Tiny Twice-Baked Potatoes with Smoked Paprika and Bacon

Makes 40 hors d'oeuvres Ingredients • 20 small baby red potatoes (about 1 pound) • 1 1/2 Tbsp. extra-virgin olive oil • Fine sea salt and freshly ground black pepper • 2 slices of bacon • 1/2 cup shredded sharp Cheddar cheese • 2 Tbsp. sour cream • 1 scallion (green part only), minced • 1/4 tsp. smoked spicy paprika • 2 Tbsp. unsalted butter • 1⁄3 cup heavy cream or whole milk or a combination

Directions Preheat the oven to 400°F. Leaving the skins on, cut the potatoes in half crosswise, and place cut side down on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Drizzle with the olive oil, sprinkle with salt and pepper, and toss until evenly covered. Bake for 20 minutes, until cooked through. Cool completely. Cook the bacon over medium-low heat until crispy, about 10 minutes. Drain on paper towels, and then mince. In a bowl, combine the bacon, cheese, sour cream, scallion, paprika, 1/4 teaspoon salt, and 1/4 teaspoon pepper. Using a sharp knife, trim a tiny slice off the round end of each potato half, so that they can stand upright. Using a melon baller or a paring knife and small spoon, carefully scoop enough potato flesh from each potato half to form little cups. Mash the scooped-out potato into the cheese mixture along with the butter and cream. Spoon the mashed stuffing into a pastry bag or a freezer-strength zipper bag with a corner snipped off, and pipe it into the potato cups. Put the potatoes on a baking sheet, cover with plastic wrap, and refrigerate for up to 1 day. At serving time, preheat the oven to 350°F. Bake the potatoes until heated through, about 10 minutes. Serve warm. Reprinted from In My Kitchen