50+ Lifestyles

Twice Baked Potatoes

• 2 large baking potatoes
• 1/2 pound lean bacon
• 1 /2 cups shredded mild Cheddar cheese, divided
• 1/2 cup sour cream
• 1/4 cup milk
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
• 1 teaspoon dried chives
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper

Directions:

1. Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C). Grease a 9 × 13-inch casserole dish.
2. Use a toothpick to poke a few holes into each potato.
3. Bake potatoes in the preheated pan until fully cooked, about 1 hour. Cool for about 15 minutes.
4. Cook bacon in a large skillet over medium-high heat, turning occasionally, until evenly browned, about 10 minutes. Drain bacon slices on a paper towel-lined plate; crumble and set aside.
5. Cut a thin slice from one side of each baked potato; carefully scoop out flesh and transfer to a large bowl. Discard skins.
6. Mix 1/2 of the Cheddar cheese, sour cream, milk, butter, chives, garlic powder salt, and black pepper into potatoes until well combined.
7. Spread potato mixture into the prepared casserole dish; top with remaining Cheddar cheese and crumbled bacon.
8. Bake in the preheated oven until just bubbling, 10 to 15 minutes. Cool for at least 5 minutes before serving.

Cheesy Tots

• 1 (16-ounce) package frozen tater tots
• 1/2 cup brown gravy
• 1/4 cup diced ham
• 1/4 cup shredded Swiss cheese
• 1/4 cup shredded Cheddar cheese
• 3 slices bacon strips, cooked and crumbled
• 1 teaspoon chopped fresh chives

Directions:

1. Preheat the oven to 450 degrees.
2. Place tater tots on a baking sheet in an even layer and bake until lightly browned and crisp, about 20 minutes.
3. Remove from the oven and to with gravy, diced ham, Swiss cheese, and Cheddar cheese. Return to the oven and bake until cheese is melted, about 5 minutes.
4. Top with crumbled bacon and chives and serve!

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