Get ready to transform the humble potato into a culinary masterpiece that will have your family and friends begging for seconds! These Twice Baked Potatoes with Garlic Geiger are not just a side dish—they're a creamy, cheesy, flavor-packed experience that elevates comfort food to a whole new level. Imagine crispy potato skins filled with a luxurious blend of garlic cream cheese, melted mozzarella, and perfectly seasoned potato flesh that practically melts in your mouth.
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 1 hrs
Total Time: 1 hrs 15 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 4 large russet potatoes
- 1/2 cup garlic cream cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup sour cream
- 2 tbsp butter
- Salt and pepper to taste
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 multiple times with a fork to allow steam to escape during baking. This prevents the potatoes from potentially exploding in the oven.
- Place the potatoes directly on the middle oven rack and bake for 50-60 minutes, or until they are completely soft when pierced with a fork. The skin should be crisp and golden brown.
- Remove potatoes from the oven and let them cool for 10 minutes until they are safe to handle. Reduce oven temperature to 375°F (190°C).
- Cut each potato lengthwise and carefully scoop out the interior, leaving a thin layer of potato attached to the skin to maintain the potato shell's structure.
- In a mixing bowl, combine the scooped potato flesh, garlic cream cheese, sour cream, butter, salt, and pepper. Mash until smooth and well-combined.
- Spoon the potato mixture back into the potato skins, creating a slightly mounded appearance. Top each potato with shredded mozzarella cheese.
- Return the stuffed potatoes to the oven and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and slightly golden.
- Remove from oven and let rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with optional chopped chives or green onions if desired.
Tips
- Choose large, uniform russet potatoes for the best texture and presentation.
- Always pierce potatoes before baking to prevent potential oven explosions.
- Let potatoes cool slightly before scooping to make handling easier and prevent burns.
- For extra smoothness, use a potato ricer or hand mixer when mashing the potato filling.
- Don't overmix the potato filling to keep a light, fluffy texture.
- For a crispy top, broil the potatoes for 1-2 minutes after adding cheese.
- Serve immediately for the best taste and texture.
- Experiment with additional mix-ins like crispy bacon, chives, or different cheese varieties.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 423kcal
Carbohydrates: 49g
Protein: 11g
Fat: 22g
Saturated Fat: 13g
Cholesterol: 55mg
