Twice Baked Potatoes: The Ultimate Comfort Food
These Twice Baked Potatoes are crispy on the outside, creamy and cheesy on the inside, and packed with flavor! Perfect as a side dish or a meal on their own.
Twice Baked Potatoes: The Ultimate Comfort Food
Twice Baked Potatoes are the perfect side dish or even a meal on their own! Crispy on the outside, creamy and cheesy on the inside, these potatoes are packed with flavor and texture. Whether you’re making them for a weeknight dinner or as a show-stopping side for a holiday feast, they are always a hit.
Why You’ll Love These Twice Baked Potatoes
Creamy, cheesy, and crispy – the best of all textures in one dish.
Customizable – You can switch up the fillings with different cheeses, proteins, or even veggies.
Great for meal prep – Make them ahead and bake them when ready to serve.
Crowd-pleaser – Everyone loves a good loaded potato!
Ingredient Breakdown
Potatoes:
2 Russet potatoes – These varieties hold their shape well and have a fluffy interior, perfect for mashing.
2 tablespoons olive oil – Helps create that crisp, golden skin.
Kosher salt & freshly ground black pepper – Enhances flavor and seasons the potatoes inside and out.
Filling & Toppings:
4 ounces shredded cheese (cheddar, Gruyere, or Mexican blend) – Melts into the filling, adding richness and a gooey texture.
4 tablespoons unsalted butter – Adds creaminess and a rich, buttery flavor.
2-4 scallions, thinly sliced – Brings a mild onion flavor with a pop of color.
4 strips bacon, cooked until crisp – Provides smoky, salty crunch.
¼ cup sour cream – Gives the potatoes a tangy, creamy texture.
¼ cup buttermilk – Keeps the filling smooth and velvety.
Minced fresh herbs (parsley, thyme, chives, cilantro) – Adds freshness and a pop of color for garnish
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Bake the Potatoes
Preheat the oven to 400°F and adjust the oven rack to the middle position. Line a baking sheet with foil and place a wire rack on top.
Lightly rub each potato with oil and sprinkle with salt and black pepper.
Place the potatoes on the rack and bake for 45 minutes to 1 hour, or until fork-tender and the internal temperature reaches 209°F.
Step 2: Scoop Out the Flesh
Remove the potatoes from the oven and let them cool for about 10 minutes.
Cut each potato in half lengthwise and carefully scoop out the flesh, leaving a ⅛ to ¼-inch thickness of flesh in the shell.
Step 3: Crisp the Shells
Place the empty potato shells back onto the baking sheet and bake for 10 minutes to firm them up. This step helps the shells hold their shape after being filled.
Step 4: Make the Filling
In a mixing bowl, mash together half of the cheese, butter, scallions, bacon, sour cream, buttermilk, and the scooped-out potato flesh.
Season with salt and pepper to taste, mixing until smooth and creamy.
Step 5: Assemble & Broil
Set the oven to broil.
Spoon the mashed potato mixture back into the shells, mounding it in the center.
Top each potato with the remaining cheese, scallions, and bacon.
Broil for 5-10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the tops have golden brown spots.
Remove from the oven, let cool for 10 minutes, and garnish with fresh herbs before serving.
Pro Tips for Perfect Twice Baked Potatoes
Use room temperature dairy – This helps create a smoother filling.
Don’t overmix – Mix just until combined to keep the filling light and fluffy.
Broil carefully – Keep an eye on the potatoes as broiling can cause burning if left too long.
Make ahead – Prepare the potatoes up to the filling step, then store them in the fridge and bake when needed.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerate: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Freeze: Wrap each stuffed potato in plastic wrap and store in a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months.
Reheat: Bake at 350°F for 15-20 minutes (or microwave for a quicker option).
Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)
Estimated based on standard ingredient calculations
Calories: 350
Fat: 18g
Carbs: 38g
Protein: 10g
Fiber: 4g
Sugar: 2g
Best Occasions to Serve Twice Baked Potatoes
Holiday Dinners – A great addition to Thanksgiving or Christmas feasts.
Game Day Snacks – Perfect for football parties and tailgates.
Weeknight Side Dish – Easy enough for a regular dinner with the family.
BBQs & Cookouts – A crowd-pleaser that pairs well with grilled meats.
Twice Baked Potatoes
These Twice Baked Potatoes are crispy on the outside, creamy and cheesy on the inside, and packed with flavor! Perfect as a side dish or a meal on their own.
Ingredients
- 2 Russet potatoes
- 2 tablespoons vegetable or canola oil
- Kosher salt & freshly ground black pepper
- 4 ounces shredded cheese (cheddar, Gruyere, or Mexican blend)
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2-4 scallions, thinly sliced
- 4 strips bacon, cooked until crisp
- ¼ cup sour cream
- ¼ cup buttermilk
- Minced fresh herbs (parsley, thyme, chives, cilantro)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400°F and adjust the oven rack to the middle position. Line a baking sheet with foil and place a wire rack on top.
- Lightly rub each potato with oil and sprinkle with salt and black pepper.
- Place the potatoes on the rack and bake for 45 minutes to 1 hour, or until fork-tender and the internal temperature reaches 209°F.
- Remove the potatoes from the oven and let them cool for about 10 minutes.
- Cut each potato in half lengthwise and carefully scoop out the flesh, leaving a ⅛ to ¼-inch thickness of flesh in the shell.
- Place the empty potato shells back onto the baking sheet and bake for 10 minutes to firm them up. This step helps the shells hold their shape after being filled.
- In a mixing bowl, mash together half of the cheese, butter, scallions, bacon, sour cream, buttermilk, and the scooped-out potato flesh.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste, mixing until smooth and creamy.
- Set the oven to broil.
- Spoon the mashed potato mixture back into the shells, mounding it in the center.
- Top each potato with the remaining cheese, scallions, and bacon.
- Broil for 5-10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the tops have golden brown spots.
- Remove from the oven, let cool for 10 minutes, and garnish with fresh herbs before serving.
Notes
Pro Tips for Perfect Twice Baked Potatoes
- Use room temperature dairy – This helps create a smoother filling.
- Don’t overmix – Mix just until combined to keep the filling light and fluffy.
- Broil carefully – Keep an eye on the potatoes as broiling can cause burning if left too long.
- Make ahead – Prepare the potatoes up to the filling step, then store them in the fridge and bake when needed.
Let’s Get Cooking!
If you love comforting, cheesy, and flavorful dishes, these Twice Baked Potatoes are a must-try! Try them out and let me know what you think in the comments. Don’t forget to share and tag @cooksnapbake on social media!
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