Twiced Baked Potatoes

Sometimes it's great to enjoy a feel good comfort food for a Sunday dinner. Most of the time, as with most Sundays, I have to get ready for the work week. I always like to enjoy a great Sunday dinner with either a steak, chicken or pork loin.

Well, this recipe, I actually learned from a close friend of mine. Ever since I learned to make this, I make a big batch of it and everyone seems to enjoy it. Hope you enjoy this simple recipe as well!

Ingredients:

6 large baking potatoes
vegetable oil
1 lb bacon
2 cups butter
1 cup cheddar
1 cup monterrey jack
1 cup sour cream
1/2 cup cheddar & monterrey jack
salt and pepper to taste

Before you start, preheat the oven at 375. While that is preheating, start washing the potatoes. I tend to just use my hands and rub my fingers around each potato.

 

With the vegetable oil, coat each potato and make sure that they are covered well.

Place the potatoes into the oven. Notice that I am not covering them with the foil like I normally would. This is a trick I actually learned from MC's mom. If you bake potatoes this way, you end up with a crispy skin around the potato. Allow this to bake for about 1 hour. Check to make sure its soft to the touch. I normally place a fork into the potato. Flip the potatoes and allow to cook another 30 minutes to an hour (or allow to cook until rather tender).

 

While the potatoes are baking, start prepping the other items. Dice the bacon and place into a well heated pan. Cook the bacon until crispy. Make sure you place the cooked bacon onto a paper towel covered plate allowing it to drain.

 

Take out the potatoes and allow to cool for about 15 minutes. Slice each potato in halves. Notice it will be steaming hot. Allow to cool for an additional 5 minutes.

In a large bowl, place the butter. Start to scoop out the meat of each potato and place into the bowl. Make sure you have the skin intact. Mash the potatoes and butter until creamy.

 

 

Add the other ingredients to the potato and butter mixture. Mix well. Add salt and pepper to taste. Place the mixture into each potato skin resembling a "potato boat".

 

 

 

Place the potatoes back into the oven and allow to bake for an additional 30 minutes at 375. At the last 10 minutes, place the cheese mixture on top of the potatoes and allow for it to melt.

 

This is a great side dish that can actually be frozen. Note that you will have plenty of leftovers, unless you have a large amount of friends who you are entertaining. We have a food saver and place into the freezer and enjoy it anytime. A decadent, but truly wonderful side!