Easy Twice Baked Potatoes Recipe: Fluffy, Cheesy Comfort Magic

Crispy potato skins stuffed with creamy, cheesy goodness make twice baked potatoes a comfort food champion that never disappoints.

Melted cheese and fluffy potato interiors create a magical combination guaranteed to satisfy hunger pangs.

Perfectly seasoned and loaded with flavor, these potatoes work as a killer side dish or standalone meal.

Bacon bits and chives add delightful crunch and color to the classic recipe.

Simple ingredients come together quickly in this crowd-pleasing dish that feels like a warm culinary hug.

Weeknight dinners or special gatherings will instantly become more exciting with these irresistible potato treats.

You’ll want to savor every single bite of this delectable potato masterpiece.

Twice Baked Potatoes: What Makes Them a Comfort Food Classic

• Crowd-Pleasing Comfort: Transforms classic baked potatoes into a decadent, loaded side dish that brings everyone to the table with its irresistible cheesy, bacon-packed flavor.
• Super Customizable Dish: Easily adapt the recipe by swapping ingredients like different cheeses, adding herbs, or making vegetarian versions to suit personal tastes and dietary preferences.
• Meal Prep Champion: Perfect for preparing ahead of time, these stuffed potatoes can be assembled in advance and baked right before serving, making them ideal for busy weeknights or entertaining guests.
• Versatile Serving Option: Equally impressive as a hearty side dish for family dinners, potlucks, game day gatherings, or as a satisfying main course with a simple side salad.

Ingredients in Twice Baked Potatoes

• Potatoes: Starchy, hearty base for a delicious and comforting side dish.
• Sour Cream: Adds rich, tangy creaminess to the potato filling.
• Butter: Provides smooth, rich flavor and helps create a creamy texture.

• Cheddar Cheese: Sharp, melty cheese that adds depth and a classic flavor.
• Bacon: Crispy, salty meat that brings smoky richness to the dish.

• Salt, Pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance the overall flavor of the potatoes.
• Green Onions: Fresh, mild onion flavor that adds a bright note to the dish.
• Milk: Helps create a smooth and creamy potato mixture.

Stepwise Guide to Twice Baked Potatoes

Step 1: Prepare Potato Base

Wash potatoes thoroughly under cool running water. Poke multiple holes using a fork to allow steam to escape.

Place potatoes directly on oven rack and bake until soft and tender, which takes about an hour. Potatoes should feel slightly giving when gently squeezed.

Step 2: Hollow Out Potato Shells

Allow potatoes to cool just enough to handle safely. Slice potatoes lengthwise with a sharp knife.

Carefully scoop out potato flesh using a spoon, leaving a thin layer inside the skin to maintain structural integrity.

Step 3: Whip Potato Filling

Transfer potato flesh to a large mixing bowl.

• Sour cream
• Whole milk
• Unsalted butter
• Kosher salt
• Black pepper

Mash ingredients together until smooth and creamy, avoiding any large lumps.

Step 4: Enhance Potato Mixture

• Shredded cheddar cheese
• Chopped green onions
• Crispy crumbled bacon

Mix gently to distribute ingredients evenly.

Step 5: Refill Potato Skins

Spoon potato mixture back into original potato skin shells. Distribute filling evenly and create small peaks for texture.

Step 6: Final Baking

Sprinkle remaining cheese on top of filled potatoes. Return to oven and bake until cheese melts and top becomes golden brown.

Step 7: Serve and Garnish

Transfer potatoes to serving plate. Optional toppings include extra bacon bits, chopped chives, or dollop of sour cream.

Serve immediately while hot and cheese is melted.

Tips to Perfect Twice Baked Potatoes Flavor and Texture

• Choose russet potatoes for the best texture and fluffy interior when baking.
• Ensure potatoes are thoroughly scrubbed and dried before piercing to prevent moisture buildup.
• Mash potato filling while still warm to achieve a smoother, creamier consistency.
• Allow extra crispy bacon by cooking it separately until perfectly crunchy before crumbling.
• Experiment with different cheese varieties like sharp cheddar or pepper jack for unique flavor profiles.

