Twice Baked Potatoes- Two Ways!

Twice baked potatoes. You can fill them will a million things. They can be filled and stored in the fridge for a few days and then just top and heat to serve.

You will need:

• 2 russet or starchy baking potato
• olive oil
• 1/4-1/2 cup milk
• 1-2 tbsp butter
• 1/4 cup grated cheddar (I like it old and sharp..like my men!)
• salt/pepper
• 1 tsp za'atar
• 1 tsp chopped fresh parsley
• 2 chopped scallions/green onions
• more grated cheese for the top (any kind you like!)

OR

• 2 russet potatoes
• 1/4-1/2 cup milk
• 1-2 tbsp butter
• 1/4 cup grated fresh Parmesan 
• 1/4 cup grated mozzarella
• salt/pepper
• 1 tsp Italian Seasoning herbs
• 1 tsp fresh chopped parsley
• 1 tsp fresh chopped basil
• 1 green onion/scallion chopped fine
• optional -  fry up some bacon bits to top
• more grated cheese for the top of each potato

I take all the fresh chopped herbs and put some in the mashed potato and reserve a bit to sprinkle on top once they come out of the oven.

Step 1: wash and rub a bit of olive oil on both potatoes.Poke a few holes with a knife and bake at 350 degrees F for 1- 1/12 hours until soft.

Step 2: cut in half lengthwise when cooled just enough to handle. You need to remove filling and mash while they are still hot/warm.  Carefully scoop out inside leaving a bit so that the potato boat still holds its shape to refill.

Step 3: in a bowl take the inner flesh from the potato and mash with warmed milk and butter (30 seconds in microwave) add grated cheddar, za'atar, salt, pepper, chopped parsley and green onions and mix until smooth. (or add the filling options from the second baked potato recipe above)

 Fill the potatoes dividing the filling equally.

Step 4: Top with cheese and bake the potatoes at 350 degrees F until they have warmed through and the cheese is melted on top

These are the ones topped with cheddar cheese

These are the potatoes with mozzarella and Parmesan

You can sprinkle fresh herbs on top, bacon bits, sour cream or whatever floats your boat! (potato boat!)