Irresistible Twice Baked Potatoes Recipe: Crispy, Creamy Bliss

Creamy, cheesy twice baked potatoes dance with flavor in this irresistible comfort dish.

Every kitchen deserves a go-to recipe that sparks instant excitement.

Crispy potato skins cradle a luxurious, whipped interior bursting with sharp cheddar and crisp bacon bits.

Home cooks adore how simple ingredients merge into something magical.

We’ll walk through each step to guarantee perfect results every single time.

Rich, golden-brown edges promise a delectable experience that feels like a warm culinary hug.

You’ll want to savor every single bite of this crowd-pleasing classic.

What Makes Twice Baked Potatoes Delicious

• Quick Family Feast: Perfect for game nights, movie marathons, or casual gatherings where everyone wants a delicious handheld bite that satisfies hunger instantly.
• Minimal Prep Magic: Requires simple ingredients and basic cooking skills, making this recipe accessible for beginners and busy home cooks who want a crowd-pleasing meal without complicated techniques.
• Kid-Friendly Comfort: Compact sliders appeal to children and adults alike, with familiar flavors of beef, cheese, and soft buns that create a universally loved meal everyone will enjoy together.
• One-Pan Wonder: Minimal dishes and straightforward cooking process means less cleanup and more time spent enjoying the meal with minimal kitchen stress.

What You Need For Twice Baked Potatoes

• Russet Potatoes: Large, starchy potatoes perfect for creating a creamy and fluffy filling.

• Sour Cream, Milk, Butter, Shredded Cheese: Rich ingredients that provide a smooth, tangy, and luxurious texture to the potato filling.

• Green Onions, Garlic Powder, Salt, Pepper, Bacon Bits, Chives: Aromatic and flavorful additions that enhance the overall taste and provide a delightful finishing touch to the twice-baked potatoes.

How To Make Twice Baked Potatoes Perfectly

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Crank the oven to a toasty 400°F (200°C). Grab your potatoes and give them a quick rinse under cool water, then pat them completely dry with a clean kitchen towel.

Step 2: Prep and Initial Bake

Grab a fork and poke some holes all over each potato – this helps steam escape. Slide the potatoes into the preheated oven and let them bake for about an hour, or until they feel super soft when you gently squeeze them.

Once done, let them cool down just enough to handle comfortably.

Step 3: Scoop Out the Goodness

Slice each potato in half lengthwise using a sharp knife.

With a spoon, carefully scoop out the fluffy potato insides, leaving a thin potato shell behind. Arrange these potato boats on a baking sheet.

Step 4: Create a Creamy Potato Mixture

• Sour cream
• Milk
• Butter
• Shredded cheese
• Chopped green onions
• Garlic powder
• Salt
• Black pepper

Whip everything together until you’ve got a super creamy, dreamy mixture.

Step 5: Refill and Top the Potato Shells

Spoon the creamy potato mixture back into each potato shell. Sprinkle an extra handful of cheese on top for that irresistible golden crust.

Step 6: Final Bake to Perfection

Pop the loaded potato boats back into the oven, this time at 375°F (190°C). Bake for 15-20 minutes until the tops turn a gorgeous golden brown and the cheese gets all bubbly and melty.

Step 7: Serve and Enjoy

For an extra flavor boost, sprinkle some crispy bacon bits or fresh chives on top. Serve these cheesy potato boats piping hot and watch everyone’s eyes light up!

Things That Help With Twice Baked Potatoes

• Pierce potatoes thoroughly to ensure even cooking and prevent potential bursting during baking.
• Use starchy russet potatoes for the fluffiest and most creamy interior texture when mashing.
• Keep potato shells intact while scooping to maintain a sturdy base for refilling with cheesy mixture.
• Warm milk and butter before mixing into potato filling for smoother, more consistent blending.
• Optional variations include adding crispy bacon bits, switching cheeses, or incorporating fresh herbs like chives or parsley for extra flavor complexity.

Flavor Tweaks For Twice Baked Potatoes

• Ranch Style Potatoes: Mix in ranch seasoning mix and additional cheddar cheese for a tangy, creamy flavor profile.
• Spicy Southwest Potatoes: Add diced jalapeños, chili powder, cumin, and pepper jack cheese for a zesty kick.
• Mediterranean Herb Potatoes: Incorporate crumbled feta cheese, chopped fresh basil, oregano, and sun-dried tomatoes for a Mediterranean-inspired version.
• Loaded Cheeseburger Potatoes: Fold in cooked ground beef, extra sharp cheddar, and top with crispy diced pickles for a burger-inspired potato experience.

