Fluffy Twice Baked Potatoes Recipe: A Cheesy Comfort Classic

Creamy and indulgent twice baked potatoes offer a delightful twist on classic potato preparations.

Crispy potato skins cradle a smooth, rich interior that bursts with flavor and comfort.

Cheese melts into every crevice, creating a mouthwatering experience that beckons you to the kitchen.

Roasted garlic and sharp cheddar combine in a harmonious blend of savory goodness.

Fresh chives sprinkled on top add a bright, zesty note that cuts through the richness.

Each bite promises a perfect balance of textures and tastes that will make your taste buds dance.

You won’t be able to resist diving into this irresistible potato masterpiece.

Ingredients Needed for Twice Baked Potatoes

• Russet Potatoes: Large starchy potatoes perfect for creating a crispy skin and creamy interior.

• Sour Cream, Milk, Butter: These ingredients create a rich and smooth potato filling with excellent texture and depth of flavor.
• Shredded Cheese: Provides a melty, tangy topping that adds extra richness to the potato.

• Garlic Powder, Salt, Pepper: Essential seasonings that boost the overall taste profile of the dish.
• Bacon: Adds a smoky and savory element that complements the creamy potato.
• Green Onions: Offers a fresh, mild onion flavor and a pop of color as both a mixing ingredient and garnish.

Step-by-Step for Twice Baked Potatoes Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Oven and Potatoes

Heat the oven to 400°F.

Thoroughly wash the potatoes and create several punctures using a fork to allow steam to escape during baking.

Place potatoes directly on the oven rack and bake for approximately one hour until they become completely tender when pierced with a knife.

Step 2: Create Potato Shells

Allow potatoes to cool slightly for comfortable handling.

Slice each potato lengthwise and carefully scoop out the soft interior, maintaining sturdy potato skin shells.

Transfer the potato flesh into a spacious mixing bowl.

Step 3: Craft Creamy Potato Filling

Mash the potato flesh until smooth.

• Sour cream
• Milk
• Butter
• Garlic powder
• Salt
• Black pepper

Blend ingredients thoroughly until well combined.

• Shredded cheese
• Crispy bacon pieces
• Chopped green onions

Step 4: Restuff Potato Skins

Generously spoon the creamy potato mixture back into the potato skin shells.

Sprinkle remaining shredded cheese on top of each stuffed potato.

Step 5: Final Baking

Reduce oven temperature to 375°F.

Return stuffed potatoes to the oven and bake for 15-20 minutes until cheese melts completely and turns golden and bubbly.

Step 6: Serve and Garnish

Remove potatoes from oven and let rest briefly.

Garnish with additional chopped green onions before serving hot.

Tips to Master Twice Baked Potatoes

• Use a fork to create multiple small holes in potatoes, ensuring even heat distribution and preventing potato explosions during baking.
• Allow cheese to sit at room temperature before sprinkling, which helps it melt more evenly and creates a smoother, creamier topping.
• Rub potato skins with olive oil and sprinkle with salt before first baking to achieve a deliciously crispy exterior that adds extra texture.
• Mix in fresh herbs like chives or parsley for a burst of freshness and added complexity to the potato filling.
• Prepare stuffed potato skins in advance and refrigerate, then bake just before serving for a convenient and stress-free meal preparation.

Twice Baked Potato Variations to Try

• Vegetarian Potato Boats: Replace bacon with roasted vegetable medley like bell peppers, zucchini, and mushrooms for a plant-based version.
• Low-Carb Cauliflower Swap: Substitute potatoes with cauliflower heads, creating a lighter keto-friendly alternative with similar creamy texture.
• Dairy-Free Comfort Style: Use coconut milk instead of dairy, swap cheese with nutritional yeast, and add dairy-free butter substitute for allergen-friendly option.
• Mediterranean Herb Fusion: Incorporate feta cheese, chopped kalamata olives, and fresh oregano for a Greek-inspired potato experience with tangy Mediterranean flavors.

What Goes Well With Twice Baked Potatoes

Party Platter Paradise: Arrange these golden-brown potatoes on a large wooden board with small ramekins of extra sour cream, chopped chives, and crispy bacon bits for guests to customize their bites.

Hearty Sidekick Spectacular: Pair these loaded potatoes with grilled steak, roasted chicken, or a crisp garden salad to create a complete and satisfying meal that everyone will love.

