Ultimate Loaded Twice Baked Potatoes
These Ultimate Loaded Twice Baked Potatoes are a game-changer for any potato lover. After years of skepticism from my husband, this recipe transformed his opinion, delivering a creamy and savory filling topped with crispy bacon and melty cheese. The combination of sour cream and just the right amount of milk ensures a perfect consistency that’s rich yet fluffy. This dish is perfect for a cozy dinner or as a show-stopping side for your next gathering. Enjoy the blend of flavors as each bite offers comforting warmth and indulgent satisfaction. Adjust the milk for your desired creaminess and make sure to savor these delightful potatoes!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
11
Ingredients
Ingredients
large baking potatoes
4 (whole)
bacon
8 slices (cooked and crumbled)
sour cream
3/4 cup (none)
milk
1/4-1/3 cup (adjust based on consistency preference)
butter
4 tablespoons (softened)
salt
1/2 teaspoon (none)
pepper
1/2 teaspoon (none)
shredded cheddar cheese
1 cup (divided)
green onions
8 (sliced, divided)
kosher salt
to taste (none)
fresh ground pepper
to taste (none)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2
Scrub the baking potatoes under running water and pat them dry. Rub each potato with peanut oil, then generously sprinkle with kosher salt and fresh ground pepper.
3
Place the potatoes directly on the oven rack and bake for 1 hour, or until they are tender when pierced with a fork. (Baking time may vary depending on the size of the potatoes.)
4
While the potatoes are baking, cook the bacon in a large skillet over medium-high heat until evenly browned and crispy. Remove from heat, drain on paper towels, crumble, and set aside. If you're using packaged bacon bits, you can skip this step.
5
Once the potatoes are done, allow them to cool for 10-20 minutes until they are safe to handle. Cut each potato in half lengthwise and carefully scoop out the flesh into a large mixing bowl, leaving the skins intact.
6
To the potato flesh, add sour cream, 1/4 to 1/3 cup of milk (adjust to your preferred consistency), butter, salt, pepper, 1/2 cup of shredded cheddar cheese, and half of the sliced green onions.
7
Using a hand mixer, blend the mixture until creamy and smooth. Feel free to add more milk if needed to get that perfect consistency.
8
Spoon the creamy potato mixture back into the reserved potato skins, filling them generously.
9
Top each stuffed potato with the remaining shredded cheddar cheese, green onions, and crumbled bacon.
10
Return the stuffed potatoes to the oven and bake for an additional 15 minutes, uncovered, until the tops are golden and the cheese is melted.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Ultimate Loaded Twice Baked Potatoes?
They are a savory side dish where potatoes are baked, hollowed out, mixed with ingredients like sour cream, bacon, and cheese, then baked again until golden.
How many large baking potatoes does this recipe require?
The recipe calls for 4 large baking potatoes.
What is the required oven temperature for baking?
The oven should be preheated to 350°F (175°C).
How should I prepare the potato skins before the first bake?
Scrub them under running water, pat them dry, rub with peanut oil, and generously sprinkle with kosher salt and fresh ground pepper.
What type of oil is used for the potato skins?
Peanut oil is recommended for rubbing the potatoes.
How long is the initial baking time for the potatoes?
The potatoes should bake directly on the oven rack for approximately 1 hour.
How do I know when the potatoes are finished baking?
The potatoes are done when they are tender when pierced with a fork.
How do I prepare the bacon?
Cook the bacon in a large skillet over medium-high heat until crispy, then drain on paper towels and crumble.
Can I use pre-packaged bacon bits instead of fresh bacon?
Yes, if you use packaged bacon bits, you can skip the skillet cooking step.
How long should the potatoes cool before handling?
Allow them to cool for 10 to 20 minutes until they are safe to handle.
How should the potatoes be cut?
Cut each potato in half lengthwise.
How do I remove the potato flesh?
Carefully scoop out the flesh into a large mixing bowl while keeping the skins intact.
What ingredients go into the potato filling?
The filling includes potato flesh, sour cream, milk, butter, salt, pepper, cheddar cheese, and green onions.
How much sour cream is used?
The recipe uses 3/4 cup of sour cream.
How much milk should I add to the mixture?
You should add between 1/4 to 1/3 cup of milk, depending on your preferred consistency.
Why is the milk amount listed as a range?
It allows you to adjust the creaminess to your personal preference.
What state should the butter be in?
The 4 tablespoons of butter should be softened before mixing.
How much salt and pepper goes into the filling?
The filling uses 1/2 teaspoon of salt and 1/2 teaspoon of pepper.
What type of cheese is used?
The recipe calls for shredded cheddar cheese.
How much cheese is used in total?
One cup of shredded cheddar cheese is used, divided between the filling and the topping.
How many green onions are needed?
You will need 8 green onions, sliced and divided.
What tool is recommended for mixing the filling?
A hand mixer is recommended to blend the mixture until it is creamy and smooth.
How do I restuff the potatoes?
Spoon the creamy potato mixture back into the reserved potato skins generously.
What toppings are added for the second bake?
Top the stuffed potatoes with the remaining cheddar cheese, green onions, and crumbled bacon.
How long is the second bake?
Bake the stuffed potatoes for an additional 15 minutes.
Should the potatoes be covered during the second bake?
No, they should be baked uncovered.
What is the goal of the second bake?
The second bake ensures the tops are golden and the cheese is fully melted.
What is the overall texture of the filling?
The filling is described as rich, creamy, savory, and fluffy.
Is this recipe suitable for a side dish?
Yes, it is described as a show-stopping side for any gathering or a cozy dinner.
Can I add more milk if the mixture isn't smooth enough?
Yes, you can feel free to add more milk if needed to reach your perfect consistency.