Crispy Cheesy Twice Baked Potato Recipe: The Ultimate Comfort Side Dish

The Perfect Twice Baked Potato Recipe for Any Occasion

Looking for a twice baked potato recipe that will impress your family and friends? You’ve come to the right place! These creamy, cheesy potatoes are loaded with flavor and make the perfect side dish for any meal. They’re crispy on the outside, fluffy on the inside, and topped with all your favorite fixings.

Why You’ll Love These Stuffed Baked Potatoes

There’s something incredibly comforting about biting into a perfectly prepared twice baked potato. The contrast between the crispy potato skin and the creamy, cheesy filling creates a mouthwatering experience that’s hard to beat. Plus, these impressive spuds are:

• Make-ahead friendly – Prepare them in advance and bake when ready
• Customizable – Add your favorite toppings and mix-ins
• Perfect for entertaining – Always a crowd-pleaser
• Great as leftovers – They reheat beautifully

Ingredients for the Best Twice Baked Potatoes

• 4 large russet potatoes, washed and scrubbed
• 8 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese, divided
• 1/2 cup sour cream
• 1/4 cup butter, softened
• 1/4 cup milk
• 3 green onions, thinly sliced, divided
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder

Kitchen Tools You’ll Need

• Baking sheet
• Fork for poking potatoes
• Bowl for mixing filling
• Spoon for scooping potato flesh
• Potato masher or electric mixer

How to Make the Ultimate Twice Baked Potato Recipe

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Wash and scrub the potatoes, then pat them dry.
2. Using a fork, pierce each potato several times all over. This allows steam to escape during baking.
3. Place the potatoes directly on the middle rack of the preheated oven and bake for 45-60 minutes, until they are tender when pierced with a fork.
4. While the potatoes are baking, cook the bacon until crispy. Drain on paper towels, then crumble and set aside.
5. When the potatoes are done, remove from the oven and let cool for about 10 minutes, or until they’re cool enough to handle. Reduce the oven temperature to 350°F (175°C).
6. Cut each potato in half lengthwise. Using a spoon, carefully scoop out the flesh, leaving about 1/4 inch of potato attached to the skin to maintain its structure. Place the scooped potato flesh in a large mixing bowl.
7. To the potato flesh, add butter, sour cream, milk, half of the cheese, half of the bacon, half of the green onions, salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
8. Mash everything together until well combined and smooth. For extra-creamy potatoes, use an electric mixer on low speed.
9. Spoon the potato mixture back into the potato skins, dividing it evenly among the 8 halves. Place the filled potato skins on a baking sheet.
10. Top each potato with the remaining cheese and bacon.
11. Return the potatoes to the oven and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes, until the cheese is melted and the tops are slightly golden.
12. Garnish with the remaining green onions before serving.

Pro Tips for Perfect Twice Baked Potatoes

Want to take your twice baked potato recipe to the next level? Try these expert tips:

• Choose the right potatoes – Russet potatoes work best due to their starchy texture and sturdy skins
• Don’t over-scoop – Leave a thin layer of potato attached to the skin to prevent tearing
• Warm your dairy ingredients – Room temperature butter, sour cream, and milk will blend more smoothly
• Season generously – Potatoes need plenty of salt to bring out their flavor
• Make them ahead – Prepare up to the second baking, then refrigerate for up to 2 days before final baking

Delicious Variations to Try

The classic twice baked potato recipe is just the beginning! Here are some tasty ways to customize your potatoes:

• Loaded Baked Potato Style – Add extra bacon, cheese, sour cream, and chives
• Southwest – Mix in diced jalapeños, corn, black beans, and top with pepper jack cheese
• Buffalo Chicken – Stir in shredded chicken mixed with buffalo sauce, top with blue cheese
• Broccoli Cheddar – Fold in steamed broccoli florets with extra sharp cheddar
• Veggie Lovers – Add sautéed mushrooms, spinach, and bell peppers

Storing and Reheating Leftover Twice Baked Potatoes

These potatoes are perfect for meal prep! Here’s how to store and reheat them:

• Refrigerator: Store cooled twice baked potatoes in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
• Freezer: Wrap each potato individually in plastic wrap, then aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 3 months.
• Reheating from refrigerated: Bake at 350°F for 15-20 minutes or microwave for 2-3 minutes.
• Reheating from frozen: Thaw overnight in the refrigerator, then bake at 350°F for 20-25 minutes until heated through.

What to Serve with Twice Baked Potatoes

These decadent potatoes pair well with so many main dishes:

• Grilled steak or prime rib
• Roasted chicken
• Baked salmon
• Meatloaf
• A simple green salad for balance

Nutritional Information

Each serving of this twice baked potato recipe contains approximately:

• Calories: 422 kcal
• Carbohydrates: 29 g
• Protein: 11 g
• Fat: 30 g
• Saturated Fat: 15 g
• Cholesterol: 63 mg
• Sodium: 537 mg
• Fiber: 2 g
• Sugar: 3 g

FAQs About Making Twice Baked Potatoes

Can I make twice baked potatoes ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare them up to the second baking, then refrigerate for up to 2 days. When ready to serve, simply bake at 350°F until heated through, about 20-25 minutes.

Can I freeze twice baked potatoes?
Absolutely! Prepare them completely, but don’t do the second baking. Cool completely, wrap individually in plastic wrap and then foil, and freeze for up to 3 months.

What’s the best type of potato to use?
Russet potatoes are ideal because they have a fluffy texture when baked and sturdy skins that hold up well to twice-baking.

Can I make these vegetarian?
Yes! Simply omit the bacon and add extra vegetables like broccoli, spinach, or sautéed mushrooms.

How do I know when my potatoes are done with the first baking?
Insert a fork into the center of the potato – it should slide in easily with little resistance when the potato is fully baked.

The Perfect Twice Baked Potato Recipe for Your Next Meal

Whether you’re preparing a special dinner or just want to elevate your weeknight meal, this twice baked potato recipe is sure to impress. With their crispy skins, creamy filling, and customizable toppings, these potatoes are the ultimate comfort food that everyone will love. Give them a try and watch them disappear from the table!