Dating a southern boy has taught me some things.
- When it comes to cheese, the more, the better.
- Sour cream goes on everything.
- Chicken is best when fried, placed between two biscuits and eaten for breakfast. True story.
- Potatoes (white, not sweet) are king – french fried, baked, mashed or whipped.
- Pizza, french fries and grilled cheese all require a side of ranch for dipping.
- Tea should be sweet. No exceptions.
Needless to say, we disagree on a couple of points.
Lucky for him, feeding people is like one of my favorite things in life.
It’s right up there with mornings, my first cup of coffee and a really, really good brunch.
I know, I’m a complex being. It takes a lot to make me happy.
But anyway.
So yeah, feeding people is fun. Especially when you can combine like 5 of their favorite foods into a one-shot dish.
I’ve never made twice-baked potatoes before, but I think I’m kind of in love. I mean, these don’t even need to be contained to a side dish. These could be an entire meal on their own.
And not like one of those “I’m ordering an appetizer or two for my meal” kind of meal.
(Sidenote: I kind of always want to be the person that does that /\ , but I’m just not. When I sit down for a meal, I want it to be a MEAL. Except for when I go to P.F. Changs because every time I go there I order the Chicken Lettuce Wraps (which are so unbelievably good) as an appetizer and never once learn that they completely fill me up. My entree (that I inevitably always order as well) as a result, goes almost completely untouched.) <— are parentheses within parentheses allowed?
These could be a real, stick-to-your-ribs-fill-me-up kinda meal.
And if these were just for me they’d be sweet potatoes, mixed with cinnamon and topped with almond butter and I would be all about it. Breakfast, lunch or dinner.
But these are not just for me.
They’re also for that Southern boy I talked about up there. So they were loaded with the good stuff…but made secretly a little healthier, because I just can’t help myself.
Shh. Don’t tell.
Southern Boy Twice Baked Potatoes
Serves 4
- 4 large russet potatoes
- 4 strips of nitrate-free bacon
- 2 to 4 tablespoons Earth Balance
- 1/3 cup reduced-fat sour cream
- 1/2 cup reduced-fat shredded Colby-Cheddar cheese, divided
- 1 scallion, finely chopped
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper
Directions:
- Preheat the oven to 400 degrees and place the potatoes directly on the rack, baking for about 30 minutes.
- Remove potatoes and cut several slits in each with a knife.
- Place potatoes back into the oven for another 30 minutes or until soft.
- Meanwhile, cook bacon according to package instructions. Allow to cool 5 minutes and then crumble.
- Remove potatoes from the oven, and turn the heat down to 375 degrees.
- Slice off the very top of the potatoes lengthwise.
- Carefully scoop out the majority of the potato’s inside into a mixing bowl. Make sure to leave a little inside so that the sides of the potato don’t collapse.
- Add Earth Balance and sour cream to the mixing bowl mashing lightly to combine.
- Stir in the scallion, bacon and season with salt and pepper, to taste.
- Refill the shells with the potato mixture and top with shredded cheese
- Bake potatoes on a baking sheet for 20 minutes or until cheese is brown and bubbling.
My dad always makes dedacent twice-baked potatoes for our big Christmas Eve meal – sour cream, cream cheese, bacon, and cheddar. A meal on their own!
Oooh cream cheese! I should’ve added that in!
I love twice baked potatoes! I started making them as a kid because they were in this kids cookbook I had. So delicious but I haven’t made them in YEARS!
Ah! Time to change that! I love how easy these are!
I think I had the same book 🙂 I completely forgot until I read your comment. I loved that book!! So many memories!!! Lol
Love the cheesy tops!
Totally the best part 🙂
YUM!!! My favorite southern (and completely UNHEALTHY) meal is fried chicken a top biscuits smothered in honey. Love.
Oooh love the honey addition! I want to try that out!
Never tried potatoes like this lol my Boyfriend loves them though I should try these out for him haha
Definitely do – I think he’d approve 🙂 And they’re super easy!
I vote for sweet potato heaven too!
P.S. Parentheses within parentheses are definitely allowed!
e.g.:
“I ate the entire box of Peanut Butter Puffins (but it was Friday [not Thursday] so it’s okay!)
Whew–that’s a relief!
Hahaha – okay good! Thank you! And yeah – those sweet potatoes are going to have to happen soon!
I love twice baked potatoes, but have never made them myself!
When you need to use parentheses within parentheses, you use [brackets]! 🙂 The English teacher in me just had to comment!
Haha thank you!! That’s actually really good to know because I have always legitimately been confused about that!
I have never made twice baked potatoes for the boys. I am definitely holding out on them. I used to order the veggie lettuce wraps at PF Changs as my entree…so good and so filling. I hate that I can’t have soy anymore…I miss those! Have a great weekend Cait!
Ooh you should definitely try this for them! I bet they’d love it 🙂 And thank you – you too!
Oh my goodness, these look amazing!!! Great recipe 😀
Thanks Liz 🙂
Ok how do you maintain balance with a boyfriend that eats so much and has a soft side for comfort food?! I always find myself gaining weight when I cook my hubby’s favorites;)
Haha – I think it’s always tricky. I tend to eat whatever, just in moderate portions and I always have a side salad for some extra veggies 🙂
Ohh my goodness! I love potatoes… And this recipe has me drooling on my keyboard.
YUM!
Yay! Definitely let me know how you like it if you try it!
you can replace the sour cream with greek yogurt- it’ll make them taste even better! for a savory sweet potato version, these are delicious http://happyhealthymama.com/2011/12/rosemary-and-thyme-twice-baked-sweet-potatoes.html
That’s one of my favorite subs! 🙂 Thanks for the share, going to check it out!!
How did that southern boy like this treat. Even with a scallion hidden in them.
Could you heat this in the micro wave and then fill them and bake them?
I think that should work fine!