CHEESY POTATOES FOR 30 RECIPES

Steps:

• Preheat oven to 350°. In a Dutch oven, melt butter over medium heat. Add onion, mustard, salt and pepper; cook until onion is tender, 6-8 minutes. Add garlic; cook until fragrant. Whisk in flour; continue whisking 3-5 minutes., Whisk in milk; bring to a boil. Reduce heat; simmer, uncovered, until thickened slightly, 8-10 minutes. Gradually stir in 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese; stir in Monterey Jack cheese. Add potatoes and toss to coat. Simmer 10 minutes, stirring frequently., Transfer potato mixture to a greased 13x9-in. baking dish. Top with remaining cheddar cheese. Bake, uncovered, for 1 hour. Top with bread crumbs; return to oven until potatoes are tender, 10-15 minutes. Let stand 15 minutes before serving. If desired, sprinkle with chives.

Steps:

• Preheat the oven to 425 degrees F.
• Stab the potatoes with a fork or paring knife a few times on all sides. Place on a baking sheet and bake until fork-tender, 60 to 80 minutes. Let cool slightly (but keep the oven on).
• Meanwhile, melt the butter in a small skillet over medium heat. Add the garlic and shallot and cook until softened but not browned. Set aside.
• Once the fully cooked potatoes are cool enough to handle, cut them in half lengthwise. Using a spoon or melon baller, scoop out the flesh of the potatoes, leaving a 1/4-inch rim to preserve the shape of the shells.
• In a large bowl, mash the potato insides until mostly smooth. Add the butter mixture, sour cream, chives and 1 cup of Cheddar and mix together. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
• Spoon the mixture evenly into the 8 shells. Top with the remaining 1 cup cheese. Bake until the cheese is golden brown and bubbly, 25 to 30 minutes. Serve warm.