Get ready to elevate your comfort food game with these Awesome Cheesy Twice Baked Potato Boats! Imagine sinking your teeth into a crispy potato shell, generously filled with a creamy, cheesy mixture that’s bursting with flavor. Perfect as a side dish or a hearty appetizer, these potato boats are sure to impress your family and friends at any gathering. With just a handful of simple ingredients and a little bit of love, you can create a dish that’s not only delicious but also visually stunning. Dive into this recipe and discover how to make the ultimate cheesy delight that everyone will be raving about!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 45 mins
Total Time: 1 hrs
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 4 large russet potatoes
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/4 cup butter
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Chives for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 425°F (218°C). Wash the russet potatoes thoroughly and pat them dry with a clean kitchen towel.
- Pierce each potato several times with a fork to allow steam to escape during baking. Rub the potatoes with a light coating of olive oil and sprinkle with kosher salt.
- Place the potatoes directly on the middle oven rack and bake for 45-50 minutes, or until they are tender when pierced with a fork and the skin is crispy.
- Remove potatoes from the oven and let them cool for 5-10 minutes until they are safe to handle. Slice each potato lengthwise, creating two boat-like halves.
- Carefully scoop out the potato flesh, leaving a thin layer (about 1/4 inch) attached to the skin to maintain the potato boat structure. Place the scooped potato flesh into a mixing bowl.
- Mash the potato flesh with butter, sour cream, garlic powder, salt, and pepper until smooth and creamy. Mix in half of the shredded cheddar cheese.
- Spoon the creamy potato mixture back into the potato skins, creating a generous mound in each boat. Top with the remaining cheddar cheese.
- Return the potato boats to the oven and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and slightly golden brown.
- Remove from the oven and let cool for 2-3 minutes. Garnish with freshly chopped chives before serving.
- Serve hot as a side dish or a hearty appetizer. These potato boats are best enjoyed immediately while the cheese is still melted and the potato is warm.
Tips
- Choose the Right Potatoes: Opt for large russet potatoes, as their starchy texture makes them perfect for baking and ensures a fluffy interior.
- Don’t Skip the Salt: Rubbing the potatoes with kosher salt before baking enhances the flavor and helps achieve a crispy skin.
- Perfectly Cooked Potatoes: Make sure to bake the potatoes until they are tender when pierced with a fork. This usually takes about 45-50 minutes at 425°F (218°C).
- Leave Some Flesh: When scooping out the potato flesh, leave about 1/4 inch attached to the skin. This will help maintain the integrity of your potato boats.
- Customize Your Fillings: Feel free to mix in other ingredients like cooked bacon, green onions, or even a dash of hot sauce for an extra kick!
- Watch the Cheese: Keep an eye on the potato boats during the final baking stage to avoid over-browning the cheese. You want it golden and bubbly, not burnt.
- Serve Immediately: These potato boats are best enjoyed fresh out of the oven while the cheese is still melty and the potatoes are warm.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 450kcal
Carbohydrates: 35g
Protein: 15g
Fat: 28g
Saturated Fat: 17g
Cholesterol: 80mg
