Twice-Baked Potatoes Recipe

Twice-Baked Potatoes are the ultimate comfort food makeover we all deserve. Imagine crispy potato skins hugging a cloud of creamy, buttery mashed potatoes, crammed with bacon, tangy sour cream, and melty cheddar jack cheese, finished with a sprinkle of scallions for a pop of color and flavor. This dish transforms a simple baked potato into something downright celebratory and absolutely irresistible. Whether you’re gearing up for a family dinner or looking for a crowd-pleasing side, these Twice-Baked Potatoes will steal the spotlight every single time.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of Twice-Baked Potatoes is in their simplicity. Each ingredient pulls its weight, layering flavor and texture to turn a humble spud into a decadent treat. Here’s what you’ll need and why you’ll love what each brings to your plate:

• Baking potatoes: Russets work best, offering sturdy skins and fluffy interiors—perfect for scooping and refilling.
• Butter, cubed: Adds creamy richness and luscious melt-in-your-mouth texture to the filling.
• Cooked bacon, crumbled: Introduces smoky, savory crunch—never skip the bacon!
• Sour cream: Gives tang and a balancing lightness that keeps the filling from being too heavy.
• Cheddar jack cheese, divided: Melts beautifully and offers a punchy flavor throughout and a cheesy crown on top.
• Whole milk: Makes the mashed filling smooth and supple, marrying all the flavors together.
• Seasoned salt: A little seasoning magic goes a long way to deepen the overall taste.
• Ground black pepper: Offers subtle warmth and is essential for finishing.
• Green onions, thinly sliced: Add a fresh kick and vibrant color—don’t leave these off at the end!

How to Make Twice-Baked Potatoes

Step 1: Roast the Potatoes

Roasting is the groundwork for irresistible Twice-Baked Potatoes. Prick each potato 3 or 4 times with a fork, pop them on a baking sheet, and roast in a 425-degree oven for about 1 hour and 15 minutes. You want them tender when gently pressed, with skins crisping up just right. Allow them to cool until you can handle them comfortably—patience pays off here!

Step 2: Hollow Out the Potatoes and Mix the Filling

Reduce your oven temp to 375 degrees. Slice each potato in half lengthwise. With a spoon, gently scoop out the fluffy flesh into a large mixing bowl, being careful to leave the skin and a thin border of potato intact—this will help support the filling. Drop in your cubed butter, crumbled bacon, and sour cream while the potatoes are still warm, and watch everything melt together in mouthwatering harmony.

Step 3: Mash and Mix the Good Stuff

Grab a potato masher and mash the potatoes along with the already-added butter, bacon, and sour cream. Then stir in one cup of the cheese, the milk, seasoned salt, black pepper, and three-quarters of the sliced green onions. Mix until everything is creamy, fluffy, and fully combined—resist overmixing so you keep some texture.

Step 4: Fill and Bake a Second Time

Spoon the mashed mixture evenly back into the waiting potato skins. Top each generously with the remaining shredded cheese. Place the stuffed potatoes back onto your baking sheet and return to the oven for about 20 minutes, or until the tops are golden and the cheese is bubbling. Right before serving, shower them with the rest of the green onions and a dash more black pepper for good measure.

How to Serve Twice-Baked Potatoes

Garnishes

The finishing touch makes all the difference! Scatter more sliced green onions over the hot Twice-Baked Potatoes for a pop of fresh flavor and brilliant color. If you like, try a dollop of extra sour cream, a sprinkle of crispy bacon bits, or even a dusting of chives or smoked paprika—each adds something special.

Side Dishes

Twice-Baked Potatoes pair beautifully with almost any main course. They shine alongside grilled steaks, roast chicken, or seared salmon, and are an absolute dream at holiday tables next to glazed ham or turkey. To keep things light, serve them with a crisp green salad or garlicky sautéed greens for balance.

Creative Ways to Present

For parties, try slicing the stuffed potatoes into thick wedges for appetizer-style bites. Want to impress your brunch crowd? Serve Twice-Baked Potatoes with a fried egg on top or a drizzle of herby aioli. For a twist, swap the cheese for crumbled blue cheese or add caramelized onions to the filling—you can really make this recipe your own!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled, store leftover Twice-Baked Potatoes in an airtight container in your fridge. They’ll stay fresh for up to 3-4 days without losing their texture or flavor, ready for a quick meal or snack.

Freezing

Twice-Baked Potatoes freeze surprisingly well! After baking, let them cool completely, then wrap each one in foil and transfer to a freezer-safe bag. They’ll keep beautifully for up to three months. When you’re ready, thaw in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

To reheat, bake the potatoes at 350 degrees covered loosely with foil, for about 20 minutes, until warmed through. If you’re in a hurry, you can microwave them, but baking keeps the skins nicely crisp. If you froze them, thaw overnight first for best results.

FAQs

Can I use different types of cheese in Twice-Baked Potatoes?

Definitely! Feel free to substitute with your favorites—sharp cheddar, gruyere, mozzarella, or even a sprinkle of parmesan all work wonderfully. Mixing cheeses adds complexity, so have fun experimenting.

Can I make Twice-Baked Potatoes vegetarian?

Absolutely! Simply skip the bacon or swap it for sautéed mushrooms, roasted broccoli, or veggie bacon. The potatoes are just as creamy and satisfying without the meat.

My potato skins sometimes fall apart—how can I prevent this?

Be sure to leave a thin layer of potato flesh lining the skins when you scoop them out; this helps keep them sturdy enough to hold all that yummy filling. Handle the skins gently, and use a large spoon to support them.

Can I prepare Twice-Baked Potatoes a day ahead?

Yes! Prepare them right up to the step before the second bake, then cover and refrigerate. When you’re ready, just add the cheese topping and bake as directed before serving.

What’s the best way to get super creamy potato filling?

Use warm potatoes and room temperature dairy ingredients for easy blending, and don’t overmix! For extra smoothness, use a ricer instead of a masher, or add a bit more milk for a fluffier texture.

Final Thoughts

If you’re craving a warm, cheesy bite that tastes like home, these Twice-Baked Potatoes deliver every time. They’re easy enough for a weeknight but impressive enough for guests, and you’ll love every luscious, savory forkful. Go ahead, gather your ingredients and give this beloved classic a try—you’ll want to make Twice-Baked Potatoes a regular part of your table!

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