Cheesy Bacon Stuffed Mini Potatoes

Ingredients

2 pounds Yukon gold potatoes (1 1/2 to 2 inches in diameter)

1 (8-ounce) package cream cheese, softened

1 cup sour cream

1/2 cup cooked, crumbled applewood smoked bacon, divided

2 teaspoons roasted mashed garlic

1 1/2 teaspoons salt, divided

1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper, plus more for garnish

1/4 cup finely grated sharp Cheddar cheese

1/4 cup finely grated Monterey Jack cheese

3 tablespoons chopped green onion, plus more for garnish

Directions

Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F. Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil.

In a large Dutch oven, place the potatoes and enough water to cover and bring to a boil. Boil until just tender, about 8 minutes. Drain and let cool. Cut the potatoes in half crosswise. Cut a thin slice off the round end of each potato half to stand upright. Using a melon baler, scoop out the centers of the potatoes, leaving a 1/4-inch thick shell. Reserve the potato pulp.

In a medium bowl, combine the potato pulp, cream cheese, sour cream, 1/4 cup bacon, garlic, 1 teaspoon salt and pepper. Mash with a potato masher until well combined. Stir in the Cheddar cheese, Monterey Jack cheese and green onions.

Sprinkle the insides of the potato shells with the remaining 1/2 teaspoon salt. Spoon the potato mixture evenly into the potato shells and top with the remaining 1/4 cup bacon. Place the stuffed potatoes on the prepared baking sheet and bake until lightly browned, about 20 minutes. Garnish with green onions and freshly ground pepper, if desired.