Brunch Brilliance: Serve these cheesy potatoes alongside scrambled eggs and fresh fruit for a weekend brunch that transforms a simple recipe into a crowd-pleasing spread.

Meal Prep Magic: Cool completely, wrap individually in foil, and store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days – perfect for quick reheating and enjoying throughout the week.

How to Store Twice Baked Potatoes Properly

• Store leftover twice baked potatoes in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days. Separate layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
• Wrap individual potatoes tightly in aluminum foil, then place in freezer bags. Freeze for up to 2 months. Label with date for easy tracking.
• Place potato on microwave-safe plate. Heat for 1-2 minutes, checking halfway through. Sprinkle extra cheese on top for added flavor.
• Thaw frozen potatoes in refrigerator overnight. Unwrap and bake at 350F for 15-20 minutes until heated through and crispy on edges.

FAQs

• Can I make these potatoes ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the stuffed potato skins and refrigerate them for up to 24 hours before the final baking. Just add an extra 5-10 minutes to the baking time when cooking from cold.

• What type of potatoes work best for this recipe?

Russet potatoes are ideal because they have a starchy texture that creates a fluffy interior and crispy skin when baked.

• How can I make this recipe vegetarian?

Simply omit the bacon and add extra cheese or some sautéed vegetables like mushrooms or bell peppers for added flavor and protein.

Why Twice Baked Potatoes Are So Popular

• Unleash Comfort Food Magic: Dive into a creamy, cheesy potato experience that wraps you in pure deliciousness with every single bite.
• Master Easy Cooking Techniques: Perfect for home cooks of all skill levels, this recipe transforms simple ingredients into a restaurant-worthy side dish without complicated steps.
• Customize Your Flavor Adventure: Swap ingredients like bacon for vegetarian options, experiment with different cheeses, or add extra herbs to make this recipe uniquely yours.
• Crowd-Pleasing Party Showstopper: Impress guests at potlucks, family dinners, or game day gatherings with a stunning dish that looks and tastes professionally prepared.

Twice Baked Potatoes Recipe

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4.7 from 22 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 40 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Twice baked potatoes showcase a creamy, cheesy potato delight from American comfort cuisine. Crispy potato skins cradle a luxurious filling of melted cheese, herbs, and sour cream that elevates your dinner experience.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

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

Dairy and Seasoning Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup sour cream
• 1/4 cup milk
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 2 tablespoons chopped green onions

Seasoning:

• Salt to taste
• Pepper to taste

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Instructions

1. Heat oven to 400F (200C) for initial potato roasting.
2. Thoroughly scrub potatoes and puncture multiple times with a fork to allow steam release during baking.
3. Roast potatoes for approximately 1 hour until completely tender when pierced with a knife.
4. Allow potatoes to cool slightly, then slice lengthwise with a sharp knife.
5. Carefully excavate potato flesh into a mixing bowl, preserving potato skin shells as vessels for refilling.
6. Vigorously mash potato flesh, integrating sour cream, milk, butter, garlic powder, salt, and pepper until smooth and creamy.
7. Fold in half of the shredded cheese, crispy bacon bits, and chopped green onions into the potato mixture.
8. Generously stuff potato skins with the prepared mixture, ensuring even distribution.
9. Sprinkle remaining cheese across the filled potato shells.
10. Reduce oven temperature to 375F (190C) and bake for 15-20 minutes until cheese transforms into a golden, bubbling layer.
11. Garnish with additional fresh green onion slices just before serving for enhanced flavor and visual appeal.

Notes

• Potato Selection Matters: Choose large, starchy russet potatoes with uniform shape for consistent baking and easier stuffing.
• Create Crispy Skins: Rub potato exteriors with olive oil and salt before initial baking to develop a delightfully crisp outer layer.
• Customize Dietary Needs: Swap regular dairy with lactose-free alternatives or use Greek yogurt for lower-fat version. Vegetarians can replace bacon with roasted mushrooms or smoked paprika for depth.
• Prep Ahead Strategy: Assemble stuffed potatoes in advance and refrigerate, then bake just before serving for stress-free entertaining. They’ll keep well for 1-2 days when covered tightly.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 367 kcal
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 460 mg
• Fat: 22 g
• Saturated Fat: 13 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
• Trans Fat: 0.3 g
• Carbohydrates: 32 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 12 g
• Cholesterol: 55 mg