Loaded Twice-Baked Mashed Potatoes
Indulge in the comforting flavors of Loaded Twice-Baked Mashed Potatoes, a delightful twist on traditional twice-baked potatoes. This recipe utilizes creamy mashed potatoes, either freshly prepared or leftover, incorporating the savory tastes of sautéed green onions and red peppers. The addition of cheddar cheese creates a gooey, cheesy layer that complements the crispy crumbles of bacon perfectly. With every bite, experience a luscious blend of flavors and textures, making this dish a crowd-pleaser at any gathering or a satisfying side for your family meals. Feel free to customize with extra toppings for an even more decadent experience!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
8
Ingredients
Ingredients
Green Onion
1/2 cup (chopped fine)
Red Pepper
1/2 cup (chopped fine (optional))
Canola Oil
1 tablespoon
Mashed Potatoes
4 cups (prepared with milk & butter, leftovers are fine)
Cheddar Cheese
1 cup (shredded (divided into 1/2 cup and 1/2 cup))
Bacon
1/4 cup (cooked crispy and crumbled (turkey bacon works fine))
Salt
1 teaspoon
Pepper
1/2 teaspoon
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2
In a small skillet, heat the canola oil over medium heat. Add the chopped green onions and optional red pepper. Sauté for about 3-4 minutes or until tenderness is achieved, stirring occasionally.
3
In a large mixing bowl, combine the sautéed onions and peppers with the prepared mashed potatoes, 1/2 cup of shredded cheddar cheese, the crispy crumbled bacon, salt, and pepper. Mix until well-incorporated.
4
Transfer the mixture into a lightly greased 2-quart baking dish, spreading it evenly.
5
Sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup of cheddar cheese on top. For an extra boost of flavor, add additional chopped green onions and crumbled bacon if desired.
6
Bake uncovered in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Loaded Twice-Baked Mashed Potatoes?
Loaded Twice-Baked Mashed Potatoes are a comforting twist on traditional twice-baked potatoes, using creamy mashed potatoes mixed with cheddar cheese, bacon, and sautéed vegetables, then baked until bubbly.
Can I use leftover mashed potatoes for this recipe?
Yes, this recipe is perfect for utilizing leftover mashed potatoes that have already been prepared with milk and butter.
What oven temperature is required?
The oven should be preheated to 350°F (175°C) before baking the dish.
How long does it take to bake?
The dish should be baked uncovered for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
What type of cheese works best?
This recipe calls for shredded cheddar cheese, which provides a sharp, savory flavor and excellent melting properties.
Is the red pepper mandatory?
No, the 1/2 cup of chopped red pepper is an optional ingredient to add extra flavor and color.
Can I use turkey bacon?
Yes, turkey bacon works perfectly fine as a substitute for traditional bacon in this recipe.
What size baking dish should I use?
A lightly greased 2-quart baking dish is the ideal size for this recipe.
How should I prepare the green onions?
The green onions should be chopped fine and sautéed in canola oil for 3-4 minutes until tender before being added to the potatoes.
Should the bacon be cooked before adding it to the mix?
Yes, the bacon should be cooked until crispy and crumbled before mixing it with the mashed potatoes.
Can I add extra toppings?
Absolutely! You can customize the dish with extra chopped green onions or additional crumbled bacon on top before baking.
How much mashed potato do I need?
The recipe requires 4 cups of prepared mashed potatoes.
Do I need to cover the dish while it bakes?
No, the dish should be baked uncovered to allow the cheese to become golden and bubbly.
What kind of oil is used for sautéing the vegetables?
One tablespoon of canola oil is used to sauté the green onions and red peppers.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
Yes, simply omit the bacon or use a vegetarian bacon substitute to make this dish vegetarian-friendly.
How is the cheese divided in this recipe?
One cup of cheddar cheese is used total: 1/2 cup is mixed into the potatoes, and the remaining 1/2 cup is sprinkled on top.
Is this dish considered a side or a main?
While it is a hearty and loaded dish, it is most commonly served as a satisfying side dish.
What seasonings are added to the potato mixture?
The recipe includes 1 teaspoon of salt and 1/2 teaspoon of pepper for seasoning.
Can I use olive oil instead of canola oil?
Yes, olive oil can be used as a substitute for canola oil when sautéing the vegetables.
What texture should the sautéed vegetables have?
The green onions and optional red peppers should be sautéed until they reach a desired tenderness.
How do I ensure the potatoes are well-incorporated?
Combine the sautéed vegetables, potatoes, 1/2 cup of cheese, and bacon in a large mixing bowl and stir until all ingredients are evenly distributed.
Is this a quick recipe to prepare?
Yes, especially if you use leftover mashed potatoes, as the prep involves a quick sauté and then 20-25 minutes of baking.
Can I use different types of cheese?
While cheddar is recommended, you can experiment with Monterey Jack, Colby, or a Mexican blend for different flavors.
What if I don't have a 2-quart baking dish?
You can use any oven-safe dish of a similar volume, such as an 8x8 inch square baking pan.
Does the recipe include milk and butter?
The 4 cups of mashed potatoes should already be prepared with milk and butter before starting this recipe.
Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble the mixture in the baking dish and refrigerate it, then bake it when you are ready to serve (you may need to add a few minutes to the bake time).
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 8 total ingredients: green onion, red pepper, canola oil, mashed potatoes, cheddar cheese, bacon, salt, and pepper.
What makes this dish 'twice-baked'?
It is 'twice-baked' because the potatoes are cooked once to be mashed, and then baked again in the oven with the loaded ingredients.
Is this a good dish for gatherings?
Yes, its indulgent flavors and easy preparation make it a crowd-pleaser for any gathering or family meal.
What is the primary flavor profile?
The dish is savory and cheesy, with a smoky note from the bacon and freshness from the sautéed onions.