Twice Baked Potatoes are a classic comfort food that transforms a humble russet potato into a creamy, cheesy, and flavorful masterpiece. Whether you’re preparing a meal for the family, hosting a holiday gathering, or looking for the perfect side dish to pair with your favorite protein, these twice-baked potatoes are guaranteed to impress. The combination of tender baked potatoes, creamy mashed filling, sharp cheddar, and crispy bacon makes this dish a crowd-pleaser every time.

In this comprehensive guide, we’ll walk you through the ingredients, step-by-step instructions, tips, and more to ensure you create the perfect Twice Baked Potatoes. Plus, we’ll share some other related recipes you might enjoy for the ultimate potato-inspired feast!

What Are Twice Baked Potatoes?

Twice-baked potatoes are simply baked potatoes that are “baked twice.” First, the potatoes are baked whole in the oven until they’re tender. Then, the insides are scooped out and mashed with butter, sour cream, cheese, and other seasonings, creating a creamy filling. The filling is then spooned back into the potato skins and baked again until the cheese is melted and golden brown. The final touch typically includes a sprinkle of crispy bacon, fresh scallions, or even a drizzle of sour cream.

This technique elevates the classic baked potato to a whole new level by making it richer and more flavorful. The second baking gives the potatoes a crispy, golden top while the insides remain perfectly creamy.

Why You’ll Love These Twice Baked Potatoes

1. Rich and Creamy Texture

The combination of butter, sour cream, and cheese creates a rich and creamy filling that perfectly complements the fluffy potato base.

2. Packed with Flavor

From the sharp tang of Monterey Jack cheese to the smoky goodness of crispy bacon, every bite of Twice Baked Potatoes is bursting with flavor.

3. Perfect for Any Meal

These potatoes pair well with everything from grilled meats and roasted chicken to a festive holiday feast. They can be served as a side dish or even as a main course with a salad on the side.

4. Customizable

You can easily customize these potatoes by adding or swapping ingredients. Try adding roasted garlic, chives, or other types of cheese to make them your own.

Ingredients for Twice Baked Potatoes

To make the perfect Twice Baked Potatoes, you’ll need just a few simple ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need for this recipe:

4 russet potatoes: Russet potatoes are the best choice for twice-baked potatoes due to their large size and starchy texture, which makes them perfect for baking and mashing.
Olive oil: This helps to coat the potatoes before baking, ensuring they have a crispy, golden skin.
Salt: Essential for seasoning both the potato skins and the mashed filling.
⅓ cup sour cream: Adds a creamy, tangy flavor to the potato filling.
2 tablespoons butter: For richness and flavor in the mashed potato filling.
½ cup Monterey Jack cheese, finely shredded: Monterey Jack gives the potatoes a smooth, mild, and creamy texture.
1 cup cheddar cheese, finely shredded (reserve ¼ cup for topping): The sharpness of cheddar adds depth to the flavor of the filling.
¼ teaspoon garlic powder: Adds savory flavor to the mashed potato filling.
¼ teaspoon onion powder: Complements the garlic powder with a mild, aromatic flavor.
¼ teaspoon salt: To season the mashed potatoes.
¼ teaspoon black pepper: Adds a subtle, warm heat.
¼-⅓ cup milk, as needed: Adjust to achieve your desired filling consistency.
2 slices bacon, cooked until crispy and chopped: Bacon adds a smoky crunch to the finished dish.
1 scallion, thinly sliced for garnish: A fresh, mild onion flavor to top off the potatoes.

How to Make Twice Baked Potatoes

Step 1: Bake the Potatoes

Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). Scrub the russet potatoes under cold water to remove any dirt, then pat them dry with a paper towel. Rub each potato with olive oil and season them with salt. This will help the skins become crispy as they bake.

Place the potatoes directly on the oven rack and bake for about 45-60 minutes, or until they are tender when pierced with a fork. The exact baking time will depend on the size of the potatoes, so check for tenderness after 45 minutes. Once done, remove the potatoes from the oven and allow them to cool slightly.

Step 2: Prepare the Filling

Once the potatoes are cool enough to handle, slice each potato in half lengthwise. Using a spoon, scoop out the insides of each potato, leaving about ¼-inch of potato around the skin to keep the shells sturdy.

Place the scooped-out potato flesh in a mixing bowl. Mash the potato with a fork or potato masher until smooth. Add sour cream, butter, Monterey Jack cheese, ¾ cup of cheddar cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Use a hand mixer or a spoon to combine everything until the filling is creamy and smooth. If the filling feels too thick, gradually add milk (¼-⅓ cup) until you achieve your desired consistency.

Step 3: Stuff the Potatoes

Spoon the mashed potato mixture back into the hollowed-out potato skins. Be sure to mound the filling slightly above the top of the potato skins to make them nice and fluffy.

Step 4: Top with Cheese and Bacon

Sprinkle the remaining ¼ cup of cheddar cheese over the tops of each potato. Then, top with the crispy, chopped bacon to add a delicious crunch and smoky flavor.

Step 5: Bake Again

Return the stuffed potatoes to the oven and bake at 375°F (190°C) for 15-20 minutes. The goal is to heat the filling through and melt the cheese on top until it’s golden and bubbly. You’ll know they’re done when the cheese is melted and the tops are slightly browned.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

Once the potatoes are done, remove them from the oven. Garnish the tops with freshly sliced scallions for a pop of color and flavor. Serve the Twice Baked Potatoes hot and enjoy!

