Chef John's Twice-Baked Potatoes

When entertaining guests on special occasions, don't forget that you're putting on a show with the food. And, when it comes to starchy side dishes, these potatoes are a great way to express flair for the dramatic.

• Preparation Time: 30 mins
• Cooking Time: 1 hr 20 mins
• Total Time: 1 hr 50 mins
• Calories: 581 Calories

Ingredients

• 1 egg yolk
• 3 tablespoons butter
• 2 teaspoons vegetable oil
• 1 tablespoon butter, melted
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
• 1 pinch cayenne pepper, or to taste
• 4 large russet potatoes
• 1 tablespoon minced green onion
• 0.5 cup heavy cream
• 0.5 cup shredded white Cheddar cheese

Recipe Instructions

Step 1

Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C). Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil.

Step 2

Bake in the preheated oven until golden brown on top, 20 to 30 minutes.

Step 3

Rub potatoes with vegetable oil; place on the prepared baking sheet.

Step 4

Bake in the preheated oven until a paring knife easily inserts into center of a potato, about 1 hour. Cool until easy to handle, about 10 minutes.

Step 5

Cut 1/3 off each potato lengthwise; reserve. Scoop flesh to about 1/8-inch of potato skins; transfer flesh to a bowl.

Step 6

Combine potato flesh, 3 tablespoons butter, and green onion until butter melted; season with salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper. Stir in Cheddar cheese until melted. Stir in cream and egg yolk until combined; season with salt.

Step 7

Place 1 reserved small piece potato skin inside bottom of each larger potato shell. Divide and fill each potato with cheese mixture. Gently press surface of filling with a fork to create texture. Brush tops with 1 tablespoon melted butter; sprinkle with paprika.