Print

Cozy Loaded Twice-Baked Potatoes Recipe with Bacon and Cheese Made Easy

loaded twice-baked potatoes - featured image
Print Recipe

This cozy loaded twice-baked potatoes recipe combines crispy skins, creamy potato filling, smoky bacon, and melty cheddar cheese for a comforting and easy-to-make dish perfect for cozy nights or casual dinners.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 large russet potatoes
  • 6 slices thick-cut bacon
  • 1½ cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
  • ½ cup sour cream
  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
  • 3 stalks green onions, thinly sliced
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • Optional: ½ teaspoon smoked paprika

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (205°C). Scrub the russet potatoes clean and poke them several times with a fork to let steam escape.
  2. Place the potatoes directly on a baking sheet and roast for about 50-60 minutes, or until the skins are crisp and a fork slides in easily.
  3. While the potatoes roast, cook the bacon in a skillet over medium heat until crisp, about 6-8 minutes. Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate to drain and cool. Once cool, crumble into bite-sized pieces and set aside.
  4. Remove the potatoes from the oven and let them cool for 10 minutes until safe to handle but still warm. Cut each potato in half lengthwise.
  5. Scoop out the potato flesh carefully with a spoon or small ice cream scoop into a mixing bowl, leaving a thin border of potato inside the skins to keep them sturdy.
  6. Add butter, sour cream, garlic powder, salt, and pepper to the bowl with the potato flesh. Mash everything together until creamy but still slightly textured.
  7. Fold in most of the shredded cheddar, crumbled bacon, and sliced green onions, reserving some for topping. Stir gently to combine.
  8. Spoon the filling back into the potato skins, mounding it slightly and pressing down gently to fit as much as possible.
  9. Sprinkle remaining cheese on top and add a few bacon bits and green onions for a pretty finish.
  10. Return the stuffed potatoes to the oven and bake at 375°F (190°C) for 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly with golden spots.
  11. Let cool for a few minutes before serving.

Notes

Rotate the baking sheet halfway through roasting for even cooking. For extra crispiness, broil the potatoes for 1-2 minutes at the end but watch closely to avoid burning. Avoid over-mashing the potato filling to prevent a gluey texture. Use room temperature butter and sour cream for smoother filling. You can parboil potatoes for 10 minutes before roasting to reduce bake time but may lose some crispiness.

Nutrition

Keywords: twice-baked potatoes, loaded potatoes, bacon and cheese, comfort food, easy dinner, cozy recipe, baked potatoes

Find it online: https://prismtaste.com/cozy-loaded-twice-baked-potatoes-recipe-with-bacon-and-cheese-made-easy/