SHORTCUT TWICE-BAKED POTATOES

Shortcut Twice-Baked Potatoes image

Twice-baked potatoes are delicious, but most recipes take a long time. By first cooking the potatoes in the microwave we shorten the prep time by a lot. These potatoes are perfect for entertaining and can be assembled ahead and given the final bake just before serving.

Provided by Danielle Alex

Categories side-dish

Time 35m

Yield 3 to 6 servings

Number Of Ingredients 10

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Ingredients

3 medium russet potatoes (about 9 1/2 ounces each), scrubbed
6 ounces bacon, sliced into 1/2-inch strips
1 small Spanish onion, chopped
1 large clove garlic, minced
8 ounces (1 cup) sour cream
6 tablespoons salted butter, softened
3 tablespoons chopped chives
1 1/2 cups shredded sharp Cheddar
Pinch kosher salt
1/4 teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper

Steps:

Poke a few holes in each potato with a paring knife or the tines of a fork. Wrap each potato individually in a paper towel and moisten the paper towels. Place the potatoes in the microwave a few inches apart. Microwave for 5 minutes; flip the potatoes and microwave again until the potatoes are tender, 5 to 6 minutes longer.
Meanwhile, place a rack in the top third of the oven and preheat to 450 degrees F. Line a baking sheet with foil and set aside. Line a small bowl with a paper towel and set aside. Put the bacon in a large skillet and place over high heat. When you start to hear the bacon sizzle and pop, lower the heat to medium-high or medium and cook, stirring occasionally, until the fat has rendered and the bacon is almost crisp, 8 to 9 minutes.
Add the onions to the rendered bacon before the bacon gets too crispy. Let the onions cook until translucent and softened, 1 to 2 minutes. Add the garlic and stir until fragrant but not browned, about 30 seconds. Transfer the bacon mixture to the paper towel-lined bowl with a slotted spoon.
Place the sour cream and butter in a large bowl. Cut the microwaved potatoes in half horizontally. Scoop out the flesh from the potatoes, leaving the skins intact. Place the flesh from the potatoes in a ricer and rice into the bowl with the sour cream. (If you don't have a ricer, place the flesh in the bowl and mash with a potato masher instead.) Add the bacon mixture, chives, 2 heaping tablespoons of Cheddar, salt and pepper. Mix with a rubber spatula. Taste and adjust the seasoning.
Place the potato skins on the prepared baking sheet and spoon the potato flesh mixture back into skins. Sprinkle the remaining Cheddar over the potatoes and bake in the top third of the oven until the cheese is melted and the filling is heated through, about 10 minutes.