The Blue Cheese Twice Baked Potatoes is a rich and hearty dish perfect for a satisfying meal. The blend of creamy blue cheese, buttery potatoes, crispy bacon, and melted cheddar cheese creates a symphony of flavors in every bite. This is a sure way to impress at any dinner table.
Most of the ingredients in this recipe are likely to be found in your kitchen. However, you may need to specifically look for blue cheese at the supermarket. This cheese has a distinct strong and salty taste which is the star element of this recipe. If you are not a fan of blue cheese, you can substitute it with any other robust-flavored cheese.
Ingredients for Blue Cheese Twice Baked Potatoes
Baking potatoes: The foundation of any baked potato dish.
Low-fat sour cream: For a light, tangy creaminess.
Blue cheese: A strong, tangy cheese that gives this dish its characteristic flavor.
Milk: Helps to create a smooth, creamy filling.
Real butter: Adds a rich, buttery taste.
Salt: Enhances the flavors of the other ingredients.
Freshly-ground black pepper: To add a hint of spice.
Garlic powder: Gives a subtle hint of garlic flavor.
Bacon: Provides a nice, savory crunch.
Cheddar cheese: Adds a layer of creamy, melted goodness.
One reader, Dixie Lyon says:
These blue cheese twice baked potatoes are a game-changer! The creamy texture and rich flavor of the blue cheese combined with the crispy bacon and cheddar topping make for an unforgettable dish. It's a must-try for anyone who loves comfort food with a gourmet twist.
Techniques for Making the Perfect Twice Baked Potatoes
How to bake the potatoes: Wash and dry the potatoes, then rub them lightly with a bit of shortening or vegetable oil to help crisp the skin. Place them directly on the oven rack or a cookie sheet and bake at 400 degrees for about an hour or until they are done.
How to hollow out the potatoes: Once the potatoes are baked, let them cool slightly. Cut an opening on the top and carefully hollow out each potato, or cut each potato in half to make 8 servings. Be cautious as the potatoes will still be hot.
How to prepare the filling: Scoop out the insides of the potatoes and place them in a bowl. Mash the potatoes and add butter, sour cream, blue cheese, milk, salt, pepper, and garlic. Beat with a hand mixer or stir with a wooden spoon until fluffy.
How to assemble the twice-baked potatoes: Carefully spoon the potato mixture back into the potato shells and place them in a baking dish.
How to add toppings: Return the filled potatoes to the hot oven and bake for 12-15 minutes. Then, sprinkle bacon and cheddar cheese over each potato and bake for an additional 3-5 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
How To Make Blue Cheese Twice Baked Potatoes
Tender bites of soft potatoes, robust blue cheese, and rich butter makes up these flavorful and cheesy twice baked potatoes dish!
Serves:
Ingredients
- 4medium baking potatoes
- ½cupsour cream,low-fat
- ¼cupblue cheese,crumbled, or more to taste
- ¼cupmilk,or buttermilk
- 4tbspreal butter,cut into chunks
- ¾tspsalt
- freshly-ground black pepper
- ½tspgarlic powder
- 8slicesbacon,or turkey bacon, cooked crisp and crumbled
- cheddar cheese,grated
Instructions
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Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F.
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Wash and dry the potatoes. Rub them lightly with a bit of shortening or vegetable oil and place directly on oven rack, or a cookie sheet.
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Bake for 1 hour or until the potatoes are done.
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Remove the potatoes and let cool just a bit. Cut an opening on the top and hollow out each potato, or cut each potato in half to make 8 servings.
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Scoop out the insides and place in a bowl. Mash, and add the butter, sour cream, bleu cheese, milk, salt, pepper, and garlic. Beat with a hand mixer or stir with a wooden spoon until fluffy.
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Carefully spoon mixture back into potato shells. Place in a baking dish.
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Return to hot oven and bake for 12 to 15 minutes. Remove and sprinkle bacon and cheddar cheese over each potato.
