Bacon Cheese Burger Twice Baked Idaho Potatoes

by

These Bacon Cheese Burger Twice Baked Idaho Potatoes are the ultimate comfort food. Combining the classic flavors of a bacon cheeseburger with creamy, cheesy twice-baked potatoes, this dish is perfect for a hearty meal that will satisfy all your cravings.

Ingredients:

  • 4 Idaho® Baking Potatoes
  • ½ cup melted butter
  • 1 cup sour cream
  • 1 ⅓ cup shredded Colby-Jack cheese (divided use)
  • ½ teaspoon kosher salt
  • ½ teaspoon granulated garlic
  • ¼ teaspoon fresh ground pepper
  • 1 pound cooked ground beef (seasoned with ½ teaspoon salt and ¼ teaspoon garlic)
  • ½ cup barbecue sauce
  • 6 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
  • 2 green onions, sliced

Directions:

Preheat Oven:

  • Preheat oven to 400°F.

Bake Potatoes:

  • Scrub potatoes until clean and dry them.
  • Place on a baking sheet and bake for one hour or until potatoes are cooked through.
  • Remove from oven and place on a wire rack to cool slightly.
  • Lower oven temperature to 375°F.

Prepare Potatoes:

  • Cut potatoes lengthwise about 3/4 of the way through, leaving them attached on the bottom.
  • Scrape insides of potatoes with a spoon into a large mixing bowl.
  • Add butter, sour cream, 1 cup of cheese, garlic, salt, and pepper. Mash together or whip with an electric mixer to your desired texture.

Fill Potato Shells:

  • Spoon the filling back into the potato shells and place them on a baking sheet.

Top with Beef and Cheese:

  • Toss the cooked ground beef with barbecue sauce and spoon equally over the potatoes.
  • Sprinkle each potato with the remaining cheese, bacon, and green onions.

Bake Again:

  • Bake for 20 to 25 minutes or until potatoes are heated through and cheese is melted.

Serving and Storage Tips :

Once you’ve prepared these delicious Bacon Cheese Burger Twice Baked Idaho Potatoes, here are some tips to ensure they are served and stored perfectly:

Serving Tips:

  1. Garnish Creatively: Before serving, consider adding a sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley or additional green onions for a burst of color and freshness.
  2. Pairing Suggestions: These potatoes are hearty on their own but pair wonderfully with a side salad dressed with a light vinaigrette or a refreshing coleslaw.
  3. Presentation: For an elegant touch, serve each potato on a decorative plate with a garnish of fresh herbs or a drizzle of barbecue sauce.
  4. Portion Control: Depending on appetites, you may choose to serve one potato as a generous main course or half a potato as a side dish alongside grilled vegetables or corn on the cob.

Storage Tips:

  1. Refrigeration: Store any leftover potatoes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Ensure they are cooled completely before refrigerating.
  2. Reheating: To maintain their creamy texture, reheat the potatoes in the oven at 350°F for about 15-20 minutes, or until warmed through. Alternatively, microwave them on a microwave-safe plate for 2-3 minutes.
  3. Freezing: These potatoes can also be frozen for up to 2-3 months. Wrap each potato tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil, then place them in a freezer-safe container or bag. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
  4. Revamping Leftovers: Leftover potatoes can be transformed into a hearty breakfast by topping with a fried egg or using them as a side dish for grilled meats at your next barbecue.

By following these serving and storage tips, you can enjoy the flavors of these Bacon Cheese Burger Twice Baked Idaho Potatoes whenever you crave a comforting and satisfying meal.

Variations :

Explore these creative variations to customize your Bacon Cheese Burger Twice Baked Idaho Potatoes recipe:

1. Vegetarian Option:

  • Substitute the Ground Beef: Replace the ground beef with cooked and seasoned black beans or lentils for a protein-packed vegetarian alternative. Mix them with your favorite barbecue sauce for added flavor.

2. Loaded Potato Skins:

  • Crispy Potato Skins: Instead of mashing the potato filling, scoop out the potatoes leaving a thin shell. Fill each shell with the butter, sour cream, cheese mixture, and top with the cooked ground beef, bacon, and cheese. Bake until cheese is melted and bubbly for a crispy, loaded potato skin experience.

3. Southwest Flavors:

  • Add a Kick: Incorporate diced green chilies or jalapeños into the potato filling for a spicy twist. Top with sliced avocado, salsa, and a dollop of sour cream before serving.

