Loaded Twice Baked Potatoes

I was browsing one of my favorite places and saw this spectacular post on twice baked potatoes and knew I had to make them with some of my huge bag of potatoes that I bought.  Seriously 20 lbs for $3 I couldn't pass that up!  I strongly urge you guys to check out Tip Garden because there are tons of great, useful recipes and tips there!

I only made one slight change and that is because I wanted to use up what I had left over from my batch of mashed potatoes

Yes, I am a very messy cook!  :)

Loaded Twice Baked Potatoes
7 - Medium to Large Potatoes
2 oz Cream Cheese plus enough sour cream to equal 1 cup
1/2 Stick Butter
1-1/2 Cups Shredded Colby Jack, plus some for topping potatoes
1 tsp Salt
1 tsp Granulated Garlic
1/2 tsp Pepper
1/2 cup Bacon Bits
1/4 cup Green Onions

• Wash potatoes, dry, and then poke holes with a fork around the potato
• Place potatoes on a baking sheet and bake in a preheated 375 degree oven for 60-90 minutes or until tender (a fork should be able to easily pierce the thickest part of the potato without resistance)
• Once cooled enough to handle cut in half lengthwise and scoop out the pulp into a large mixing bowl (I used a soup spoon and it was the perfect size) Be careful not to break or rip the skin
• Place skins back on the baking tray 
• Combine all the ingredients with the potato pulp and mix with a hand mixer until fully combined
• Hold the potato skin in one hand and use a tablespoon to add the filling
• Top with additional cheese and lightly press into the filling
• Place cookie sheet in the freezer for 1-2 hours or until fully frozen
• Once frozen wrap each potato with aluminum foil and place in a large Ziploc bag

Wrapped and ready to go!

Place in a freezer bag, label, and put in the freezer

To reheat place potatoes on a cookie sheet and loosely cover with aluminum foil.  Bake in a preheated 350 degree oven for 45 minutes.  Remove foil and cook an additional 15 minutes until hot.  Just keep an eye on them.  My oven cooks really fast so I reduce the first cook time to 30 minutes.  You could also reheat in a microwave, but the skins will not be crispy.  Enjoy!  And don't forget to visit Tip Garden for some great tips like this one!

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