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Bake for an additional 3 to 5 minutes or until cheese is melted and bubbly.
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Serve warm, and enjoy!
Nutrition
- Calories: 305.18kcal
- Fat: 21.67g
- Saturated Fat: 10.12g
- Trans Fat: 0.27g
- Monounsaturated Fat: 7.67g
- Polyunsaturated Fat: 2.31g
- Carbohydrates: 20.96g
- Fiber: 1.53g
- Sugar: 1.78g
- Protein: 7.52g
- Cholesterol: 45.81mg
- Sodium: 394.22mg
- Calcium: 66.19mg
- Potassium: 553.46mg
- Iron: 1.14mg
- Vitamin A: 89.05µg
- Vitamin C: 6.20mg
Crucial Technique Tip for Blue Cheese Twice Baked Potatoes
When mashing the potatoes, ensure not to overwork them. Over-mashing can result in a gluey, starchy texture. Instead, aim for a light, fluffy consistency. This will allow the butter, sour cream, blue cheese, and other ingredients to blend well, enhancing the overall flavor of the twice-baked potatoes. Additionally, when adding the bacon and cheddar cheese topping, try to distribute them evenly to ensure every bite has a balance of flavors.
Time-Saving Tips for Preparing Blue Cheese Twice Baked Potatoes
Prep ahead: Wash and dry the potatoes the night before and store them in the refrigerator. This will save time on the day of cooking.
Use a mixer: Instead of hand-mashing the potato mixture, use a hand mixer to quickly and evenly combine the ingredients.
Bake in advance: Bake the potatoes ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator. When ready to serve, simply reheat and add the toppings.
Pre-cook bacon: Pre-cook the bacon until crispy and crumble it in advance. This way, you can simply sprinkle it over the potatoes before the final bake.
Prep station: Set up all your ingredients and tools in an organized manner before you start cooking to streamline the process.
Use a piping bag: Pipe the potato mixture back into the potato shells for a more elegant presentation and quicker assembly.
Pre-shred cheese: Pre-shred the cheddar cheese in advance and store it in an airtight container for easy access when assembling the potatoes.
Multi-task: While the potatoes are baking, prepare the filling and toppings to make the most of your time in the kitchen.
Substitute Ingredients For Blue Cheese Twice Baked Potatoes Recipe
baking potatoes - Substitute with sweet potatoes: Sweet potatoes can add a unique sweetness and creaminess to the dish, complementing the flavors of the other ingredients.
low-fat sour cream - Substitute with Greek yogurt: Greek yogurt can provide a tangy creaminess similar to sour cream, while also adding a boost of protein to the dish.
blue cheese - Substitute with gorgonzola: Gorgonzola has a similar tangy and pungent flavor profile to blue cheese, making it a suitable substitute in this recipe.
milk - Substitute with buttermilk: Buttermilk can add a slightly tangy flavor and creaminess to the potatoes, enhancing the overall richness of the dish.
real butter - Substitute with ghee: Ghee, with its nutty and rich flavor, can provide a delicious alternative to butter in this recipe.
bacon - Substitute with pancetta: Pancetta offers a similar salty and savory flavor to bacon, adding depth to the dish.
cheddar cheese - Substitute with Gruyère cheese: Gruyère cheese has a rich and nutty flavor that can elevate the dish, adding a delicious depth of flavor.
Presentation Ideas for Twice Baked Potatoes
Elevate the potato skins: Gently brush the potato skins with a touch of truffle oil to add a subtle earthy aroma and enhance the overall presentation.
Garnish with crispy pancetta: Crumble crispy pancetta on top of the twice-baked potatoes to add a savory, crunchy element that complements the creamy blue cheese filling.
Incorporate fresh herbs: Sprinkle finely chopped chives or parsley over the potatoes to add a pop of color and a hint of freshness to the dish.
