A Southern Grace: almost too much of a good thing

October 15, 2015

almost too much of a good thing

Yum

Part of me feels like it should be illegal to include butter, sour cream, bacon, and cheese all in the same dish.


But that's just sensible Grace. I don't listen to her very often.*

*Not true.

Twice-baked potatoes are pretty much the most decadent way I've ever prepared potatoes. They're richer than scalloped potatoes and mashed potatoes and loaded baked potatoes and maybe even poutine. What's bad news for sensible Grace (but good news for lazy Grace) is that they're really easy to prepare, especially when you use the microwave to get the process started for you. I had these beauties on the table in 30 minutes, and I always consider that a super supper victory!


Feel free to adjust the gluttonous delicious additions to your own liking--cut the milk back if you like a stiffer filling or add a little more sour cream if that's the flavor you like best. You can use light sour cream, but really, why bother? I didn't put bacon in these, but you obviously could. Maybe just serve these decadent potato boats with some salad and lean meat and you can quiet your more reasonable side for a second or two.

Twice-Baked Once-Nuked, Once-Baked Potatoes
(printable recipe)
Serves 2, but can be doubled, tripled, quadrupled, or halved
Ingredients:
  • 2 baking potatoes, washed
  • 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
  • 1/4 cup butter
  • 1/4 cup sour cream
  • 1/4 cup cheddar cheese, plus more for topping
  • 1/4 cup milk
  • 1/2 teaspoon seasoned salt
  • 1 green onion, sliced
  • Freshly ground black pepper
Directions:
Poke several holes in your potatoes with the tines of a fork, then put them on a microwave-safe dish. Cover them with a moist paper towel. Microwave them for 4 minutes, then turn them over and nuke them for 4 minutes more. Let them cool a little before you try to handle them.
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.
With a sharp knife, cut each potato in half lengthwise. Scrape out the insides into the mixing bowl, being careful not to tear the shell. Leave a small rim of potato intact for support. Lay the hollowed out potato shells on a baking sheet.
Smash the potatoes into the butter and sour cream. Add the cheese, milk, seasoned salt, green onions, and black pepper to taste and mix together well.
Fill the potato shells generously with the filling, then top each potato with a little more grated cheese and bake in the oven until the potato is warmed through and the cheese on top is melted, 15 to 20 minutes.

12 comments:

Pam said...

Personally, I like lazy Grace's way of thinking! These potatoes are a wonderful thing, and on the table in 30 minutes sound pretty amazing! You did it again, Grace, thanks for the recipe! Kudos!

Cheri Savory Spoon said...

Hi Grace, this is my kind of potato, love this combination.

Unknown said...

Viva Lazy (not really)Grace!! Fall is for comfort food!

Pam said...

I am such a huge fan of potatoes - probably because I grew up in Idaho. :) These babies look amazing & I could eat way more than sensible Pam would allow.

Angie's Recipes said...

I totally love the combination of flavour, Grace. I definitely will add bacon in it.

Natalie @ Obsessive Cooking Disorder said...

Hahah who listens to the sensible side of themselves?

Love these decadent potatoes. I've never actually made them twice bakes (once baked is too long for me!) Just missing lots of bacon!

dedy oktavianus said...

Damn delicious idea for party starter!!!
Dedy@Dentist Chef

Big Rigs 'n Lil' Cookies said...

I haven't had a twice baked potato in forever! Maybe with your time saving method, I can get them to make an appearance!

I Wilkerson said...

Baked potatoes really are comfort food! And fat isn't "out" anymore, so really, no guilt! (Unless you eat, like two...)

Kate @ Framed Cooks said...

Oh gosh, twice baked potatoes! My favorite - and love your combo of flavors! :)

Lorraine @ Not Quite Nigella said...

Is there anything more comforting than a baked potato-not once but twice? YUM!!

Katerina said...

Twice baked, twice tasty! They look delicious with all the cheese on top!