Cheesy Bacon Stuffed Potatoes

These twice baked potatoes transform ordinary jacket potatoes into the ultimate comfort food experience that delivers crispy skins wrapped around the most luxuriously creamy, cheesy, bacon-studded filling imaginable. The magic happens when fluffy baked potato flesh gets mashed with butter, cream, cheese, and crispy bacon, then stuffed back into the potato shells and baked again until golden and bubbling. What makes this recipe particularly wonderful is how it combines the best elements of baked potatoes and mashed potatoes into one indulgent dish that's both elegant enough for entertaining and comforting enough for family dinners.

I perfected this recipe during cold winter months when I craved something that would warm both body and soul. The combination of how satisfying and indulgent these potatoes are, plus how impressive they look when presented, made them my go-to dish for both family comfort meals and special occasion dinners.

Essential Ingredients and Selection Tips

• Large starchy potatoes: Choose Russet potatoes around 10 ounces each; their fluffy texture creates the perfect creamy filling
• Quality streaky bacon: The fat content provides essential flavor; crispy bacon bits add textural contrast and smoky taste
• Good melting cheese: Sharp cheddar provides the best flavor, though Gruyère, Swiss, or Monterey Jack work beautifully too
• Heavy cream and butter: Create that luxuriously rich, restaurant-quality filling that makes these potatoes special

Detailed Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare potatoes for first baking:

Preheat oven to 430 degrees Fahrenheit. Scrub potatoes clean and prick all over with a fork about 8 times. Rub lightly with oil and sprinkle with coarse salt, which creates crispy, flavorful skins.

Execute the first bake:

Place potatoes on a wire rack set over a baking sheet for even air circulation. Bake for 75 minutes or until a knife pierces through with no resistance. The skins should be crispy and the interior completely tender.

Create potato shells:

Let potatoes cool just enough to handle safely. Cut in half lengthwise and carefully scoop out the flesh with a spoon, leaving about ⅓ inch of potato attached to the skin. The shells should hold their shape but not be too thick.

Prepare the bacon component:

While potatoes bake, cut bacon into small pieces and cook in a skillet until crispy. Drain on paper towels, reserving some fat for extra flavor if desired.

Create the luxurious filling:

Mash the scooped potato flesh by hand until mostly smooth but still slightly chunky. Never use electric beaters, which will make the mixture gluey. Stir in butter, cream, most of the cheese, crispy bacon, and chopped green onions until well combined.

Stuff and prepare for second bake:

Generously mound the creamy filling back into the potato shells, using all the mixture so it overflows slightly. Top with remaining cheese for that golden, bubbly finish.

Execute the second bake:

Bake for 20-25 minutes until the cheese is melted, golden, and bubbling. The tops should be beautifully browned and the filling heated through completely.

Finish with fresh garnishes:

Serve immediately while piping hot, topped with dollops of sour cream, extra crispy bacon bits, and fresh chives for color and flavor contrast.

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My family considers these the ultimate special occasion side dish, and there's something incredibly satisfying about how they transform simple potatoes into something that feels luxurious and indulgent. The combination of textures and flavors creates comfort food perfection.

Advanced Flavor Enhancement Techniques

For even deeper flavor, try roasting garlic cloves alongside the potatoes and mashing them into the filling. Caramelized onions add sweetness and complexity, while different herbs like thyme or rosemary provide aromatic sophistication. Some cooks like adding cream cheese for extra richness.

Creative Filling Variations

While bacon and cheese are classic, this technique accommodates endless variations. Try pulled pork and barbecue sauce for Southern flair, or crab and chives for elegant seafood versions. Vegetarian options with sautéed mushrooms, spinach, and different cheeses work beautifully too.

Make-Ahead and Storage Strategies

These potatoes can be prepared through the stuffing stage and refrigerated for up to two days before the final baking. Add 10-15 minutes to the baking time if starting from cold. Leftover baked potatoes reheat well in a 350-degree oven until heated through.

Serving Size and Portion Planning

One whole potato serves as a generous main course portion, while halves work perfectly as substantial sides or elegant starters. For large gatherings, consider making smaller portions using medium potatoes, allowing guests to enjoy them without feeling overly full.

Equipment and Technique Considerations

A wire rack promotes even cooking and crispy skins, though it's not essential. Use a sturdy spoon for scooping to avoid breaking the shells. A potato masher works well for the filling, but a fork or even hands work fine for smaller batches.

These twice baked potatoes represent the pinnacle of comfort food because they combine familiar ingredients in a way that feels both indulgent and sophisticated. They prove that sometimes the best dishes come from taking something simple and elevating it through technique and quality ingredients. Whether you're serving them for family dinner or elegant entertaining, these potatoes deliver that perfect combination of comfort and impression that makes any meal feel special.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ What type of potatoes work best for this recipe?

Russet potatoes are ideal because they're starchy and create the fluffiest texture when mashed. You can also use other baking potatoes.

→ Can I make these ahead of time?

Yes! You can assemble the stuffed potatoes up to the final baking step, cover and refrigerate, then bake when ready to serve.

→ How do I know when the potatoes are done baking?

The potatoes are ready when you can easily pierce them with a knife and there's no resistance. This usually takes about 75 minutes.

→ Can I substitute the bacon with something else?

Absolutely! You can use ham, turkey bacon, or omit meat entirely and add extra cheese or vegetables like chives or mushrooms.

→ What cheese works best besides cheddar?

Any good melting cheese works well. Try mozzarella, Gruyere, or Monterey Jack. Just add a pinch more salt if using milder cheeses.

→ How should I store leftovers?

Store leftover twice baked potatoes in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F until warmed through.