Serve on individual plating: Present each twice-baked potato on a sleek, modern plate, allowing the vibrant colors and textures to stand out and impress the judges.
Use elegant serving utensils: Offer a polished, silver serving spoon alongside each plated potato to add a touch of sophistication to the presentation.
Add a drizzle of balsamic reduction: Create an artistic drizzle of balsamic reduction on the plate to add a burst of tangy sweetness and elevate the overall visual appeal of the dish.
Incorporate edible flowers: Place a delicate, edible flower on top of each potato to add a touch of elegance and a subtle floral note to the presentation.
Utilize a slate serving board: Arrange the plated potatoes on a sleek slate serving board to create a modern and sophisticated presentation that showcases the dish's rustic elegance.
Essential Tools for Making Blue Cheese Twice Baked Potatoes
Oven: The oven is used for baking and roasting food items. It provides consistent and even heat for cooking.
Mixing bowl: A mixing bowl is used for combining ingredients and mixing them thoroughly. It is an essential tool for preparing various recipes.
Hand mixer: A hand mixer is a convenient tool for blending and mixing ingredients, especially for making creamy and fluffy textures.
Baking dish: A baking dish is used for baking and roasting dishes in the oven. It provides a stable and heat-resistant container for the food.
Cookie sheet: A cookie sheet is a flat, metal pan used for baking cookies, pastries, and other baked goods in the oven.
Potholder: A potholder is used to protect hands from hot dishes and cookware, providing a safe way to handle hot items from the oven.
Food processor: A food processor is a versatile kitchen tool used for chopping, pureeing, and blending ingredients with precision and speed.
Vegetable oil: Vegetable oil is used for greasing pans and coating ingredients to prevent sticking and promote even cooking.
Shortening: Shortening is a solid fat used in baking to create a tender and flaky texture in various recipes.
Wooden spoon: A wooden spoon is a traditional kitchen tool used for stirring, mixing, and folding ingredients while cooking and baking.
Storing and Freezing Twice Baked Potatoes for Later
- Once the twice baked potatoes have cooled completely, wrap each one tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil. This will help prevent them from drying out and absorbing any unwanted flavors in the refrigerator.
- Place the wrapped potatoes in an airtight container or resealable plastic bag. This extra layer of protection will keep them fresh and prevent any spills or leaks in your fridge.
- Label the container or bag with the date you made the potatoes, so you can keep track of how long they've been stored.
- Refrigerate the blue cheese twice baked potatoes for up to 5 days. When you're ready to enjoy them again, simply reheat in the oven or microwave until warmed through.
- If you want to freeze the potatoes for longer storage, follow the same wrapping and packaging instructions as above, but place them in the freezer instead of the refrigerator.
- Frozen twice baked potatoes can be stored for up to 3 months. When you're ready to eat them, thaw the potatoes overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
- To reheat frozen potatoes, unwrap them and place them on a baking sheet. Cover with foil and bake in a preheated 350°F (175°C) oven for about 20-25 minutes, or until heated through. You can also microwave individual potatoes on high for 2-3 minutes, or until hot.
- For best results, consume the reheated potatoes immediately, as they may become slightly dry or grainy if left to sit for too long after reheating.
How To Reheat Leftover Twice Baked Potatoes
To reheat leftover twice baked potatoes, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the potatoes on a baking sheet and cover them loosely with aluminum foil. Bake for about 15-20 minutes, or until they are heated through. Remove the foil for the last 5 minutes of baking to crisp up the bacon and melt the cheese.
Another option is to use the microwave. Place the potatoes on a microwave-safe plate and heat them on high power for 1-2 minutes, or until they are heated through. Be careful not to overheat them, as this can cause the potatoes to become rubbery.
For a crispy exterior, you can also reheat the potatoes in an air fryer. Preheat the air fryer to 350°F (175°C) and place the potatoes in the basket. Cook for 5-7 minutes, or until they are heated through and the cheese is melted.
