Irresistibly Cheesy Twice Baked Potatoes Recipe for Family Night

Crispy potato skins cradle a dreamy, cheesy twice baked potatoes filling that’ll make you weak in the knees.

Comfort arrives in a creamy, golden package bursting with flavor.

Bacon bits add a salty crunch that sends taste buds dancing.

Melted cheese weaves through soft potato interiors like a delicious melody.

Sharp cheddar and green onions create a magnificent harmony of textures and tastes.

Rich and indulgent, this dish promises to be your new weekend favorite.

Each forkful promises a delightful journey of creamy, savory satisfaction that calls you to the kitchen.

Twice Baked Potatoes That Are Always A Hit

• Crowd-Pleasing Comfort: Transforms simple potatoes into a decadent, irresistible dish that brings everyone to the table with excitement.
• Minimal Prep Effort: Requires basic ingredients and straightforward steps, making it perfect for home cooks of all skill levels who want a delicious meal without complex techniques.
• Customizable Delight: Easily adaptable with potential variations like different cheeses, herbs, or protein additions to suit individual tastes and dietary preferences.
• Make-Ahead Magic: Can be partially prepared in advance, allowing for stress-free entertaining and convenient meal planning for busy households.

Twice Baked Potatoes Ingredient Build

• Russet Potatoes: Starchy potatoes perfect for fluffy and creamy twice-baked texture, ideal for holding filling and maintaining structure.

• Sour Cream, Milk, Butter, Cheddar Cheese: Creamy components that add richness, smooth texture, and classic tangy flavor to the potato filling.

• Bacon, Green Onions, Garlic Powder, Salt, Pepper: Savory and aromatic ingredients that provide depth, crunch, and balanced seasoning.

Bacon: Adds smoky, crispy element and protein.

Green Onions: Fresh, mild onion flavor and visual appeal.

Garlic Powder: Enhances overall savory profile.

Salt and Pepper: Essential for seasoning and bringing out other flavors.

Twice Baked Potatoes Step Method

Step 1: Prepare Potatoes for Baking

Grab your russet potatoes and give them a thorough wash.

Dry them completely with a clean kitchen towel.

Use a fork to poke multiple holes all over each potato, allowing steam to escape during baking.

Step 2: Initial Potato Roasting

Slide the potatoes directly onto the oven rack in a preheated oven.

Bake until the potatoes become tender and soft, with a slight give when gently squeezed.

Remove and let them cool just enough to handle comfortably.

Step 3: Potato Hollowing

Slice each potato in half lengthwise using a sharp knife.

Carefully scoop out the fluffy interior with a spoon, leaving a thin potato skin shell to hold the delicious filling.

Step 4: Create Creamy Potato Mixture

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

• Shredded cheddar cheese
• Crispy bacon bits
• Chopped green onions

Step 5: Refill Potato Shells

Generously spoon the creamy potato mixture back into the potato skins.

Mound the filling slightly for an extra indulgent look.

Step 6: Final Cheese and Bacon Topping

Sprinkle the remaining cheese and bacon over the stuffed potatoes.

Return to the oven and bake until the cheese transforms into a golden, bubbly masterpiece.

Step 7: Serve and Enjoy

Garnish with the remaining green onions.

Serve immediately while hot and irresistibly delicious.

Tricks for Making Perfect Twice Baked Potatoes

• Poke multiple fork holes to prevent potato explosions and ensure even cooking throughout.
• Use warm milk and softened butter when mashing for smoother, fluffier potato filling without lumps.
• Cook bacon until extra crispy before crumbling to add more crunch and intense flavor to the potatoes.
• Allow cheese to reach room temperature before sprinkling for more even and quicker melting on top.
• Replace potato shells with hollowed zucchini boats for a lighter, vegetable-based alternative to traditional twice-baked potatoes.

Reheat Twice Baked Potatoes The Right Way

• Store leftover twice baked potatoes in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
• Cover each potato individually in aluminum foil to prevent drying out and maintain moisture.
• Warm potatoes in the oven at 350°F for 15-20 minutes, ensuring they are heated thoroughly and cheese melts evenly.
• As a quick alternative, microwave potatoes for 2-3 minutes, stopping halfway to rotate and prevent uneven heating.

