Loaded Twice-Baked Potatoes Or Casserole

• servings: 8-9

Ingredients

YIELD: 8 servings.

Ingredients

8-9 large baking potatoes

1 tablespoon olive oil

1 teaspoon salt, divided +more if needed to taste

1/2 teaspoon pepper, divided

Garlic salt, onion salt/powder to taste

1/4 cup butter, cubed

2/3 cup heavy whipping cream or milk

1/4 cup sour cream

2 cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided - approx.

6 bacon strips, cooked and crumbled, divided (optional)

2 green onions, sliced, divided (optional)

Additional sour cream, optional

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 375°, Scrub potatoes; pierce several times with a fork. (Brush with oil, sprinkle with 1/2 teaspoon salt and 1/4 teaspoon pepper-optional). Place in a foil-lined 15x10x1-in, baking pan; bake 1 to 1-1/2 hours depending on size or until tender. Cool slightly.

2. In a small saucepan or microwave, melt butter over medium-heat. Whisk in whipping cream/milk and 1/4 cup sour cream. Add 1-1/2 cups cheese; stir until melted. Remove from heat, cover to keep warm.

3. When potatoes are cool enough to handle, cut each potato lengthwise in half. Scoop out pulp and place in a large bowl. For casserole: Cut two potato skin shells into 1-in. pieces; save remaining skins for another use.

4. Mash pulp with the remaining salt and pepper. Stir in cheese mixture, gradually.

For twice baked: Add the bacon and onions if using and mix. Add additional seasoning to taste. Scoop potato mixture back into the shells, sprinkle remaining cheese pressing it into the potato and put back in oven until cheese lightly browned and heated through.

For casserole: transfer the potato mixture, half of the bacon and 2 tablespoons green onion to a greased 1-1/2-qt. baking dish. Top with the cut-up potato skins. Sprinkle with remaining cheese and bacon. Bake 30-35 min or until heated through and lightly browned. Sprinkle with remaining green onion.

Notes

This recipe called for 4 potatoes about 3 1/4 lbs but I made using 9 Idaho large potatoes and it worked great. If needed more milk could be added.