Tips for Making Perfect Twice Baked Potatoes

1. Choose the Right Potatoes

Russet potatoes are ideal because their fluffy, starchy interior makes them perfect for mashing. They also have thick skins that can hold up well to the stuffing and second baking process.

2. Don’t Overfill the Potatoes

While it’s tempting to stuff the potatoes with a lot of filling, make sure you leave enough of the potato shell intact to hold the stuffing without breaking. If the skin is too thin, it might collapse under the weight of the filling.

3. Make Ahead Option

You can prepare the filling and stuff the potatoes ahead of time. Simply cover the stuffed potatoes and refrigerate them until you’re ready to bake. When you’re ready, bake them at 375°F (190°C) for 20-25 minutes, or until heated through.

4. Add Extra Toppings

Feel free to get creative with toppings. Some great options include shredded cheese, sour cream, chives, or even a dollop of ranch dressing for extra flavor.

5. Use Leftover Potatoes

Leftover mashed potatoes can be used as a filling for twice-baked potatoes. Just add in some cheese, sour cream, and seasonings to freshen up the flavor and texture.

More Related Recipes You Might Enjoy

Frequently Asked Questions About Twice Baked Potatoes

How long can twice baked potatoes sit out?

Twice Baked Potatoes should not sit out at room temperature for more than two hours. After this window, the risk of bacterial growth increases, making them unsafe to eat. If you’re not serving them immediately, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They can be safely refrigerated for up to 3-4 days and reheated when ready to enjoy.

Do twice baked potatoes reheat well?

Absolutely! Twice Baked Potatoes reheat beautifully. For best results, place them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes until heated through. You can also reheat them in the microwave for quicker results, but the oven method helps maintain a crispier skin. If reheating from frozen, bake them straight from the freezer at 375°F (190°C) for about 35-40 minutes.

Why do they call it twice baked potatoes?

The name “Twice Baked Potatoes” comes from the cooking method. First, the whole potatoes are baked until tender. Then, after scooping and mixing the filling with flavorful ingredients like cheese, sour cream, and seasonings, the stuffed potatoes are baked a second time. This double-baking process gives the dish its creamy interior and slightly crisp, cheesy topping.

What is the best potato for twice baked?

Russet potatoes are the top choice for making Twice Baked Potatoes. Their thick skins provide a sturdy shell for stuffing, and their fluffy, starchy interiors mash beautifully to create a light and creamy filling. Yukon Golds can work as a substitute if you prefer a slightly buttery flavor and smoother texture, but russets remain the classic favorite for this recipe.

Conclusion

Twice Baked Potatoes are a savory, cheesy, and comforting side dish that’s sure to elevate any meal. Whether you’re enjoying them on a cozy weeknight or serving them at a holiday gathering, they bring a level of sophistication and flavor that will have your guests asking for seconds. With their creamy filling, crispy skin, and delicious toppings, these potatoes are an unbeatable combination of textures and flavors.

By following the steps and tips shared in this article, you’ll be able to make the perfect Twice Baked Potatoes every time. And don’t forget to get creative with your toppings and seasonings to make them your own!

Let’s face it: you can’t go wrong with potatoes, cheese, bacon, and all the deliciousness that comes with them. So go ahead and indulge in this delicious, comforting side dish—you won’t regret it!

Twice Baked Potatoes Recipe: Crispy, Creamy, and Delicious

Author: Time of Recipes
Total Time: 1 hour 25 minutes
Yield: 4 servings (2 halves per person) 1x
Diet: Gluten Free

Print Recipe

Description

Twice Baked Potatoes are a deliciously indulgent side dish with creamy mashed potato filling, melted cheese, crispy bacon, and a crispy, golden exterior. Perfect for any meal!

Ingredients

Scale

4 russet potatoes
Olive oil
Salt
⅓ cup sour cream
2 tablespoons butter
½ cup Monterey Jack cheese, finely shredded
1 cup cheddar cheese, finely shredded (reserve ¼ cup for topping)
¼ teaspoon garlic powder
¼ teaspoon onion powder
¼ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon black pepper
¼–⅓ cup milk (as needed)
2 slices bacon, cooked until crispy and chopped
1 scallion, thinly sliced for garnish

Instructions

Bake Potatoes: Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Scrub potatoes, dry, and rub them with olive oil and salt. Place them directly on the oven rack and bake for 45-60 minutes until tender.
Prepare Filling: Once baked, let potatoes cool slightly. Slice them in half lengthwise and scoop out the insides, leaving a thin shell. Mash the scooped potato with sour cream, butter, Monterey Jack cheese, ¾ cup cheddar cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, pepper, and milk until smooth and creamy.
Stuff & Top: Spoon the creamy filling back into the potato skins. Top with the reserved cheddar cheese and chopped bacon.
Bake Again: Return stuffed potatoes to the oven and bake at 375°F (190°C) for 15-20 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Garnish & Serve: Top with sliced scallions and serve hot.

Notes

Bacon: Feel free to substitute with turkey bacon for a lighter version.
Cheese: You can mix up the cheeses for variety—try using a sharp cheddar or even adding some Parmesan.
Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
Category: Side Dish
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 stuffed potato half
Calories: 305 kcal
Sugar: 3g
Sodium: 560mg
Fat: 21g
Saturated Fat: 8g
Unsaturated Fat: 10g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 28g
Fiber: 3g
Protein: 9g
Cholesterol: 30mg

Keywords: Twice baked potatoes, loaded potatoes, cheesy baked potatoes, creamy potatoes, bacon stuffed potatoes, comfort food side dishes, easy potato recipes