PERFECT CHEDDAR AND BACON TWICE-BAKED POTATOES
These Cheddar and Bacon Twice-Baked Potatoes are an easy make-ahead side dish that delivers pure comfort. Although the process takes a fair amount of time, it’s mostly hands-off time that will allow you to do other things while the potatoes are baking.
With the recent popularity of low-carbohydrate diets, the nutritional reputation of potatoes has taken a beating. While it’s true they are mainly a starch, they also contain high levels of vitamins C and B6, minerals such as potassium and folic acid, and because of the skin, plenty of fiber. See? A health food in disguise!
Okay, so that might be stretching it, but it’s nice to indulge once in a while. Because the potato is halved instead of stuffed whole, the portion size for this indulgence is within reason.
Russets are the best choice for baking and twice-baking because of their high starch content. When preparing a batch, select potatoes that are similar in size and shape for nice presentation and so they all get cooked around the same time.
INGREDIENTS
2 jumbo Russet potatoes
4 tablespoons butter, melted
¼ cup half-and-half
¼ cup buttermilk
1 cup shredded sharp Cheddar cheese, plus more for topping if desired
salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
4 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
2 tablespoons chopped fresh chives
INSTRUCTIONS
Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Scrub potatoes and blot dry. Pierce in 8-10 places with a fork and place directly on oven racks or on a baking sheet, Bake for 1-1½ hours or until easily pierced with a knife.
Cut the potatoes in half lengthwise and scoop the pulp into a potato ricer, leaving a ⅛-inch thick shell. Press pulp into bowl. Immediately fold in the melted butter then add half-and-half and buttermilk, cheese, salt and black pepper to taste. Be careful to not over-mix.
Scoop the filling back into the potatoes, top with more cheese if desired and return to the oven for 30 minutes or until heated through and potatoes begin to lightly brown. Top with bacon and chopped fresh chives and serve.
Source -Here-
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