12 Twists on Baked Potatoes
Who says you have to stop at butter and sour cream? These dozen delicious combos -- bacon and eggs! chips and dip! -- will take your baked potatoes from classic to out of this world.
Baked Potato Basics
Pierce the skin of a large russet potato all over with a fork. Rub with EVOO and salt. Bake at 375 degrees directly on the oven rack until flesh is tender, about 1 hour. (For softer skin, wrap in foil first.) For twice-baked potatoes, mix flesh with toppings, fill the skin and bake until heated through, 15 to 20 minutes.
Twice-Baked Curry in a Hurry
Cook chopped onions in butter with garam masala and turmeric. Scoop out potato flesh. Mix with onions and cooked peas, season. Stuff skin, bake and top with cilantro.
Chips and Dip
Season a buttered baked potato; top with ranch dressing and barbecue potato chips. Sprinkle with chopped chives.
Margherita
Season a baked potato and drizzle with EVOO. Top with minced garlic, chopped fresh mozzarella, chopped tomatoes, basil, black pepper and more EVOO.
Twice-Baked Philly Style
Scoop out potato flesh. Mix with cooked Italian sausage and broccoli rabe sauteed with garlic, grated pecorino and EVOO. Stuff skin, top with provolone and bake.
Shrimp Boil
Cook shrimp and sliced scallions in butter; season with Old Bay. Season a buttered baked potato; top with shrimp mixture and a squeeze of lemon.
Twice-Baked Veggie Primavera
Scoop out potato flesh. Mix with grated Fontina, cooked chopped bell peppers, cooked chopped spinach and butter; season. Stuff skin and bake.
Upside-Down Shepherd's Pie
Cook ground beef with tomato paste, stock, Worcestershire and chopped carrots. Season a buttered baked potato; top with beef mixture and parsley.
Twice-Baked Green Bean Casserole
Scoop out potato flesh. Mix with chopped cooked green beans and sauteed mushrooms; season. Stuff skin, bake and top with store-bought fried onions.
Twice-Baked Mexi-Corn
Scoop out potato flesh. Mix with roasted corn kernels, chopped chipotles in adobo and butter; season. Stuff skin, top with Cotija and bake.
Steak House
Season a buttered baked potato; top with chopped cooked steak, caramelized onions and crumbled blue cheese.
Twice-Baked It's Mushroom Thyme
Cook shiitakes in butter; add stock and cream. Reduce until thick. Scoop out potato flesh; mix with shiitakes. Stuff skin, bake and top with lemon zest and thyme.
Rise and Shine
Season a buttered baked potato; top with cooked diced green peppers and onions, a seasoned fried egg and crumbled cooked bacon.
