The Best Twice Baked Potatoes Recipe You’ll Ever Need

Comfort meets culinary creativity in this mouthwatering twice baked potatoes recipe that promises to delight every taste bud.

Creamy, cheesy, and packed with irresistible flavors, these potatoes elevate a simple side dish into a star attraction.

The magic happens when fluffy potato insides get whipped with rich ingredients and nestled back into their crispy skins.

Crisp bacon bits and melted cheese create a harmony of textures that dance across your palate.

Seasoned with herbs and a touch of garlic, each bite delivers a burst of savory goodness.

These potatoes are perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or when you want to impress without spending hours in the kitchen.

Prepare to transform an ordinary meal into an extraordinary dining experience that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Reasons to Love Twice Baked Potatoes

• These twice-baked potatoes deliver ultimate satisfaction with minimal kitchen effort. Perfect for home cooks seeking delicious results.
• Prepare the stuffed potatoes in advance and refrigerate, then bake when ready to serve. This feature allows flexible meal planning without sacrificing flavor or quality.
• Swap cheeses, add different toppings like jalapeños or ranch seasoning, or make vegetarian by skipping bacon. This recipe welcomes personal creativity and dietary preferences with open arms.
• Kids and adults alike will devour these creamy, cheesy potatoes. They transform a simple side dish into a memorable, crowd-favorite meal that sparks conversation and brings everyone together around the table.

Key Ingredients in Twice Baked Potatoes

• Potatoes: Starchy and hearty base that provides the delicious foundation for this comforting dish.
• Sour Cream: Creamy ingredient that adds richness and tanginess to the potato filling.
• Butter: Provides smooth texture and enhances the overall flavor of the potato mixture.

• Monterey Jack Cheese, Cheddar Cheese: Melty cheeses that contribute a delightful savory taste and creamy texture to the stuffed potatoes.

• Garlic Powder, Onion Powder, Salt, Pepper: Essential spices that boost the flavor profile and add depth to the potato filling.

• Bacon, Scallions: Crispy and fresh toppings that provide a delicious crunch and bright flavor finish to the dish.

• Olive Oil: Helps create a crispy potato skin during initial baking.
• Milk: Adjusts the creaminess of the potato filling to achieve the perfect consistency.

How to Prepare Twice Baked Potatoes

Step 1: Prepare Potato Base

Preheat the oven to 350°F.

Thoroughly wash potatoes and pat them dry.

Poke several holes using a fork to allow steam escape.

Massage each potato with olive oil and sprinkle with salt.

Place potatoes directly on a baking sheet and roast for 45-60 minutes until they feel soft when gently squeezed.

Step 2: Create Potato Shells

Allow potatoes to cool until comfortable to handle.

Carefully slice each potato lengthwise.

Using a spoon, gently scoop out potato interior, maintaining a thin shell about 1/3 inch thick to prevent tearing.

Step 3: Craft Creamy Potato Filling

• Sour cream
• Butter
• Monterey Jack cheese
• Cheddar cheese
• Garlic powder
• Onion powder
• Salt
• Pepper

Blend ingredients using a hand mixer until smooth.

Gradually add milk to achieve a creamy consistency without making the mixture too thin.

Step 4: Refill Potato Skins

Generously spoon the creamy potato mixture back into potato shells.

Sprinkle remaining cheddar cheese on top.

Step 5: Final Baking

Increase oven temperature to 375°F.

Bake stuffed potatoes for 15-20 minutes until thoroughly heated and cheese becomes melted and golden.

Step 6: Add Finishing Touches

Garnish with crumbled bacon and chopped scallions just before serving.

Twice Baked Potatoes – Pro Cooking Tips

• Gently scoop out potato flesh using a spoon, leaving a thick shell to maintain structural integrity and avoid ripping the delicate potato skin.
• Add milk gradually while mixing to control the filling's texture, ensuring it's smooth and spreadable without becoming too runny or dry.
• Experiment with different cheese combinations like sharp cheddar, gruyère, or pepper jack to create unique taste profiles and enhance the overall potato experience.
• Use a fork to prick potatoes before initial baking, allowing steam to escape and preventing potential potato explosions in the oven.
• Swap bacon with crispy turkey bacon for a lighter option, or use vegetarian bacon bits to accommodate different dietary preferences while maintaining delicious crunch.

Storing & Reheating Twice Baked Potatoes

• Store leftover twice baked potatoes in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keep them in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days, ensuring they're completely cooled before sealing to prevent moisture buildup.
• Wrap each potato individually in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe bag. Freeze for up to 2 months. Label the bag with the date to track storage time.
• Thaw frozen potatoes in the refrigerator overnight. Preheat oven to 350°F, place potatoes on a baking sheet, cover with foil, and warm for 15-20 minutes. Remove foil for the last 5 minutes to crisp the cheese.
• For quick reheating, place potato on a microwave-safe plate, cover with a damp paper towel, and heat in 30-second intervals until warmed through. Be careful not to overheat, as this can dry out the potato.

