Roasted Garlic Twice Baked Potato - Brenda Gantt Recipes (2024)

• August 15, 2023

Roasted Garlic Twice-Baked Potatoes are a comforting and indulgent dish that takes the beloved classic baked potato to new heights. This recipe combines the creamy goodness of baked potatoes with the rich and aromatic flavor of roasted garlic, resulting in a decadent side dish that’s sure to impress. The process of roasting the garlic elevates its taste, infusing the potatoes with a depth of flavor that’s both savory and delightful. In this recipe, we’ll delve into the history of potatoes as a staple food, the art of roasting garlic, and guide you through the step-by-step process of creating Roasted Garlic Twice-Baked Potatoes—a dish that marries tradition with innovation, offering a symphony of textures and tastes.

The potato, a staple food in many cultures, has a history that dates back thousands of years. Originating in the Andes region of South America, potatoes were brought to Europe by Spanish explorers in the 16th century. Over time, potatoes gained popularity due to their versatility, adaptability to different climates, and nutrient content. Baked potatoes became a comforting and nutritious way to enjoy this humble root vegetable.

Roasting garlic is a culinary technique that transforms pungent raw garlic into a mellow, sweet, and aromatic delight. The process involves baking whole garlic bulbs until their cloves become soft and caramelized. Roasted garlic adds depth and complexity to dishes, making it a sought-after ingredient in both savory and even sweet recipes.

SERVES: 6

PREP TIME: 30 MINUTES

COOKING TIME: 1 HOUR 25 MINUTES

INGREDIENTS

• 4 large russet potatoes
• 1 whole garlic bulb
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1/2 cup sour cream or Greek yogurt
• 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• Chopped fresh chives or green onions for garnish

INSTRUCTIONS

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Carefully slice off the top of the garlic bulb, exposing the cloves. Drizzle olive oil over the exposed cloves, allowing it to seep into the cloves.
3. Wrap the garlic bulb in aluminum foil and place it in the oven. Roast for about 40-45 minutes, or until the cloves are soft and golden brown.
4. While the garlic is roasting, scrub the russet potatoes clean and pierce them several times with a fork. This allows steam to escape during baking.
5. Place the potatoes directly on the oven rack and bake for about 50-60 minutes, or until they are tender when pierced with a fork.
6. Once the garlic bulb is roasted and the potatoes are baked, remove both from the oven and let them cool slightly.
7. Cut the top off each baked potato and carefully scoop out the flesh, leaving a thin layer of potato attached to the skin. Place the scooped-out potato flesh in a bowl.
8. Squeeze the roasted garlic cloves out of the skins and add them to the bowl with the potato flesh.
9. Mash the potato flesh and roasted garlic together using a fork or potato masher.
10. Mix in the sour cream or Greek yogurt, shredded cheddar cheese, and unsalted butter until everything is well combined.
11. Season the mixture with salt and black pepper to taste, adjusting the seasoning as needed.
12. Carefully spoon the mashed potato and roasted garlic mixture back into the hollowed-out potato skins, creating a mound.
13. Place the filled potato skins on a baking sheet and return them to the oven. Bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the tops are golden brown.
14. Once the Roasted Garlic Twice-Baked Potatoes are cooked to perfection, remove them from the oven.
15. Garnish each potato with chopped fresh chives or green onions for a burst of color and freshness.
16. Present the Roasted Garlic Twice-Baked Potatoes on a serving platter, showcasing their golden exteriors and inviting aroma.
17. Encourage your guests to savor the rich and creamy interior, appreciating the balanced flavors of roasted garlic, cheese, and butter.
18. Serve the potatoes as a luxurious side dish, capturing the essence of comfort and indulgence.

NOTES:

• This recipe offers a delightful way to enjoy the time-honored tradition of baked potatoes while incorporating the rich flavors of roasted garlic. The Roasted Garlic Twice-Baked Potatoes are a testament to the creativity of culinary techniques that enhance the familiar and elevate it to new culinary heights. Whether shared at a holiday gathering or enjoyed as a special treat, these potatoes exemplify the joy of creating memorable dishes that combine tradition with innovation.