Stone Delicious Recipe

Preheat and prepare potatoes

Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C). Scrub potatoes thoroughly and pat dry. Prick each potato several times with a fork to allow steam to escape.

Coat and roast

Rub each potato evenly with 1 tablespoon olive oil (reserve remaining oil) and sprinkle each with about 1/2 tsp of the coarse kosher salt and a light dusting of black pepper. Place potatoes on a rimmed baking sheet lined with foil or parchment and roast in the center of the oven until skin is crisp and a paring knife slides in easily, about 50–60 minutes depending on size.

Halve and hollow

Remove potatoes from oven and reduce oven temperature to 400°F (200°C). Let cool until they can be handled (5–10 minutes). Cut each potato lengthwise in half. Using a spoon, scoop out most of the flesh into a bowl, leaving a 1/4-inch thick shell of potato against the skin to form a sturdy 'stone' shell. Reserve scooped potato for another use or mash into the filling if preferred.

Brush shells

Brush the inside (and a little of the outside) of each potato shell with remaining 1 tablespoon olive oil. Season lightly with a pinch of salt and pepper. Return shells to the baking sheet, cut-side up.

Fill with cheese and bacon

Evenly divide the grated cheddar and Monterey Jack between the potato shells, filling them generously but without overstuffing. Sprinkle crumbled bacon over the cheese in each shell.

Bake to melt

Place the filled potato shells back into the oven at 400°F (200°C) and bake until cheese is fully melted and bubbling and the edges of the shells are golden, about 12–15 minutes.

Finish and garnish

Remove potatoes from oven. Dollop about 1 tablespoon sour cream onto each stuffed potato (use remaining sour cream to taste across servings). Sprinkle sliced scallions and chopped chives over the top. If using, dot with small pats of butter and/or a light dusting of paprika for color and mild smoky flavor. Add hot sauce to taste if you want heat.

Transfer each 'Stone Delicious' to a serving plate. Serve hot, allowing each person to mix the toppings into the melted cheese and potato shell as they eat. Offer extra sour cream, hot sauce, and chopped chives at the table.