Loaded Hasselback Potatoes

Potatoes are so awesome. You can make so many foods from a potato. This is one of our favorites: Hasselback potatoes. They're not difficult, and they are a bit of a "fun food" for kids as they're sliced like a bunch of potato chips in the making. They're crispy on the outside and soft on the inside. Texturally, the best of both worlds. Here's what you'll need for 4 potatoes:

Photo byKristy Bernardo

Ingredients:

• 4 large baking potatoes
• 6-8 tablespoons butter, softened (or olive oil)
• 1 teaspoon pepper
• 1 teaspoon garlic salt
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

Toppings:

• 6 pieces bacon, cooked and chopped
• Chives or green onions
• Sour cream (optional)

Scrub the potatoes clean. Slice them by using two metal or cheap disposable chopsticks and placing one on either side of your potato (the long sides). Slice them in about 1/8" pieces, and cut down to the chopstick so it's not going all the way through. (This is what allows it to "fan" when baked).

To prevent browning while slicing, place each sliced potato in a bowl of cold water until all potatoes are prepared.

Spread 1-2 tablespoons of softened butter or olive oil over the top of each potato and into the crevices. Sprinkle the garlic salt and pepper over the butter, and arrange the potatoes on a baking sheet.

Bake in a preheated oven at 425°F for 60-90 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender inside and the skins are crispy.

During the last 10 minutes of baking, remove the potatoes from the oven and sprinkle about 1/4 cup of shredded cheddar cheese over each one. Return to the oven and bake until the cheese is melted.

Remove from ove, and finish by topping each potato with chopped bacon, green onions or chives, and sour cream, if desired. Enjoy!!