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Basil Pesto Twice Baked Potatoes Recipe

Elevate your potato game with this irresistible recipe! Creamy mascarpone cheese, vibrant basil pesto, and nutty pine nuts combine to create a twice-baked potato experience unlike any other. These are perfect for a weeknight meal or a crowd-pleasing appetizer. Make a big batch – they reheat beautifully from the fridge! No mascarpone? Cream cheese works in a pinch (though the flavor will be slightly different). Get ready for a flavor explosion!

Prep Time 20 mins
Cook Time 75 mins
Calories 147.3 kcal
Protein 10g
Rating 3.3 (3 Reviews)
Basil Pesto Twice Baked Potatoes

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Recipe Author

Chef Forktionary, author of this recipe

Passionate home cook & Forktionary contributor.

Ingredients for Basil Pesto Twice Baked Potatoes

  • Potato
  • 4 ounces (113g) mascarpone cheese (or cream cheese)
  • Basil Pesto
  • Salt And Pepper
  • Mozzarella Cheese
  • 1/4 cup (15g) pine nuts

How to Make Basil Pesto Twice Baked Potatoes

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C).
  2. Scrub 4 large russet potatoes and pierce them several times with a fork. Bake for 50-60 minutes, or until a fork easily pierces the center.
  3. Remove potatoes from the oven and let them cool slightly.
  4. Halve the potatoes lengthwise and carefully scoop out the flesh, leaving a 1/4-inch border to create a sturdy shell.
  5. Lightly mash the potato flesh with a fork in a medium bowl.
  6. Add 4 ounces (113g) mascarpone cheese (or cream cheese), 1/2 cup (60g) basil pesto, 1/4 teaspoon salt, and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper. Mix well.
  7. Stir in 1/2 cup (40g) grated mozzarella cheese and 1/4 cup (15g) pine nuts.
  8. Spoon the mixture back into the potato skins, mounding slightly.
  9. Place the potatoes on a foil-lined baking sheet.
  10. Bake for 10-15 minutes, or until heated through and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
  11. Garnish with extra basil (optional) and serve immediately.

Chef's Tip for Extra Flavor

Elevate your dish with simple flavor boosters! A final flourish of freshly chopped herbs can add incredible brightness, while a squeeze of lemon or lime juice right before serving can awaken all the flavors. Don't underestimate a sprinkle of quality finishing salt or a drizzle of good olive oil to make your creation shine.

Nutrition Information (Approximate per serving)

Sodium

2 g

Sugar

4g

Fat

6g

Carbs

7g

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Weeknight Time To Make Course Main Ingredient Preparation Occasion Side Dishes Potatoes Vegetables Easy Vegetarian Dietary 4 Hours Or Less