Broccoli and Bacon Loaded Baked Potatoes

This recipe featuring really great sharp cheddar is one I love because it really is as simple as can be.  You don’t even need a stove to make it!  Though if you want to adapt it to be made in a range, that will work just as well.  I keep it simple though and just microwave the potatoes.

Broccoli and Bacon Loaded Baked Potatoes

Ingredients

• 4 russet potatoes
• 1 ½ cup finely chopped broccoli
• ¼ teaspoon ground pepper, preferably white
• 1 ¼ cup shredded sharp cheddar (5 ounces), divided

Instruction

Cut top ¼ of potatoes off. Scoop most of the soft white potato flesh into a large bowl (including that from the tops.)Add sour cream, salt and pepper and mash with a potato masher until creamy. Add ¾ cup shredded cheddar and mash until the cheese is melted into the potato. Stir in the reserved broccoli, scallions and bacon. Divide the broccoli mixture among the four hollowed-out potato shells. Divide the remaining ½ cup cheddar over the four potatoes.

Place potatoes in a small microwave-safe baking dish and microwave until the cheese is melted on top 45 seconds to 2 minutes.