This cheesy, creamy Cajun staple is the ultimate side to go along with steak, fish, seafood platter...just about anything! Once you try Cajun Twice Baked Potatoes, its the only way you'll want to eat a baked potato...don't say I didn't warn you!
3cupssharp cheddar cheese - grated; plus some for the tops; see Notes
1teaspoonkosher salt
1teaspoonWhite Pepper
1teaspoongarlic powder
1teaspooncayanne pepper - optional
Here's What You Do
Bake potatoes in an oven at 400 for about 45 minutes to 1 hour or until softened. (See Notes)
Remove from the oven and allow the potatoes to cool.
Slice the tops off the potatoes lengthwise and scoop out the potato, leaving a bowl or boat. See Notes.
Place all the scooped-out potato in a bowl. Using a potato masher, smash the potatoes.
Add the butter and mix into the potatoes. Warm the milk in the microwave and add it to the potatoes a little at a time (may not use the whole cup), blending and stirring until you have slightly thick, lumpy “mashed potatoes”. (see Notes)
Add creole seasoning and sour cream and mix well. (see Notes)
Add cayenne pepper (if using), kosher salt, white pepper and garlic powder, green onions and cheese and mix well until thoroughly blended.
Spoon the mixture back into hollowed out potato shells and cover with cheese. Place a couple of small tabs of butter on top of each potato.
Place in an oven proof baking dish and bake at 350 degrees for about 30 minutes or until the cheese begins to brown.
Notes
Preparing the potatoes in the oven will prepare the potato better for scooping out than using the microwave. If you decide to make a casserole or use the aluminum tins, the microwave is fine to use.To bake the potatoes, wash each potato under running cold water and brush gently with a soft brush. Poke about 6 holes into the potato using a fork, them wrap each potato in aluminum foil. Bake in a preheated 400-degree oven until you the potato is softened.You can slice the top off of the potato or you can slice it in half lengthwise. Slicing the top off will give you one large stuffed potato, slicing it in half will give you two smaller stuffed potatoes.Add the milk, sour cream, green onions and cheese a little at a time. The quantity you will use of each will depend on the quantity of smashed potato you end up with and your personal preference.Grating the cheese yourself provides the best results, but pre-grated cheese works well also.This can be made into a casserole or stuffed into the small aluminum tins if you don’t want to stuff the potatoes.