4. Tex-Mex Style:

  • Taco Seasoning: Season the ground beef with taco seasoning instead of traditional spices. Top with diced tomatoes, shredded lettuce, and a drizzle of taco sauce after baking for a Tex-Mex flair.

5. Blue Cheese and Buffalo Sauce:

  • Bold Flavor Combination: Replace Colby-Jack cheese with crumbled blue cheese. Toss the cooked ground beef with buffalo sauce instead of barbecue sauce. Top with extra blue cheese crumbles and a drizzle of ranch dressing after baking.

6. Mediterranean Twist:

  • Olives and Feta: Mix chopped black olives and crumbled feta cheese into the potato filling. Top with grilled or roasted cherry tomatoes and a sprinkle of fresh basil before serving.

7. Breakfast Version:

  • Morning Delight: Serve these potatoes as a hearty breakfast dish. Top with a sunny-side-up egg or scramble eggs with diced bell peppers and onions. Garnish with chopped chives or parsley.

8. Seafood Lover’s Delight:

  • Seafood Sensation: Add cooked and chopped shrimp or crab meat to the potato filling. Top with a sprinkle of Old Bay seasoning and fresh parsley before serving for a luxurious twist.

9. BBQ Chicken Style:

  • Chicken Substitution: Swap out the ground beef for shredded barbecue chicken. Top with extra barbecue sauce, shredded cheddar cheese, and diced green onions for a tangy and savory alternative.

10. Vegan Adaptation:

  • Dairy-Free Options: Use vegan butter and dairy-free sour cream to make the filling. Substitute the cheese with a plant-based cheese alternative or nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor. Load with your favorite vegan toppings like avocado, vegan bacon bits, and chopped scallions.

Explore these variations to suit your taste preferences and dietary needs, transforming these Bacon Cheese Burger Twice Baked Idaho Potatoes into versatile and delicious meals for any occasion.

FAQs :

Here are answers to frequently asked questions about making and enjoying Bacon Cheese Burger Twice Baked Idaho Potatoes:

1. Can I use a different type of potato?

  • While Idaho® baking potatoes are ideal for their size and texture, you can use russet potatoes as a substitute. Adjust cooking times as needed.

2. How can I make this dish healthier?

  • Opt for low-fat sour cream, reduce the amount of butter used, and choose lean ground beef or substitute with ground turkey or chicken. You can also increase the amount of vegetables in the filling.

3. Can I prepare these potatoes ahead of time?

  • Yes! You can prepare the potatoes up to the point of filling them with the mashed mixture and store them in the refrigerator. When ready to serve, add the toppings and bake.

4. What if I don’t have barbecue sauce?

  • You can substitute barbecue sauce with ketchup mixed with a little Worcestershire sauce or even a tangy steak sauce for a different flavor profile.

5. Can I freeze Bacon Cheese Burger Twice Baked Idaho Potatoes?

  • Yes, you can freeze these potatoes after they are baked. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap or foil and place in an airtight container. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

6. How do I reheat leftovers?

  • To maintain their texture, reheat leftover potatoes in the oven at 350°F for about 15-20 minutes or until warmed through. Alternatively, microwave them on a microwave-safe plate for 2-3 minutes.

7. Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

  • Yes, the recipe is naturally gluten-free. Ensure your barbecue sauce and other ingredients do not contain gluten if you have dietary restrictions.

8. What are some suggested side dishes to serve with these potatoes?

  • They pair well with a side salad, steamed vegetables, or even grilled corn on the cob for a complete meal.

9. How can I make these potatoes spicy?

  • Add chopped jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce to the filling mixture. You can also sprinkle red pepper flakes over the toppings before baking.

10. How can I make these potatoes more kid-friendly? – Kids often love these potatoes because of their cheesy and bacon flavors. You can involve them in the preparation process by letting them help sprinkle toppings or choose additional toppings like diced tomatoes or extra cheese.

These FAQs should help guide you through preparing, serving, and enjoying your Bacon Cheese Burger Twice Baked Idaho Potatoes with ease and confidence!

Enjoy these Bacon Cheese Burger Twice Baked Idaho Potatoes as a delightful twist on the classic baked potato. Packed with savory flavors and comforting textures, they are sure to become a family favorite. Serve them as a main dish or alongside a fresh salad for a complete meal that satisfies.