Great Sides for Twice Baked Potatoes

• Pair with Crisp White Wine: Sauvignon Blanc cuts through the potato's richness with its bright, zesty acidity, creating a refreshing balance that cleanses your palate between bites.
• Match with Hearty Red Ale: A malty, robust beer complements the cheesy, creamy potato filling, enhancing the savory flavors with its warm, caramel undertones and slight bitterness.
• Serve alongside Fresh Arugula Salad: The peppery greens provide a light, crisp contrast to the heavy, indulgent twice-baked potatoes, adding a fresh and tangy element to the meal.
• Complement with Roasted Chicken: A simple, herb-seasoned roasted chicken creates a classic protein pairing that rounds out the dish without competing with the potato's complex flavors.

Try These Styles of Twice Baked Potatoes

• Vegetarian Potato Delight: Replace bacon with crispy roasted chickpeas or sautéed mushrooms for a protein-packed meatless version. Keep all other ingredients the same.
• Vegan Potato Power: Swap dairy ingredients with plant-based alternatives like cashew cream, vegan butter, and nutritional yeast. Use dairy-free cheese substitutes and omit bacon.
• Low-Carb Cauliflower Swap: Replace potatoes with roasted cauliflower halves. Use the same seasoning and cheese mixture, creating a keto-friendly alternative that mimics the original recipe's flavor profile.
• Gluten-Free Comfort: This recipe is naturally gluten-free. Ensure all ingredients are certified gluten-free, especially any cheese or seasoning blends to accommodate those with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity.

FAQs

• Can I use different types of potatoes?

Russet potatoes work best for this recipe due to their starchy texture and large size, which makes them perfect for scooping and refilling.

• How can I make this recipe vegetarian?

Simply omit the bacon and replace it with crispy vegetarian bacon alternatives or add extra cheese and herbs for flavor.

• Is it possible to prepare these potatoes in advance?

Yes, you can assemble the stuffed potatoes ahead of time and refrigerate them. Just add an extra 5-10 minutes to the baking time when you’re ready to serve.

• What cheese alternatives can I use if I don't have Monterey Jack?

Mozzarella or Gruyère are excellent substitutes that will provide similar creamy and melty characteristics to the dish.

Twice Baked Potatoes Recipe

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4.5 from 31 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 35 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Creamy, cheesy twice baked potatoes elevate comfort food with classic american flavors. Rich potato skins stuffed with a velvety filling promise a delightful experience you’ll savor from first bite to last.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 4 russet potatoes
• 1 cup cheddar cheese, finely shredded
• 1/2 cup Monterey Jack cheese, finely shredded
• 1/3 cup sour cream
• 1/4–1/3 cup milk
• 2 tablespoons butter

Seasoning and Spices:

• 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Garnish and Additional Ingredients:

• olive oil
• salt for sprinkling potatoes
• 2 slices crispy cooked bacon, chopped
• 1 scallion, thinly sliced

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Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F. Thoroughly wash potatoes, pat dry, and pierce with a fork to allow steam release. Massage each potato with olive oil and sprinkle with salt.
2. Place potatoes directly on baking sheet and roast for 45-60 minutes until tender when gently squeezed. Ensure potatoes are fully cooked to prevent difficult scooping.
3. Allow potatoes to cool slightly for comfortable handling. Slice lengthwise and delicately scoop out interior, maintaining a thin potato skin shell to prevent tearing.
4. Transfer potato flesh to mixing bowl. Incorporate sour cream, butter, Monterey Jack, cheddar cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Blend using hand mixer until smooth.
5. Gradually add milk to achieve creamy consistency without becoming watery. Mix thoroughly to ensure even texture.
6. Generously refill potato skins with the creamy potato mixture, distributing evenly.
7. Increase oven temperature to 375°F. Sprinkle remaining cheddar cheese over filled potatoes.
8. Bake for 15-20 minutes until cheese melts and potatoes are thoroughly heated.
9. Remove from oven and garnish with crumbled bacon and chopped scallions for a final decorative touch.

Notes

• Choose large, starchy potatoes like Russet or Idaho for the best texture and easier scooping.
• After washing potatoes, thoroughly dry them to ensure crispy skin and prevent soggy results.
• Use a hand mixer gently to blend filling, avoiding overmixing which can make potatoes gluey.
• Swap dairy ingredients with vegan alternatives like plant-based cheese and coconut cream for lactose-free version.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 370
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 350 mg
• Fat: 17 g
• Saturated Fat: 9 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 45 g
• Fiber: 4 g
• Protein: 10 g
• Cholesterol: 30 mg