Loaded Baked Potato Boats

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Introduction

Twice-baked potatoes are one of those dishes that just feel like home. You know the ones — creamy, cheesy, loaded with bacon, and with that crisp, golden skin. Every bite is a perfect balance of fluffy potato, rich cheese, savory bacon, and all the little extras that make this dish so irresistible. Whether you’re serving them as a side for a steak dinner or making them the main course for a cozy evening in, these twice-baked potatoes are bound to become a new favorite in your household.

I remember the first time I tried making twice-baked potatoes. It was a chilly winter evening, and I was craving comfort food that felt indulgent but wasn’t too complicated. I decided to try my hand at these loaded potatoes, and let me tell you—they were a hit! I loved how simple the process was, but the results were so satisfying. These potatoes have since become a staple in our family, especially during the holidays or for a fun weekend dinner. They’re versatile, so you can customize them to your heart’s content, and they always come out perfectly crisp on the outside and creamy on the inside.

The best part about twice-baked potatoes is how you can make them ahead of time. You can prep them earlier in the day, pop them in the fridge, and bake them when you’re ready to eat. Trust me, they’ll save you time when you’re hosting a dinner party or need a no-fuss side dish. Ready to dive into making these amazing potatoes? Let’s get started!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Here’s why twice-baked potatoes are the ultimate comfort food:

Simple to make: Despite their decadent look and taste, these potatoes are easy to prepare. They require just a few steps and basic ingredients that you probably already have in your kitchen.
Loaded with flavor: From the crispy bacon and melted cheese to the rich sour cream and chives, every bite is bursting with flavor. These potatoes are everything you could want in a side dish—and then some.
Versatile: You can customize these potatoes to suit any craving. Want them extra cheesy? Add more cheese. Want to make them healthier? Swap sour cream for Greek yogurt. The possibilities are endless!
Make ahead and freeze: Prep them in advance and store them in the fridge or freezer, making this an excellent option for meal prep or when you’re entertaining. They’ll keep their flavor and texture, and you can bake them when you’re ready to serve.
Crowd-pleaser: Whether you’re cooking for a small family dinner or a big holiday gathering, these twice-baked potatoes will always impress. It’s the kind of dish that gets everyone talking, and no one ever leaves the table hungry.

Trust me, once you try these, you’ll want to make them for every meal. Let’s break down how to make these irresistible potatoes!

Preparation Time and Servings

Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 1 hour (including twice baking)
Servings: Serves 4-6 people (2 potatoes per person, depending on size)
Nutrition Facts (per serving):
Calories: 350
Protein: 9g
Carbs: 40g
Fat: 18g
Fiber: 4g

Ingredients

Here’s everything you’ll need to make these loaded twice-baked potatoes:

4 large russet potatoes: Russets are the best choice for twice-baked potatoes due to their thick skin and fluffy interior. They hold up well during baking and give you the perfect texture.
2 tbsp olive oil: For coating the potatoes before baking, which helps them get crispy and golden.
1/2 cup sour cream: This adds creaminess and a slight tang that makes these potatoes even more delicious.
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese: The classic cheese for twice-baked potatoes. It melts beautifully and gives the potatoes that cheesy goodness we all love.
1/2 cup cooked bacon, chopped: Bacon adds a savory, smoky flavor that takes these potatoes over the top. You can use turkey bacon if you prefer a lighter version.
2 tbsp fresh chives, chopped: Fresh chives add a pop of color and a mild onion flavor that complements the richness of the potatoes.
Salt and pepper to taste: Season generously to enhance all the flavors in the potatoes.
1/4 cup butter: Butter adds richness and helps make the filling smooth and creamy.
1/4 cup milk: For extra creaminess and to help achieve the perfect consistency when mixing the potato filling.

Step-by-Step

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Start by giving your potatoes a good scrub under cold water to remove any dirt. Pat them dry with a paper towel.
Prepare the potatoes: Use a fork to poke a few holes in each potato. This will allow steam to escape as they bake and prevent them from bursting in the oven. Then, rub each potato with a little olive oil and sprinkle with salt. This helps the skin get crispy and golden.
Bake the potatoes: Place the potatoes directly on the oven rack (or a baking sheet if you prefer) and bake for 45-50 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender when pierced with a fork. You want the skins to be crispy and the insides soft.
Cook the bacon: While the potatoes bake, cook your bacon. You can either fry it in a skillet until crispy or bake it in the oven. Once cooked, chop the bacon into small pieces and set aside.
Prepare the filling: Once the potatoes are done, remove them from the oven and let them cool for about 10 minutes. Slice each potato in half lengthwise. Carefully scoop out the insides, leaving a small border of potato along the skin so they don’t collapse. Place the scooped-out potato flesh in a large mixing bowl.
Mash the potatoes: Mash the potato flesh with a potato masher or fork. Add the sour cream, butter, and milk, and continue mashing until the mixture is smooth and creamy. If you want it extra creamy, you can also use a hand mixer for a fluffier texture.
Mix in the goodies: Stir in half of the shredded cheese, the chopped bacon, and the fresh chives. Season with salt and pepper to taste. This is where you can get creative and adjust the flavors based on your preferences—add more cheese if you’re a cheese lover, or throw in some garlic powder for extra flavor.
Refill the potato skins: Spoon the creamy potato mixture back into the potato skins, packing them gently but firmly. Top each potato with the remaining shredded cheddar cheese.
Second bake: Place the filled potatoes back on the baking sheet and return them to the oven. Bake for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the tops of the potatoes are golden brown.
Serve and enjoy: Remove the potatoes from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with extra chives or a dollop of sour cream if desired. Serve them as a side dish or enjoy them as a main course!

