Grilled “Twice Baked” White Cheddar Potatoes

4 large russet potatoes, washed and dried

4 to 5 slices bacon

1/2 cup chopped leeks, white and light green parts only

1/2 cup sour cream

1/4 cup milk

1 cup freshly shredded white Cheddar cheese, divided

1/2 cup (1 stick) butter, melted, divided

1/2 tsp. salt

1/2 tsp. ground black pepper

 

Preheat the oven to 400 degrees. Using a fork, prick the potatoes. Bake them directly on the oven rack until they are fork-tender, for about 1 hour. Let the potatoes cool for 10 minutes, and then cut them into halves lengthwise. Scoop the flesh of the potatoes into a bowl, leaving about ¥4-inch thickness around the skin. Mash the potatoes until they are smooth. Cook the bacon in a skillet over medium-high heat until it is crisp. Drain on paper towels. Crumble the bacon. Reserve 1 T. of the bacon drippings in the skillet. Add the leeks to the drippings and cook over medium heat until they are softened. Stir the leeks into the potatoes along with the sour cream, milk, 3/4 cup of the cheese, 1/4 cup of the butter, salt, and pepper. Spoon the potato mixture back into the potato skins, and top each with some of the remaining cheese and 1 T. butter. Heat half of the grill to medium-high heat. Place the stuffed potatoes over indirect heat and close the grill lid. Grill the potatoes for 20 minutes, or until they are warm throughout and the cheese has melted. Serve the potatoes immediately.  If using an oven, bake the stuffed potatoes at 350 degrees for 20 to 25 minutes.