If you’re looking for a comforting dish that feels like a warm hug on a plate, you’ll absolutely love this Twice Baked Potatoes Recipe. Combining crispy potato skins with creamy, cheesy filling, it strikes the perfect balance between hearty and indulgent. Each bite offers that lovely contrast of textures and flavors — fluffy mashed potatoes blended with sharp cheddar, tangy sour cream, savory bacon bits, and fresh green onions. Whether you’re serving it as a side for dinner or making it the star of a cozy meal, this recipe is sure to become one of your go-tos.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are simple, yet each plays an essential role in creating those irresistible twice baked potatoes. From the russet potatoes’ fluffy interior to the sharp cheddar’s rich flavor and the fresh kick of green onions, everything comes together in perfect harmony.
- Russet potatoes: These large potatoes have a fluffy texture that’s perfect for scooping and baking.
- Sharp cheddar cheese: Adds a bold, tangy flavor and beautiful golden color when melted.
- Butter: Provides creaminess and richness to the mashed potato filling.
- Sour cream: Offers a subtle tang and makes the filling luxuriously smooth.
- Green onions: Bring a fresh, mild onion bite that brightens up the dish.
- Bacon bits (optional): Introduce a smoky crunch that pairs superbly with the cheese and potatoes.
- Salt and black pepper: Enhance all the flavors, making every bite satisfying.
How to Make Twice Baked Potatoes Recipe
Step 1: Bake the Potatoes
Start by scrubbing the russet potatoes clean. Pierce each one several times with a fork—this helps steam escape and prevents bursting. Place them on a baking sheet and bake at 400°F (200°C) for 50 to 60 minutes. You want the skin to be crisp and the inside tender enough to pierce easily with a fork. This perfectly baked potato base is crucial for the best twice baked potatoes recipe experience.
Step 2: Prepare the Filling
Once your potatoes are cool enough to handle, slice each one lengthwise to create two halves. Carefully scoop out the fluffy interior into a mixing bowl, leaving a thin shell of potato intact to hold the filling. Mash the potato flesh together with softened butter, sour cream, salt, and pepper until it’s beautifully smooth and creamy. Then fold in 3/4 cup of shredded sharp cheddar, chopped green onions, and bacon bits if you’re using them. This mixture is where all the magic happens!
Step 3: Refill and Bake Again
Now, spoon the creamy potato mixture back into each potato shell, piling it up nice and high. Place the stuffed potatoes onto your baking sheet and sprinkle the remaining cheese on top. Bake again at 375°F (190°C) for 15 to 20 minutes. When the tops bubble and turn a gorgeous golden brown, your twice baked potatoes recipe masterpiece is ready to come out of the oven.
How to Serve Twice Baked Potatoes Recipe
Garnishes
To elevate your twice baked potatoes recipe, consider adding a dollop of extra sour cream or a sprinkle of freshly chopped chives or parsley. These garnishes provide an additional burst of color and flavor, making the dish look and taste even more inviting. Crumbled bacon on top also adds a wonderful crunch and smoky finish.
Side Dishes
Twice baked potatoes work beautifully alongside a crisp garden salad or steamed green vegetables like broccoli or asparagus. A roasted chicken or grilled steak pairs perfectly if you want a heartier meal. The creamy texture of the potatoes complements just about any protein you can imagine, making it a versatile side or main course.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, try serving these twice baked potatoes recipe bites as appetizers by cutting them into smaller portions. You can also drizzle a little hot sauce or drizzle balsamic glaze on top for added flavor dimension. For gatherings, arrange them on a platter with colorful garnishes to make an eye-catching display that everyone will want to dig into.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors actually develop beautifully overnight, so reheating them the next day is a great option for an easy and delicious meal.
Freezing
You can freeze twice baked potatoes recipe portions by wrapping them tightly in plastic wrap and placing them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They’ll keep well for up to 2 months. When you’re ready, thaw them overnight in the fridge before reheating to preserve the texture.
Reheating
To reheat, pop your twice baked potatoes into a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15 minutes, or until heated through and the cheese is bubbly again. Avoid microwaving if possible, as the oven keeps the skins crisp and the filling creamy without drying out.
FAQs
Can I use another type of potato?
Russet potatoes are best for this recipe because of their fluffy texture, which helps create that creamy filling. Waxy potatoes like red or new potatoes won’t give the same lightness and may become gluey.
Is it necessary to bake the potatoes twice?
Yes! The first bake cooks the potatoes through and crisps the skins, while the second bake melts the cheese and heats the flavorful filling perfectly. Together, these steps create the signature texture and taste of the twice baked potatoes recipe.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
Absolutely! Simply leave out the bacon bits, and you can add extra cheese, sautéed mushrooms, or caramelized onions for extra flavor without meat.
How can I make the filling creamier?
Using softened butter and good-quality sour cream helps achieve a creamy texture. You can also add a splash of milk or cream if you want it even smoother.
Can I prepare the potatoes ahead of time for a party?
Yes, you can prepare everything up to refilling the skins, then refrigerate the stuffed potatoes for a few hours. When ready, bake them as directed. This saves time and makes entertaining a breeze.
Final Thoughts
This Twice Baked Potatoes Recipe is one of those timeless dishes that never fails to impress, whether it’s a weeknight dinner or a special occasion feast. It’s comforting, versatile, and downright delicious. So grab some russet potatoes, a block of sharp cheddar, and get ready to wow everyone at your table with this cozy crowd-pleaser. Once you try it, I promise it’ll become a cherished favorite in your kitchen!
Print
Twice Baked Potatoes Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Salt
Description
Twice baked potatoes are a comforting and flavorful side dish featuring crispy potato skins filled with a creamy mixture of mashed potato, butter, sour cream, cheddar cheese, green onions, and optional bacon bits. This recipe offers a perfect blend of textures and rich savory flavors, making it ideal for family dinners or holiday meals.
Ingredients
Potatoes
- 4 large russet potatoes
Filling
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese, divided
- 4 tablespoons butter, softened
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 3 green onions, chopped
- 1/4 cup bacon bits (optional)
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Bake the Potatoes: Scrub the russet potatoes clean and pierce each several times with a fork to allow steam to escape. Place the potatoes on a baking sheet and bake in a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) for 50-60 minutes, until the skins are crisp and the insides are soft when pierced with a fork.
- Prepare the Filling: Once the potatoes are cool enough to handle, slice each potato in half lengthwise. Carefully scoop out the soft flesh into a mixing bowl, leaving a thin shell of potato intact. Mash the potato flesh with softened butter, sour cream, salt, and black pepper until smooth. Fold in 3/4 cup of the shredded cheddar cheese, chopped green onions, and bacon bits if using.
- Refill and Bake Again: Spoon the creamy potato mixture back into the potato skins, piling it high. Arrange the stuffed potatoes on the baking sheet, sprinkle the remaining 1/4 cup cheddar cheese on top, and bake at 375°F (190°C) for 15-20 minutes until the tops are bubbling and golden brown.
Notes
- Russet potatoes are preferred for their starchy texture which makes for a fluffy filling.
- Allow the potatoes to cool slightly before handling to avoid burns.
- Bacon bits add a smoky flavor but can be omitted for a vegetarian version.
- Feel free to add other mix-ins like garlic powder or chives to enhance flavor.
- For extra crispy skins, you can brush them with a little oil before the initial bake.
