are best for this recipe to ensure there is enough room for the filling.
Do I need to mix the filling until smooth?
Yes, mix the potato and other filling ingredients until they are smooth and well combined.
How much Miracle Whip is used?
The recipe uses 1/3 cup of Miracle Whip or salad dressing.
Should I reserve any cheese?
Yes, reserve a handful of the shredded cheddar cheese to sprinkle on top before the final bake.
Are these potatoes twice-baked?
Yes, they are baked once to cook the potato and a second time after they are stuffed to melt the cheese and heat the filling.