Twice-Baked Potatoes are the ultimate comfort food—creamy, cheesy, and irresistibly satisfying. This dish starts with large russet potatoes, baked until perfectly tender. Once cooled slightly, the fluffy potato centers are scooped out, leaving a sturdy shell.
The scooped-out potato is mashed with butter, sour cream, shredded cheese, and seasonings, creating a rich, flavorful filling. Green onions, bacon bits, or herbs can be added for extra taste and texture.
The mixture is then spooned back into the potato shells, topped with more cheese, and baked again until golden and bubbly. The result is a warm, cheesy potato boat with a crispy skin and creamy interior.
Why You’ll Love Twice-Baked Potatoes
Twice-Baked Potatoes are the ultimate comfort food side—crispy potato shells overflowing with creamy mashed filling, loaded with cheese, bacon, and scallions. They’re rich, indulgent, and endlessly customizable. Perfect for holidays, dinner parties, or cozy weeknight meals, they add flavor and flair to any plate. Bonus? You can prep them ahead and just pop them in the oven when ready to serve!
Twice-Baked Potatoes
Description
Fluffy potato filling whipped with cheese, sour cream, and bacon, then baked in crisp potato skins until golden and melty—an irresistible twist on the classic baked potato.
Twice-Baked Potatoes are versatile enough for both casual weeknight dinners and holiday feasts. They pair beautifully with roasted meats, grilled chicken, or a fresh salad, and they can be customized to suit any taste preference.
Their make-ahead potential makes them perfect for entertaining—just prepare the filling, stuff the shells, and refrigerate until ready to bake.
Whether served as a hearty side dish or enjoyed on their own, Twice-Baked Potatoes deliver the ideal blend of comfort and flavor in every bite, making them a timeless favorite for all ages.
Ingredients
3 large russet potatoes
Instructions
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Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
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Scrub and dry potatoes. Prick with a fork, rub with olive oil, and bake directly on rack for 50–60 minutes until tender.
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Let cool slightly, then slice in half lengthwise. Scoop out the insides, leaving a thin shell.
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In a bowl, mash the potato with butter, sour cream, milk, half the cheese, bacon, and seasonings until smooth.
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Spoon filling back into the shells, mounding slightly. Top with remaining cheese.
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Bake for 15–20 minutes more, until golden and bubbly. Garnish with green onions.
Nutrition Facts
Servings 4
- Amount Per Serving
- Calories 300kcal
- % Daily Value *
- Total Fat 18g28%
- Sodium 400mg17%
- Total Carbohydrate 32g11%
- Dietary Fiber 2g8%
- Protein 9g18%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
Note
Tips & Serving Tricks:
- Make ahead: Fill and refrigerate potatoes up to 2 days in advance; bake when ready.
- Add-ins: Try cream cheese, garlic, jalapeños, or caramelized onions for flavor variations.
- Vegetarian option: Skip the bacon and add sautéed mushrooms or spinach.
- Top it off: Finish with sour cream, hot sauce, or a sprinkle of paprika for color.
- Serve with: Grilled meats, roast chicken, or as a holiday side dish.
Variation and Storage :
Variations:
- Cheddar and Bacon – Add crispy bacon crumbles and extra sharp cheddar for a smoky, savory twist.
- Broccoli and Cheese – Mix steamed, chopped broccoli into the filling for a more wholesome, veggie-packed option.
- Tex-Mex Style – Add sautéed onions, diced jalapeños, taco seasoning, and pepper jack cheese for a spicy kick.
- Garlic Herb – Incorporate roasted garlic, fresh parsley, and chives for a fragrant and fresh flavor profile.
- Loaded Ranch – Stir in ranch dressing mix, green onions, and shredded cheese for a tangy and herby upgrade.
- Seafood Twist – Fold in cooked shrimp, crab meat, or salmon for a luxurious main-course version.
Storage:
If making in advance, prepare the potatoes through the first bake, scoop, and mix the filling, then stuff the skins. At this stage, you can cover and refrigerate them for up to 2 days before the final bake. When ready to serve, simply bake at 375°F (190°C) for 20–25 minutes, until heated through and golden.
For leftovers, allow the potatoes to cool completely, then store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, place them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 15–20 minutes or until warm; avoid microwaving, as it can make the skins soggy.
For longer storage, freeze assembled but unbaked potatoes. Wrap each potato tightly in plastic wrap and place in a freezer bag for up to 3 months. Bake directly from frozen at 350°F (175°C) for about 40–50 minutes, or until heated through. This make-ahead option ensures you always have a delicious, comforting side dish ready to go.
Conclution:
In conclusion, Twice-Baked Potatoes are a classic comfort food that combines the best of both worlds: crispy, golden skins and a creamy, flavorful filling. This dish is perfect for everything from a simple family dinner to a special occasion or even as a side dish for a barbecue.
The process of baking the potatoes twice allows for a crispy exterior while the inside becomes soft and fluffy, making it the ideal canvas for a rich filling.
Combining the natural earthiness of the potato with savory ingredients like cheese, sour cream, and bacon elevates it to a satisfying, crowd-pleasing level.
What makes Twice-Baked Potatoes so appealing is their versatility. The filling can be customized to your tastes—whether you prefer a simple mix of cheese and sour cream, or you want to add extras like chives, roasted garlic, sautéed onions, or even some shredded chicken.
You can also adjust the type of cheese based on what you have on hand, making it an easy dish to adapt for any meal or occasion.
Additionally, Twice-Baked Potatoes can be made ahead of time and reheated, making them an excellent choice for meal prepping or a make-ahead holiday side dish.
While the steps may seem involved, the end result is undeniably worth the effort. The crispy skins paired with the rich, velvety filling make for a comforting combination that’s hard to beat.
They’re a perfect balance of textures and flavors—crispy, creamy, savory, and satisfying all at once. Whether served as a side dish or as a main with a salad or roasted vegetables, Twice-Baked Potatoes are sure to impress.
They’re a great option for impressing guests or treating your family to something familiar yet special, ensuring they’ll become a staple in your recipe repertoire for years to come.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Can I freeze them?
Yes! Freeze after stuffing. Reheat directly from frozen at 375°F until heated through.
What’s the best potato to use?
Russet potatoes work best due to their starchy, fluffy texture.
Can I make them vegan?
Absolutely—use vegan butter, plant-based cheese, and sour cream alternatives.
