By Kelly Bogard

We sure enjoyed the cool weather last weekend here in Central Texas. It was a bit chilly first thing on Saturday morning, but warmed up to a very pleasant temperature just in time for Saturday evening festivities. It’s nights like this that we love to entertain.

This weekend will be no different and will hopefully include a steak since my birthday was yesterday. And, of course, every good steak needs a good side dish.

For Cheesy Bacon Hasselback Potatoes, you will need…Cheesy Bacon Hasselback Potatoes
½ cup bacon crumbles
24 small slices of Colby Jack cheese
Olive oil
salt and pepper
fresh chives for garnish

September is a great time for potatoes because it is National Potato Month. So after you try this week’s potatoes, you might want to try out these Party Potatoes or Smashed Potatoes.

First, preheat your oven to 425 degrees and lower your baking rack in the oven to the spot in between the middle and lowest levels. Use the olive oil to moisten the outside of each potato.
Cheesy Bacon Hasselback Potatoes

Now it’s time to slice. Make several slices in the potato, cutting almost to the bottom but not all of the way through like this.
Cheesy Bacon Hasselback Potatoes

Now that the potatoes are sliced, place them in a square baking dish to start stuffing them. Start by seasoning them well with salt and pepper. Place in the oven and bake for 30 minutes.
Cheesy Bacon Hasselback Potatoes

After 30 minutes, remove them from the oven and baste them with more olive oil. Then sprinkle the bacon crumbles into the slices.
Cheesy Bacon Hasselback Potatoes

Follow with cheese in some of the slices.
Cheesy Bacon Hasselback Potatoes

Now, back in they go for another 30 to 40 minutes. Sprinkle with fresh chives before serving.
Cheesy Bacon Hasselback Potatoes

What you end up with is a crispy on the outside soft on the inside preloaded baked potato. They look beautiful on a plate and your friends will be very impressed. If they only knew how easy it was to make. Thanks to the potato farmers for the amazing spuds. From all of us at Texas Table Top, enjoy!

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Recipe: Cheesy Bacon Hasselback Potatoes

Summary: The perfect side for a perfect night!

Ingredients

Cheesy Bacon Hasselback Potatoes

  • 4 baking potatoes, washed and dried
  • ½ cup bacon crumbles
  • 24 small slices of Colby Jack cheese
  • Olive oil
  • salt and pepper
  • fresh chives for garnish

Instructions

  • Preheat the oven to 425 degrees F.
  • Rub the potatoes with olive oil.
  • Make thin slices in each potato almost to the bottom but not cutting all the way through.
  • Place in a square baking dish and season well with salt and pepper.
  • Bake for 30 minutes.
  • Remove from oven and baste with additional olive oil.
  • Sprinkle in crumbled bacon.
  • Add slices of cheese between the layers of the potato.
  • Place back in the oven for 30 to 40 additional minutes until cooked through.
  • Garnish with fresh chives and serve warm.

Cooking time (duration): approximately 1 hour

Number of servings (yield): 4

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