Loaded Baked Potatoes with Bacon and Cheese

Sometimes I go through writer's block.

Or rather, food block. I'm sure you've noticed the lack of posts these past few weeks. Every day I attempt to find something new to try and come up with nothing. Not that there hasn't been an endless amount of stuff to choose from with the holidays and all. I guess go through phases sometimes, surrounding myself with everything food and every now and then I get burned out. I'm sure this happens to you too, maybe not with food, but other things that you enjoy. So annoying!

So instead I've been focusing on my other hobbies. Reading and crafting. I finally read the first book of The Hunger Games (not sure how I feel about it..) and I've started reading Room, so interesting! I made all my Christmas cards and decorated the house, bought a small tree, and shopped for gifts. Then one night I realized I really wanted a baked potato..

I've never made twice baked potatoes, which these kind of are. You'll bake the potatoes like normal and then scoop out the flesh and mash it up with cream cheese, oregano, cheddar cheese, and whatever else you like. The potatoes and the stuffing go back in the oven again and when they come out you can sprinkle them with bacon and green onions. I think they'd be great for a Christmas party!

Source: adapted from Cooking Light
Servings: 4


4 large baking potatoes
1/2 cup milk
1/3 cup cream cheese, softened
1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
2 tablespoons minced fresh or 2 teaspoons dried oregano
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1/4 cup thinly sliced green onions
2 bacon slices, cooked and crumbled

Preheat oven to 400°. Pierce potatoes with a fork; bake at 400° for 1 hour or until tender. Cool slightly. Cut each potato in half lengthwise; scoop out pulp into a large bowl, leaving a 1/4-inch-thick shell. Mash pulp with a potato masher. Add milk and cream cheese to mashed potato; stir with a whisk. Add cheddar cheese, oregano, salt, and pepper; stir well. Spoon potato mixture into shells. Place on a baking sheet; bake at 400° for 15 minutes or until thoroughly heated. Sprinkle each serving with 1 1/2 teaspoons green onions; top with bacon.

What are your holiday plans?