Twice Baked Potatoes (Supreme)

Okay...these are probably one of the best side dishes ever! But I'm not going to lead you down some path of "oh, you'll have these whipped up in no time!"  They do take some effort. I'm sitting here snacking on one right now as I write this post. And I can tell you, they are well worth it! 

I usually serve them with steaks off the grill, in lieu of the standard baked potato. It's a nice way to spoil your family (and friends) at dinner time. They look so pretty! And taste divine!

Ingredients:

5 med/large baking potatoes (Russets)

small amount of olive oil

sea salt, few dashes

8 pieces of bacon, cooked and crumbled

1/2 stick of butter, cubed

1/2 cup sour cream

1 cup freshly grated cheddar cheese, divided in half

1/2 bunch green onions, chopped, and divided

few splashes of milk, as needed

salt and black pepper to taste

Directions:

Heat oven to 400 degrees. Wash your potatoes and pat dry. Pour about 2 tsp of olive oil into the palm of your hand. Rub oil onto each potato, and place them on a baking sheet. Sprinkle each one with a very small amount of sea salt. Bake, uncovered, for 1 hour. Remove sheet from oven and let potatoes sit until they are cool enough to handle, but still very warm. (Reduce oven temp to 350). Slice each potato in half. Using a spoon, scrape out the insides into a large mixing bowl. *Careful not to tear the skin. Leave a small rim of potato in the shell for support. Place hollow shells back onto baking sheet. Add your butter to the the potatoes, and mix well. And sour cream and cheese. Stirring well after each ingredient. Season with a small amount of salt and pepper. *Here is where I add a few splashes of milk, one splash at a time, until it's nice and creamy. (Not wet) Fold in bacon, reserving a small amount for garnish, and half of your green onion.

Spoon mixture back into potato shells. Garnish with other half of your cheddar cheese, and reserved bacon crumbles. Place them back in the oven for about 15 minutes. Just until cheese is melted and potatoes are heated through. Garnish with remaining green onions. Dig in and swoon!

Makes 10 halves

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