If you have a toaster oven, you can use it to reheat the potatoes as well. Preheat the toaster oven to 350°F (175°C) and place the potatoes on the baking rack. Cook for 10-15 minutes, or until they are heated through and the cheese is melted.
For a quick and easy option, you can also reheat the potatoes in a skillet on the stovetop. Heat a small amount of butter or oil in the skillet over medium heat. Add the potatoes and cook for 5-7 minutes, or until they are heated through and the cheese is melted.
Interesting Fact About Blue Cheese Twice Baked Potatoes
The Blue Cheese Twice Baked Potatoes recipe is a delightful way to enjoy a classic side dish with a twist. The combination of creamy blue cheese, crispy bacon, and fluffy potatoes creates a rich and flavorful experience. This dish is perfect for entertaining or as a special treat for a weeknight dinner. It's a great way to impress your guests with a unique and delicious take on a traditional favorite.
Is Making Twice Baked Potatoes at Home Cost-Effective?
This blue cheese twice baked potatoes recipe is moderately cost-effective for a household. The main cost lies in the blue cheese and bacon, but the other ingredients are relatively affordable and commonly found in most kitchens. The dish offers a rich and indulgent flavor, making it a delightful treat for special occasions. On a scale of 1-10, I would rate this recipe an 8 for its taste and versatility. The approximate cost for a household of 4 people is around $15-$20, making it a reasonable option for a flavorful and satisfying meal.
Are Twice Baked Potatoes with Blue Cheese Healthy?
The twice-baked potato recipe, while undeniably delicious, leans more towards the unhealthy side due to several factors:
- The recipe is high in saturated fat from the butter, bacon, and cheese, which can contribute to heart disease and other health issues when consumed in excess.
- The use of sour cream and milk adds additional fat and calories to the dish.
- The recipe is relatively low in fiber, as most of the potato skin (where the majority of the fiber is found) is removed during the preparation process.
However, the recipe does include some beneficial ingredients, such as the potatoes themselves, which provide essential nutrients like vitamin C, potassium, and B vitamins.
To make this recipe healthier, consider the following modifications:
- Reduce the amount of butter, bacon, and cheese used, or opt for lower-fat alternatives like turkey bacon and reduced-fat cheese.
- Replace the sour cream with plain Greek yogurt, which is lower in fat and higher in protein.
- Use skim milk instead of whole milk to reduce the fat content further.
- Leave more of the potato skin intact to increase the fiber content of the dish.
- Add some chopped vegetables, such as broccoli or spinach, to the potato mixture for an extra boost of nutrients and fiber.
- Use herbs and spices, like chives or paprika, to add flavor without relying on excessive amounts of salt or fat.
By making these adjustments, you can create a more balanced and nutritious version of this classic comfort food while still enjoying its rich, satisfying flavors.
Editor's Opinion on This Twice Baked Potatoes Recipe
The blue cheese twice baked potatoes recipe is a delightful twist on a classic side dish. The combination of creamy sour cream, pungent blue cheese, and crispy bacon creates a rich and indulgent flavor profile. The addition of cheddar cheese adds a gooey, savory finish. The recipe's straightforward instructions make it accessible for home cooks, while the use of quality ingredients elevates the dish to a gourmet level. This dish would make a fantastic addition to any dinner party or special occasion, impressing guests with its delicious and comforting flavors.
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Why trust this Blue Cheese Twice Baked Potatoes Recipe:
This recipe guarantees a delightful experience with its perfect combination of baking potatoes, blue cheese, and bacon. The use of real butter and cheddar cheese ensures rich and indulgent flavors. The incorporation of garlic powder and sour cream adds depth and creaminess. The meticulous instructions and attention to detail reflect the expertise and passion of the chef, instilling confidence in the outcome. Trust in the harmonious blend of ingredients and the expertise behind this recipe for an exceptional dining experience.
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