Extras That Fit with Twice Baked Potatoes

• Perfect Wine Pairing: Select a crisp Chardonnay to complement the rich, creamy potato texture with its balanced acidity and subtle oak notes.
• Matching Beer Selection: Choose a robust amber ale that cuts through the potato's richness while enhancing the smoky bacon flavors with its malty undertones.
• Ideal Side Salad: Create a tangy arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette to provide a fresh, sharp contrast against the heavy, cheese-laden potato dish.
• Recommended Protein Partner: Serve alongside grilled chicken breast seasoned with herbs to balance the potato's decadence and add lean protein to the meal.

Twice Baked Potatoes with Stuffing and Topping Ideas

• Vegan Potato Delight: Replace dairy ingredients with plant-based alternatives like cashew cream, almond milk, vegan butter, and nutritional yeast. Use tempeh or coconut bacon bits for crunch and flavor.
• Gluten-Free Comfort: Ensure all ingredients are certified gluten-free. Skip any processed seasonings that might contain gluten. Use turkey bacon or plant-based bacon for protein.
• Low-Carb Potato Alternative: Swap potatoes with roasted cauliflower or zucchini boats. Use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream for lower carbohydrate content. Add extra herbs like chives and parsley for enhanced flavor.
• Spicy Mexican-Style Stuffed Vegetables: Incorporate jalapeños, pepper jack cheese, and cilantro. Add diced green chiles and cayenne pepper for extra heat. Top with salsa or Mexican-style crema for authentic regional flair.

FAQs

• Can I make twice baked potatoes ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the potatoes in advance and refrigerate them before the final baking. Just cover them tightly and bake when ready to serve, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.

• Are there any tips for getting crispy potato skins?

Make sure to dry the potatoes thoroughly before baking and brush the skins with a little olive oil before the first bake. This helps create a crispier exterior.

• Can I use different types of cheese?

Absolutely! Swap cheddar with monterey jack, gouda, or pepper jack for different flavor profiles. The key is using a cheese that melts well.

• How do I prevent the potato mixture from being lumpy?

Use a potato masher or hand mixer on low speed. For extra smooth potatoes, pass the potato flesh through a ricer before mixing in other ingredients.

Twice Baked Potatoes Recipe

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4.8 from 35 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Creamy classic Twice Baked Potatoes bring comfort and rich flavor to your dinner table. Crisp potato skins filled with whipped cheese, bacon, and herbs create a delightful side dish that will satisfy both family and guests.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 4 large russet potatoes
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 4 slices cooked bacon, crumbled

Dairy & Liquid Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup sour cream
• 1/4 cup milk
• 3 tablespoons butter, softened

Seasonings & Garnish:

• 2 green onions, sliced
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• Salt to taste
• Pepper to taste

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Instructions

1. Thoroughly cleanse potatoes under running water and pat dry. Using a fork, puncture the skin multiple times to allow steam to escape during baking.
2. Position potatoes directly on the middle oven rack and roast at 400°F for approximately one hour, or until easily pierced with a knife.
3. Allow potatoes to cool momentarily, then slice lengthwise with a sharp knife. Delicately excavate the interior flesh using a spoon, maintaining a thin potato skin wall.
4. Transfer potato flesh to a mixing bowl. Incorporate sour cream, milk, butter, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Blend until smooth and creamy.
5. Fold in half the cheddar cheese, bacon pieces, and chopped green onions into the potato mixture, ensuring even distribution.
6. Generously refill potato skins with the seasoned mixture, creating slight mounds. Arrange stuffed potatoes on a clean baking sheet.
7. Distribute remaining cheese and bacon across potato surfaces. Return to oven and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes until cheese melts and edges turn golden brown.
8. Sprinkle remaining green onions over potatoes as a final garnish. Serve immediately while warm and crispy.

Notes

• Ensure potatoes are evenly sized for consistent cooking and texture.
• Use a fork to create multiple punctures, allowing steam to escape and preventing potato explosions.
• Choose starchy potatoes like Russet for the fluffiest interior and best flavor absorption.
• For a lighter version, substitute Greek yogurt for sour cream and use turkey bacon to reduce calories.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 75 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 366
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 320 mg
• Fat: 18 g
• Saturated Fat: 10 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 43 g
• Fiber: 5 g
• Protein: 12 g
• Cholesterol: 37 mg