Ultimate Double-Crispy Bacon-Stuffed Potatoes
These Ultimate Double-Crispy Bacon-Stuffed Potatoes are a delightfully decadent dish that has won the hearts of friends and family alike. Perfect for gatherings, potlucks, or a special dinner, this recipe allows you to indulge in creamy mashed potatoes blended with crispy bacon, rich cheese, and fragrant spices. You can prepare them a day in advance and simply reheat them when your guests arrive; however, be warned—they are so delicious that they rarely last through the night in my household! Serve them as a hearty main course alongside a fresh garden salad, or elevate your meal by pairing them with grilled steaks and seasonal corn for an unforgettable feast.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
15
Ingredients
Ingredients
baking potatoes
8 (whole, scrubbed clean)
olive oil
as needed (for brushing)
sea salt
to taste (for sprinkling)
bacon
6-8 slices (chopped)
red wine
1/4 cup (for deglazing)
minced garlic
1 teaspoon (can use jarred or fresh)
butter
1 cup (softened)
half-and-half or whole milk
1/2 cup (for creaminess)
shredded cheddar cheese
1 cup (preferably Cheddar Barrel New York Aged Reserve)
onion powder
1 tablespoon (for flavor)
fresh chives
2 tablespoons (or 2 teaspoons dried)
dried parsley
2 teaspoons (for garnish)
black pepper
1/2 teaspoon (to taste)
salt
1 teaspoon (for mixing)
paprika
for sprinkling (for garnish)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Rinse the baking potatoes thoroughly and poke holes in them with a fork 6-8 times to vent.
2
Lightly brush each potato with olive oil and sprinkle generously with sea salt. Place them directly on the oven rack and bake for 45-60 minutes, until the skins are crispy and the insides are tender when pierced with a fork.
3
While the potatoes are baking, cook the chopped bacon in a skillet over medium heat until it becomes crispy. Once done, you can either chop it into smaller bits or leave it in pieces based on preference. Return the bacon to the skillet and deglaze with red wine, adding minced garlic. Season with pepper to taste and reduce the heat to low, allowing the flavors to meld.
4
Once the potatoes are finished baking, remove them from the oven. Carefully cut an oval shape in the top of each potato, being sure to leave about 1/4 inch of potato around the edges to create a shell. Scoop out the insides into a large mixing bowl and set the empty shells aside.
5
In the mixing bowl, combine the scooped potato with softened butter. Using a hand mixer, blend on low speed until the butter fully melts and is incorporated.
6
Next, add the half-and-half (or whole milk), onion powder, chives, parsley, black pepper, and 1 teaspoon of salt. Pour in 3/4 cup of the shredded cheddar cheese along with the bacon mixture, then beat on high speed until the mixture is creamy and smooth. Taste and adjust seasoning as necessary.
7
Evenly spoon the creamy potato mixture back into each potato shell and top with the remaining cheddar cheese. Sprinkle paprika over the top for a burst of color and additional flavor.
8
Arrange the stuffed potatoes on a baking sheet and return them to the oven, cooking at 375°F (190°C) for about 30 minutes, or until heated through and the cheese on top is golden brown and bubbly.
9
Serve immediately and enjoy the flavorful explosion in every bite!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Ultimate Double-Crispy Bacon-Stuffed Potatoes?
They are a decadent dish featuring creamy mashed potatoes blended with crispy bacon, cheese, and spices, baked twice for a crispy exterior.
How many baking potatoes are required for this recipe?
The recipe requires 8 whole baking potatoes that have been scrubbed clean.
What is the initial oven temperature for baking the potatoes?
The oven should be preheated to 400°F (200°C) for the initial baking phase.
Why should I poke holes in the potatoes before baking?
You should poke holes in the potatoes 6-8 times with a fork to vent them while they bake.
How do I ensure the potato skins become crispy?
Lightly brush each potato with olive oil and sprinkle them generously with sea salt before placing them directly on the oven rack.
How long should the potatoes bake during the first round?
The potatoes should bake for 45-60 minutes until the skins are crispy and the insides are tender.
How many slices of bacon are used in the filling?
The recipe calls for 6-8 slices of chopped bacon.
What is used to deglaze the skillet after cooking the bacon?
You should use 1/4 cup of red wine to deglaze the skillet once the bacon is crispy.
How much garlic is needed for the bacon mixture?
The recipe uses 1 teaspoon of minced garlic, which can be fresh or jarred.
How do I prepare the potato shells?
Cut an oval shape in the top of the baked potato and scoop out the insides, leaving about 1/4 inch of potato around the edges.
How much butter is added to the potato mixture?
You should add 1 cup of softened butter to the scooped-out potato.
What speed should I use to blend the butter into the potatoes?
Use a hand mixer on low speed until the butter is fully melted and incorporated into the potato.
What are the liquid options for adding creaminess to the filling?
You can use 1/2 cup of either half-and-half or whole milk.
What specific brand or type of cheese is recommended?
Cheddar Barrel New York Aged Reserve shredded cheddar cheese is the preferred choice.
How much onion powder is included in the recipe?
The recipe calls for 1 tablespoon of onion powder.
What is the measurement for fresh chives?
You should use 2 tablespoons of fresh chives, or 2 teaspoons if using dried.
How much dried parsley is used?
The recipe requires 2 teaspoons of dried parsley.
How much black pepper is added to the filling?
Add 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper, or adjust to your personal taste.
What is the amount of salt needed for mixing into the filling?
Use 1 teaspoon of salt for the internal potato mixture.
How much cheese is mixed directly into the potato filling?
3/4 cup of the shredded cheddar cheese is mixed into the creamy potato filling.
What is the final step before the second bake?
Spoon the mixture back into the shells, top with the remaining cheese, and sprinkle with paprika.
What is the purpose of sprinkling paprika on top?
Paprika is used to provide a burst of color and additional flavor to the stuffed potatoes.
What temperature is used for the second baking phase?
The second bake is done at 375°F (190°C).
How long do the stuffed potatoes bake the second time?
They should bake for about 30 minutes until heated through and the cheese is golden brown.
Can I make these potatoes ahead of time?
Yes, they can be prepared a day in advance and reheated when your guests arrive.
What are some suggested main dishes to serve with these potatoes?
They are excellent when paired with grilled steaks or served alongside a fresh garden salad.
Are these potatoes suitable for a large gathering?
Yes, they are perfect for gatherings, potlucks, or special family dinners.
How should the filling texture be after mixing?
The mixture should be beaten on high speed until it is creamy and smooth.
Is the bacon mixture seasoned before being added to the potatoes?
Yes, the bacon is seasoned with garlic and pepper and reduced over low heat to meld the flavors.
Where should the stuffed potatoes be placed for the final bake?
Arrange the stuffed potatoes on a baking sheet before returning them to the oven.