What Works Well With Twice Baked Potatoes

• Cozy Family Dinner Side Dish: Arrange twice baked potatoes alongside roasted chicken or grilled steak for a hearty meal that brings everyone together.
• Game Day Appetizer Platter: Slice potatoes into smaller bite-sized portions, arrange on a wooden board with dipping sauces like ranch or spicy aioli for a crowd-pleasing snack during sports events.
• Vegetarian Lunch Star: Pair these cheesy potatoes with a crisp green salad and roasted vegetables for a satisfying meatless meal that delivers incredible flavor and comfort.
• Brunch Buffet Sensation: Create a breakfast spread by adding scrambled eggs and fresh fruit alongside these potatoes, making a delicious weekend morning feast that guests will love.

Keeping Twice Baked Potatoes Fresh And Tasty

• Store leftover twice baked potatoes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Cover with plastic wrap or aluminum foil to maintain moisture and prevent drying out.
• Wrap individual potatoes tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container or freezer bag. Freeze for up to 1 month. Label with the date to track freshness.
• Warm in the oven at 350F (175C) for 15-20 minutes to restore crispy tops and maintain creamy texture. Avoid microwave reheating to prevent soggy results.

FAQs

• Can I use a different type of potato?

Yes, you can use Russet or Yukon Gold potatoes. They both work well for twice baked potatoes due to their starchy texture and ability to create a creamy filling.

• How do I know when the potatoes are fully baked?

The potatoes are done when you can easily pierce them with a fork and the skin feels crispy. They should be soft inside and have a golden exterior.

• Can I make these potatoes ahead of time?

Absolutely! Prepare the stuffed potato shells and refrigerate them. When ready to serve, bake for 20-25 minutes at 375F until heated through and cheese is melted.

Twice Baked Potatoes Recipe

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4.8 from 9 reviews

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

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Description

Twice baked potatoes deliver a creamy, cheesy comfort classic that elevates humble spuds into a crowd-pleasing side dish. Crisp potato skins filled with whipped potato goodness will make everyone at the table smile with delight.

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Ingredients

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• 4 potatoes (large, russet)
• 1 cup cheddar cheese (shredded, divided)
• 1/2 cup sour cream
• 1/4 cup milk
• 2 tablespoons butter (softened)
• 2 green onions (chopped)
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• Salt (to taste)
• Pepper (to taste)
• Bacon bits (optional)
• Chives (optional)

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Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and thoroughly scrub the potatoes under cool running water, ensuring all dirt is removed.
2. Using a fork, puncture each potato multiple times to allow steam to escape during baking, then place directly on the oven rack.
3. Roast potatoes for approximately 1 hour, or until they yield easily when gently squeezed with an oven mitt. Remove and let rest for 10 minutes to cool slightly.
4. Slice each potato precisely in half lengthwise, creating two equal boat-shaped shells. Carefully excavate the interior potato flesh, maintaining a thin wall of potato to preserve the shell’s structure.
5. Transfer potato shells to a clean baking sheet, ensuring they are positioned evenly and stable.
6. In a mixing bowl, thoroughly mash the extracted potato flesh until smooth and free of lumps.
7. Incorporate sour cream, milk, melted butter, shredded cheese, chopped green onions, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper into the mashed potatoes, stirring until the mixture achieves a uniform, creamy consistency.
8. Generously refill each potato shell with the seasoned potato mixture, mounding slightly for a rustic appearance.
9. Sprinkle remaining cheese over the filled potato shells, creating an even layer for optimal melting.
10. Reduce oven temperature to 375°F (190°C) and return potatoes to the oven for 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese transforms into a golden, bubbling crust.
11. Optional: Garnish with crispy bacon bits or freshly chopped chives for additional flavor and visual appeal.
12. Serve immediately while hot and maintain the potatoes’ crisp exterior and creamy interior.

Notes

• Choose large, starchy russet potatoes with uniform shape for consistent baking and easier stuffing.
• After scooping potato flesh, pat shells dry with paper towel to ensure crispy exterior when re-baking.
• Swap full-fat dairy with low-fat alternatives or use Greek yogurt for lighter version, and replace cheese with nutritional yeast for vegan option.
• Roast garlic beforehand or add smoked paprika for deeper, more complex taste profile that elevates standard twice-baked potato recipe.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 330 kcal
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 250 mg
• Fat: 15 g
• Saturated Fat: 9 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
• Trans Fat: 0.2 g
• Carbohydrates: 40 g
• Fiber: 4 g
• Protein: 10 g
• Cholesterol: 40 mg