Ultimate Twice Baked Potatoes

I found this recipe on allrecipes.com a LONG time ago and it recently came to mind when searching for a heavy, starchy side dish. These potatoes turn out moist and tasty every time!

The original recipe can be found here: Ultimate Twice Baked Potatoes

I cut the recipe in half to make 4 servings instead of 8. This requires the following:


2 large baking potatoes, washed
4 slices bacon
1/2 cup sour cream
1/4 cup milk
2 tablespoons butter
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon pepper
1 cup shredded Cheddar cheese, divided
8 green onions, sliced, divided (I used fresh chives)

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F(175 degrees C).

Bake potatoes in preheated oven for 1 hour.

I used a fork to poke a few holes in the potatoes. Contrary to popular belief this does not help the potato to cook faster, but it does prevent it from exploding under pressure!

While the potatoes are baking, put a large, deep skillet on medium-high heat. Cook bacon until evenly brown. Drain and crumble the bacon and set aside.

When potatoes are done, remove from oven and let cool for about ten minutes. Slice potatoes in half lengthwise and scoop the flesh into a large bowl; save skins.

In the bowl with the potato 'meat' add sour cream, milk, butter, salt, pepper, 1/2 cup cheese and 1/2 the green onions.  

Mix with a hand mixer (I mixed by hand, stirring vigorously with a fork) until well blended and creamy. Spoon the mixture into the potato skins. 

Top each with remaining cheese, green onions and bacon.

Bake for another 15 minutes.

When these things come out of the oven all hot and gooey and bacon-y, everyone will be ready to sit down for dinner! 

Serve HOT. Enjoy your potatoes with a hearty steak dinner or by themselves for a quick, filling lunch!

Thanks for the great recipe, PONYGIRL64!