If you are needing an extra special side…this is it!

Creamy, cheesy and oh so delicious!  These twice baked potatoes are absolutely delicious and a fun spin on traditional baked potatoes!

They require a couple of extra steps, but I promise you…worth it!!

They make the perfect indulgent side to any meal!

Ingredients:

This recipe yields 4 potato halves…double or triple if making for a crowd!

2 large baking potatoes, washed

4 slices of bacon

1/2 cup of sour cream

1/4 cup milk

2 tablespoons of butter

1 cup cheddar cheese, divided

4 green onions, chopped, divided

Salt and pepper to taste

Olive oil and sea salt (optional)

Directions:

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

Bake your potatoes in the oven for an hour or microwave (tastes just as good) for about 8-10 minutes.  Be sure to poke holes in your potatoes with a fork so they don’t explode.

Cook your bacon.  My mother in law taught me this super easy method that is less messy and saves you from standing over the stove:  Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil an place a cooling rack on top.  Line your bacon up and cook for 15-20 minutes at 400 degrees.  The rack lets the bacon grease drip down and then you can just throw the foil away for easy cleanup….she might be a genius!  Once cooked, pat bacon dry and cut into small pieces.

Allow potatoes to cool a bit.  This is optional, but if you like to eat the skins, I like the rub mine with a little olive oil and sprinkle the outside with course sea salt!  If you’ve ever eaten at Outback Steakhouse they do this to the outside of their baked potatoes, and it is so yum!

Cut potatoes lengthwise and scoop out the center into a bowl, leaving about a 1/4 inch around so that the potato does not lose shape!  This will act as your bowl.

Take the insides of your potatoes and add sour cream, butter, 1/2 cup of cheese, 1/2 of your chopped green onions and milk.  Use a hand mixer and blend until creamy.  Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Place your potato skins into an oven safe dish.  Spoon your creamy mixture back into the potato bowls.  Top with remaining cheese, green onions and bacon.

Bake for another 15 minutes at 350.

Enjoy!