How to Serve

Twice-baked potatoes are incredibly versatile and can be served in many ways:

As a side dish: These potatoes pair wonderfully with steak, roasted chicken, or grilled pork chops. Their creamy texture and savory flavors complement a wide variety of meats.
As a main course: For a lighter meal, serve these twice-baked potatoes on their own with a side salad or steamed vegetables. You can even add a protein like grilled chicken or shrimp on top of the potatoes for a more filling dish.
At a party: These are perfect for entertaining. Serve them as an appetizer or side at your next barbecue or holiday gathering.

Additional Tips

Choose the right potatoes: Russet potatoes are the best choice for twice-baked potatoes because they have a fluffy interior that makes for a smooth filling. Avoid waxy potatoes like red potatoes, which won’t give you the same texture.
Don’t skip the oil and salt: Rubbing the potatoes with olive oil and salt before baking ensures the skin gets crisp and flavorful. It’s the secret to getting that perfect crispy skin that everyone loves.
Customize the fillings: Feel free to get creative with your toppings and mix-ins. Add sautéed onions, garlic, or bell peppers for a veggie-packed version, or swap the bacon for turkey bacon or even sausage. You can also add a little bit of ranch seasoning or hot sauce for an extra kick.
Don’t overfill the skins: When refilling the potato skins, be careful not to overstuff them. You want the filling to stay in place but not overflow. Pack it gently to maintain the potato’s shape.
Make ahead: Twice-baked potatoes are perfect for meal prep. You can bake them, let them cool, then wrap them in foil and store them in the fridge for up to 3 days. When ready to eat, just reheat them in the oven at 350°F for 15-20 minutes.

Recipe Variations

Loaded Twice-Baked Potatoes: Add extra toppings like crispy fried onions, sautéed mushrooms, or even a drizzle of ranch dressing on top of the cheese for a more indulgent version.
Vegan Version: Swap the sour cream for cashew cream or coconut yogurt, and use dairy-free cheese for a vegan-friendly alternative. You can also replace the bacon with sautéed mushrooms or tempeh bacon for a smoky flavor.
Buffalo Style: Mix in some buffalo sauce with the filling and top the potatoes with crumbled blue cheese and extra chives for a spicy twist on the classic.
Chili Stuffed Potatoes: If you’re looking for a hearty meal, top the twice-baked potatoes with chili and a sprinkle of cheddar. This turns your side dish into a filling main course.

Serving Suggestions

Pair these twice-baked potatoes with any of the following for a complete meal:

Salads: Serve with a fresh green salad with a tangy vinaigrette to balance the richness of the potatoes. A simple arugula or mixed greens salad with lemon dressing is a great choice.
Grilled or Roasted Meats: These potatoes are perfect alongside grilled steak, roasted chicken, or even grilled shrimp. They bring a comforting, hearty element to your meal.
Vegetables: Roasted Brussels sprouts, steamed broccoli, or sautéed green beans make excellent vegetable sides to round out your meal. These veggies add some freshness to the richness of the potatoes.

Freezing and Storage

Storage: Store leftover twice-baked potatoes in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 15-20 minutes until heated through.
Freezing: These potatoes freeze wonderfully! To freeze, bake the potatoes as directed, let them cool completely, and then wrap each one individually in plastic wrap or aluminum foil. Store them in a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to eat, bake them directly from frozen at 350°F for 25-30 minutes, or until hot and bubbly.

Special Equipment

Baking Sheet: You’ll need a baking sheet for baking the potatoes and a second round of baking once they’re stuffed. If you want extra crispy skins, use a wire rack placed on the baking sheet to elevate the potatoes.
Potato Scoop or Spoon: A melon baller or small spoon works wonders for scooping out the insides of the baked potatoes without damaging the skin.
Hand Mixer: A hand mixer is great for achieving a smooth, fluffy potato filling without much effort.

FAQ Section

Can I make these ahead of time? Yes! You can bake the potatoes, scoop out the filling, and stuff them a day or two in advance. Just store them in the fridge and bake when you’re ready to serve.
Can I freeze twice-baked potatoes? Absolutely! You can freeze them before or after the second bake. Just make sure they’re wrapped tightly to prevent freezer burn.
What type of potatoes are best for twice-baked potatoes? Russet potatoes are the best choice because their large size and starchy interior make them perfect for twice baking. Avoid waxy potatoes like red or fingerling potatoes as they don’t have the same fluffy texture.
Can I make these potatoes vegetarian? Yes! You can easily make them vegetarian by omitting the bacon and using plant-based cheese or sour cream.
How do I get crispy skin? Rub the potatoes with olive oil and salt before baking, and bake them at a high temperature (400°F). This will ensure the skin gets crispy and golden.

Conclusion

Twice-baked potatoes are the epitome of comfort food, combining crispy skin with a rich, creamy filling that’s loaded with flavor. Whether you’re enjoying them as a side dish or making them the star of your meal, they’re sure to please everyone at the table. The beauty of this recipe is that it’s so customizable—you can adjust the fillings to suit your preferences, and make them ahead of time to save you stress during meal prep.

Once you’ve mastered the basics, you can start experimenting with different flavor combinations and toppings. Don’t be afraid to get creative, and soon, you’ll have a dish that’s uniquely your own. Whether you’re preparing them for a holiday feast or a cozy weeknight dinner, twice-baked potatoes are sure to become a beloved part of your culinary repertoire. Enjoy!

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