Flavor Variations to Enjoy with Twice Baked Potatoes

• Vegetarian Potato Delight: Replace bacon with sautéed mushrooms or roasted bell peppers for a meat-free version.
• Dairy-Free Comfort: Swap sour cream and milk with coconut milk or almond milk, use vegan cheese alternative.
• Spicy Southwest Style: Add diced jalapeños, use pepper jack cheese, mix in chili powder and cumin for a zesty kick.
• Low-Carb Cauliflower Swap: Substitute potatoes with cauliflower for a lighter, lower-carbohydrate option that maintains similar creamy texture.

Side Dishes That Complement Twice Baked Potatoes

• Cozy Family Dinner Star: Serve these twice-baked potatoes as a hearty main dish alongside a fresh green salad for a complete, satisfying meal that brings everyone together.
• Potluck Party Pleaser: Arrange these golden, cheesy potatoes on a large platter for gatherings, letting guests enjoy a crowd-pleasing side that's both comforting and impressive.
• Game Day Touchdown Treat: Cut the potatoes into smaller portions as bite-sized appetizers, perfect for sports watching parties and guaranteed to score big with hungry fans.
• Brunch Brilliance: Top with a soft-poached egg and extra crispy bacon bits to transform these potatoes into a luxurious weekend brunch centerpiece that wows breakfast lovers.

Proper Storage of Twice Baked Potatoes

• Refrigerate leftover twice baked potatoes in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days.
• Wrap individual potatoes tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil to maintain moisture and prevent drying out.
• Freeze cooked potatoes for longer storage by placing them on a baking sheet, then transferring to a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months.

FAQs

• Can I use different types of potatoes?

Russet potatoes work best due to their starchy texture and large size, making them perfect for twice-baked potatoes. Other varieties might not hold the filling as well or create the same creamy consistency.

• Is it possible to make these potatoes ahead of time?

You can prepare the stuffed potatoes and refrigerate them before the final bake. When ready to serve, bake for 20-25 minutes at 375F until heated through and cheese is melted.

• What can I do if I don't have bacon?

Substitute bacon with chopped ham, cooked sausage, or make a vegetarian version by adding more cheese or some sautéed vegetables like bell peppers or mushrooms.

Best Twice Baked Potatoes Recipe

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4.6 from 25 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 50 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Irresistible twice baked potatoes combine creamy mashed interiors with crispy potato skins for a comforting side dish. Cheese, bacon, and green onions elevate this classic recipe that brings warmth and satisfaction to your table.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 4 large russet potatoes
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 4 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled

Dairy and Creamy Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup sour cream
• 1/4 cup milk
• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter

Seasonings and Garnish:

• 3 green onions, chopped
• Salt to taste
• Black pepper to taste

Optional Toppings:

• Chives
• Extra cheese
• Extra bacon

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Instructions

1. Thoroughly wash potatoes and puncture with a fork. Roast at 400F (200C) for approximately 1 hour until completely tender.
2. Allow potatoes to cool slightly, then carefully halve lengthwise. Delicately scoop potato flesh into a mixing bowl, preserving thin potato skin shells.
3. Vigorously mash potato flesh with sour cream, milk, and butter until smooth and creamy. Season generously with salt and pepper.
4. Incorporate shredded cheddar cheese, chopped green onions, and crispy crumbled bacon into mashed potato mixture. Blend thoroughly.
5. Generously refill potato skin shells with seasoned potato mixture, ensuring even distribution.
6. Sprinkle remaining cheese over potato surfaces to create a golden topping.
7. Return stuffed potatoes to oven, reducing temperature to 375F (190C). Bake 15-20 minutes until cheese melts and edges turn golden brown.
8. Optional: Garnish with extra green onions, bacon bits, or additional herbs for enhanced presentation. Serve immediately while warm and aromatic.

Notes

• Prevent potato skin from tearing by gently scooping out the flesh with a spoon, keeping the shell intact for a sturdy base.
• Adjust consistency of the filling by gradually adding milk, ensuring a creamy but not runny texture that holds its shape when piped back into potato skins.
• Swap bacon for crispy mushrooms or plant-based bacon bits to create a vegetarian version that doesn’t compromise on flavor and texture.
• Use low-fat dairy options like Greek yogurt and reduced-fat cheese to make this indulgent dish lighter without sacrificing taste.

• Prep Time: 30 minutes
• Cook Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 475 kcal
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 420 mg
• Fat: 28 g
• Saturated Fat: 15 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 11 g
• Trans Fat: 0.5 g
• Carbohydrates: 38 g
• Fiber: 4 g
• Protein: 16 g
• Cholesterol: 65 mg