twice baked potatoes for valentine's day
I served this at Valentine's Day dinner, where all the food was required to be red or white. So I could have chosen, chicken, beef, pasta, potatoes, cheesecake, salsa, and chips, etc... you get the idea. This potato was scooped up by all and many were asking what I put in it. I think Swiss cheese added a bit of mystery to it, but you can use any cheese. Gouda, feta, Monterey Jack, provolone and so on. While this potato could be eaten any day of the week, I cut the heart from red bell pepper to add to the Valentine theme. ENJOY!
Blue Ribbon Recipe
Treat yourself to these tasty twice baked potatoes this Valentine's Day. This side dish only takes a few extra steps to transform a basic baked potato. The potato filling is creamy and cheesy. Sprinkling with bacon bits adds a pop of smoky flavor. Adding a heart shaped red bell pepper on top is the perfect accent for Valentine's Day.
Ingredients
- 2 - baking potatoes
- 1/4 cup sour cream
- 1/2 cup Swiss cheese, shredded
- 1/2 cup cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1/2 cup milk or half and half
- 1 ounce olive oil, extra virgin
- 1 tablespoon salt
- 1 - green onion, chopped
- 1/4 cup bacon bits
- - red bell pepper
- 4 tablespoons butter
- additional salt and pepper, to taste
How To Make twice baked potatoes for valentine's day
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Step 1Clean potatoes. -
Step 2Dry with a towel. Then rub with olive oil.
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Step 3Sprinkle with salt.
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Step 4Pierce potatoes with a fork.
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Step 5Place potatoes in a pie dish. Cover with foil and bake 1 hr at 350 degrees. Or, microwave covered with wet paper towel until done; about 5 to 8 minutes.
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Step 6Let cool.
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Step 7While still somewhat warm cut potatoes in half longways. Using a spoon, carefully cull out potatoes within 1/4" from the skin. Place hollowed potato to the side.
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Step 8Combine culled potato, milk, and butter. Mix until smooth.
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Step 9Fold in sour cream, Swiss, and cheddar cheese until well blended. Add additional salt and pepper to taste.
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Step 10Fill potato skins with mixture.
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Step 11Bake potatoes for another 15 minutes in the oven or 2-3 minutes in microwave.
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Step 12Top with chopped green onion and bacon bits.
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Step 13Optional: Top with fresh red bell pepper that has been cut with a 1' mini heart cookie cutter to let them know you love them!!! Enjoy!
- Last Step: Don't forget to share! Post a picture of your finished recipe here and on your favorite social network. Don't forget to tag Just A Pinch and include #justapinchrecipes!
