Get ready to transform the ordinary potato into an extraordinary culinary masterpiece that will have your family and friends begging for seconds! These Bacon Chipotle Twice Baked Potatoes are not just a side dish – they're a mouthwatering experience that combines crispy bacon, melted cheese, and a spicy chipotle kick that'll make your taste buds tingle with excitement. Perfect for dinner, game nights, or when you want to impress with minimal effort and maximum flavor!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 1 hrs
Total Time: 1 hrs 15 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 4 large russet potatoes
- 1/2 cup cooked bacon, crumbled
- 1/2 cup shredded cheese
- 1/4 cup sour cream
- 1-2 tablespoons chipotle in adobo sauce
- Salt to taste
- Pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 425°F (218°C). Thoroughly wash the russet potatoes and pat them dry with paper towels.
- Pierce each potato multiple times with a fork to allow steam to escape during baking. Rub the potatoes with olive oil and sprinkle with salt and pepper.
- Place potatoes directly on the middle oven rack and bake for 50-60 minutes, or until they are soft when pierced with a fork and the skin is crispy.
- While potatoes are baking, cook bacon in a skillet until crisp. Drain on paper towels and crumble into small pieces.
- Remove potatoes from oven and let cool for 5-10 minutes until they are safe to handle. Slice each potato lengthwise.
- Carefully scoop out the potato flesh, leaving a thin layer against the skin to help maintain the potato's structure.
- In a mixing bowl, combine potato flesh, crumbled bacon, shredded cheese, sour cream, and finely chopped chipotle peppers. Mix until well combined.
- Season the mixture with salt and pepper to taste, adjusting chipotle amount for desired spice level.
- Spoon the mixture back into the potato skins, mounding slightly. Sprinkle additional cheese on top if desired.
- Return stuffed potatoes to the oven and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes until the cheese is melted and tops are golden brown.
- Remove from oven, let cool for 3-5 minutes, and serve hot garnished with extra bacon bits or chopped chives if desired.
Tips
- Choose the Right Potatoes: Always use large russet potatoes for the best texture and easiest scooping.
- Crispy Skin Secret: Rubbing the potatoes with olive oil before baking ensures a perfectly crisp exterior.
- Bacon Perfection: Cook bacon until it's extra crisp for the best crunch and flavor. Pat dry to remove excess grease.
- Spice Control: Start with a small amount of chipotle in adobo and gradually add more to control the heat level.
- Mixing Technique: Mash the potato filling gently to keep some texture – don't overmix!
- Make-Ahead Hack: You can prepare these potatoes in advance and reheat them in the oven for 10-15 minutes before serving.
- Garnish Game: Top with extra crispy bacon bits, chopped chives, or a dollop of sour cream for extra pizzazz.
- Even Cooking: Make sure to pierce the potatoes multiple times to prevent them from exploding in the oven.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 380kcal
Carbohydrates: 35g
Protein: 15g
Fat: 22g
Saturated Fat: 10g
Cholesterol: 45mg
