Oh my goodness, have you ever stumbled upon a recipe that just screams indulgence and comfort? These Cheesy Jalapeno Popper Twice Baked Potatoes are like a warm hug on a chilly evening.
Picture this: the creamy, cheesy goodness mingling with a spicy kick—it’s like a party in your mouth that you didn’t even realize you desperately needed.
Honestly, if jalapenos could win an award for best supporting role in a dish, this would be it.
Steps
- Preheat your oven to 350°F. Clean the potatoes thoroughly, then prick each one with a fork and coat in canola oil and kosher salt. Place them on a foil-lined baking sheet and bake for about an hour until fork-tender, then let them cool.
- Once cooled, slice the top off each potato horizontally. Carefully scoop out the insides into a mixing bowl, ensuring the skins remain intact to form potato shells.
- In the mixing bowl with the potato insides, combine sour cream, cream cheese, 1 cup of cheddar cheese, mozzarella, ranch seasoning, diced jalapenos, cooked bacon, green onion, salt, and pepper. Mash together until well mixed.
- Stuff the hollowed potato skins with the mashed filling. Sprinkle the remaining cheddar cheese and reserved bacon on top.
- Bake the filled potatoes for an additional 15-20 minutes at 350°F, or until the cheese has melted. Garnish with extra jalapeno slices for added heat.
Ingredients
- 6 large potatoes
- 1 tablespoon canola oil
- 2 teaspoons kosher salt
- 1 cup sour cream
- 8 ounces cream cheese, at room temperature
- 1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 3 tablespoons dry ranch seasoning mix (or 1 1/2 packets of store-bought seasoning)
- 2 to 4 medium jalapeno peppers, seeded and diced (reserve 1 teaspoon for topping)
- 4 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled (reserve 2 tablespoons for topping)
- 2 tablespoons diced green onion
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon pepper
FAQ
- Can I make twice-baked potatoes in the microwave?
- Yes, you can use the microwave for the initial baking of the potatoes to save time. After cleaning and piercing the potatoes, rub them with canola oil and salt, then wrap them in a paper towel moistened with oil. Cook two at a time, checking for tenderness after 8 minutes, and continue in 1-minute intervals if needed. For the second bake, use the oven for best results.
- How do I know when my jalapeno peppers are spicy?
- The spiciness of a jalapeno can vary. Older peppers tend to be hotter and can be identified by the stress marks or white lines on their surface. Younger jalapenos have a smoother, shiny skin and are usually milder. Choose according to your spice preference.
- What’s the best way to prepare jalapeno peppers for this recipe?
- Wear gloves or use a paper towel to hold the jalapeno, then cut it lengthwise to expose the seeds and membrane. Use a spoon to scrape out the membrane and seeds, working from the bottom to the top. This helps avoid contact with the spicy parts of the pepper. Always wash your hands thoroughly afterward.
- What type of potatoes should I use for Jalapeno Popper Twice Baked Potatoes?
- Starchy potatoes like Russet or Idaho potatoes are ideal for this recipe. They bake well and provide the perfect texture for the twice-baked process.
- What should I do if I have leftover filling?
- If you find yourself with leftover filling, don’t worry! It makes for delicious mashed potatoes. Simply heat the extra filling for about 10 minutes and enjoy it as a side dish.
Tips
- Select the Right Potatoes: Choose starchy potatoes like Russet or Idaho for the best texture. Ensure they are thoroughly cleaned to remove all dirt before baking.
- Prevent Potato Bursting: Prick holes around the potatoes before baking to allow steam to escape, preventing them from bursting in the oven.
- Handle Jalapenos Safely: Wear gloves or use a paper towel when handling jalapenos to avoid accidental contact with your eyes or nose. Remove seeds and membranes with a spoon to control the heat level.
- Microwave Option for Speed: If short on time, start by cooking the potatoes in the microwave. After pricking and oiling them, wrap in a moistened paper towel and microwave until fork-tender. Finish by baking them in the oven for optimal texture.
Equipment
- Baking Sheet – A foil-lined baking sheet is needed to bake the potatoes.
- Mixing Bowl – A large mixing bowl is required for combining the filling ingredients.
- Kitchen Gloves – Useful for safely handling jalapeno peppers to avoid skin irritation.
- Potato Masher – Helpful for mashing the potato filling mixture smoothly.
- Sharp Knife – A sharp knife is needed to slice the top off each potato and to chop ingredients like jalapenos and bacon.
- Cheese Grater – If purchasing block cheese, a grater will be necessary to shred the cheddar and mozzarella cheese.
