Irresistibly Fluffy Twice Baked Potatoes Recipe for Dinner Magic

Potato lovers rejoice when they discover this mouthwatering twice baked potatoes recipe that delivers creamy, cheesy comfort in every bite.

Crispy potato skins cradle a decadent filling bursting with rich flavors and smooth textures.

The classic side dish combines sharp cheddar, crisp bacon bits, and fresh chives into an irresistible blend.

Each spoonful promises a delightful experience that transforms ordinary potatoes into something extraordinary.

Creamy and indulgent, these potatoes elevate any meal from simple to spectacular.

Packed with bold ingredients and simple techniques, you’ll master this crowd-pleasing dish in no time.

Twice Baked Potatoes Make a Statement

• Customize with Ease: Swap ingredients like cheese or bacon to match your taste preferences, making this recipe incredibly adaptable for different palates and dietary needs.
• Crowd-Pleasing Comfort: Packed with creamy, cheesy goodness and crispy bacon, these potatoes deliver a satisfying meal that both kids and adults will love.
• Restaurant-Quality at Home: Transform simple ingredients into a restaurant-style side dish that looks impressive but requires minimal cooking skills and basic kitchen tools.
• Meal Prep Magic: Prepare these potatoes ahead of time and reheat when needed, perfect for busy families or those wanting to plan meals in advance.

Must-Have Ingredients for Twice Baked Potatoes

• Russet Potatoes: Large, starchy potatoes that create a perfect crispy shell and creamy interior for this classic dish.

• Sour Cream, Milk, Butter: These ingredients blend together to create a rich, smooth filling that adds incredible creaminess to the potato mixture.

• Cheddar Cheese, Bacon, Salt, Pepper, Chives: These ingredients provide a delicious combination of salty, smoky, and fresh flavors that make the twice baked potatoes irresistibly tasty.

Instructions for Twice Baked Potato Perfection

Step 1: Warm Up The Oven

Fire up your oven to a toasty 400°F.

This high heat will help create perfectly crispy potato skins.

Step 2: Prepare Potato Shells

Thoroughly wash potatoes and dry completely.

Poke several fork holes across each potato to allow steam to escape during baking.

Place potatoes directly on oven rack and bake for about an hour until they’re super soft and tender when pierced.

Step 3: Create Potato Boats

Let potatoes cool down enough to handle safely.

Slice each potato lengthwise and gently scoop out the inner potato flesh, leaving a thin layer attached to the skin to create sturdy potato boats.

Step 4: Whip Up Creamy Filling

• Sour cream
• Whole milk
• Unsalted butter
• Salt
• Black pepper

Mash everything together until smooth and creamy.

• Shredded cheddar cheese
• Crispy crumbled bacon

Step 5: Stuff And Top Potato Shells

Generously fill each potato shell with the creamy mixture.

Sprinkle additional cheese and bacon bits on top for extra flavor and crunch.

Step 6: Final Bake

Return stuffed potatoes to the oven at 375°F.

Bake for 15-20 minutes until cheese melts and tops turn golden brown.

Step 7: Garnish And Serve

Sprinkle freshly chopped chives over the potatoes for a pop of color and fresh flavor.

Serve hot and enjoy immediately.

Tips for Fluffy Twice Baked Potatoes

• Choose large, starchy russet potatoes for the best texture and easier scooping.
• Cook bacon until extra crispy to ensure a satisfying crunch in every bite.
• Warm milk and butter before mixing to create an ultra-smooth potato filling.
• Replace sour cream and milk with dairy-free alternatives like coconut cream or almond milk for a vegan version.
• Rub potato skins with olive oil before first baking to create a crispier, more flavorful exterior.

Tasty Potato Variations and Add-Ins

• Vegan Potato Boats: Replace sour cream with cashew cream, use plant-based cheese, swap bacon for crispy tempeh bits, and add nutritional yeast for extra flavor.
• Low-Carb Cauliflower Cups: Substitute potatoes with roasted cauliflower heads, use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream, and top with crispy prosciutto for protein.
• Spicy Mexican Style: Mix in jalapeños, replace regular cheese with pepper jack, add diced green chilies, and sprinkle with cilantro for a zesty southwestern kick.
• Gluten-Free Herb Garden: Use lactose-free cheese, incorporate fresh rosemary and thyme, replace bacon with roasted sunflower seeds, and add a dash of garlic powder for depth.

Presenting Twice Baked Potatoes to Guests

• Party Platter Perfection: Arrange these twice-baked potatoes on a wooden board with small herb sprigs for a stunning appetizer spread that'll wow guests.
• Hearty Side Kick: Pair with grilled steak, roasted chicken, or crisp green salad to create a complete and satisfying meal that balances flavors and textures.
• Brunch Brilliance: Serve alongside scrambled eggs and fresh fruit for a decadent weekend breakfast that feels like a special occasion.
• Picnic Powerhouse: Pack these potatoes in an insulated container for outdoor gatherings, ensuring a delicious portable dish that stays warm and tasty.

Best Storage for Twice Baked Potatoes

• Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keep chilled for up to 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
• Wrap individually in plastic wrap, then place in freezer-safe bags. Freeze for maximum 1 month. Label with date and contents.
• Place potato halves on microwave-safe plate. Heat at 50% power for 1-2 minutes. Check internal temperature reaches 165°F. Add extra cheese if desired for moisture.
• Preheat oven to 350°F. Arrange potatoes on baking sheet. Cover loosely with foil to prevent drying. Warm for 15-20 minutes until heated completely through. Sprinkle fresh cheese on top for extra flavor.

FAQs

• How do I choose the right potatoes for this recipe?

Select large, starchy potatoes like Russet or Idaho, which have thick skins and fluffy interiors perfect for twice-baking.

• Can I make these potatoes ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the stuffed potato shells and refrigerate them for up to 24 hours before the final baking. Just add an extra 5-10 minutes to the baking time.

• What if I don't have bacon?

You can substitute bacon with diced ham, crumbled sausage, or skip the meat entirely for a vegetarian version. Green onions or extra cheese can add flavor.

• How do I prevent the potato skins from getting soggy?

Ensure you leave a thin layer of potato inside the skin and brush with a little olive oil before the second bake to help crisp up the edges.

Twice Baked Potatoes Recipe

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4.8 from 30 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 50 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Creamy, cheesy twice baked potatoes deliver comfort straight from classic American kitchens. Rich potato skins stuffed with smooth filling offer passionate cooks a perfect side dish you’ll crave at every meal.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 4 large russet potatoes
• 1 cup (240 milliliters / 8 ounces) shredded cheddar cheese
• 4 slices cooked bacon, crumbled

Dairy and Seasoning:

• 1/2 cup (120 milliliters / 4 ounces) sour cream
• 1/4 cup (60 milliliters / 2 ounces) milk
• 2 tablespoons butter

Herbs and Seasonings:

• 2 tablespoons chopped chives
• Salt to taste
• Pepper to taste

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Instructions

1. Prepare potatoes by thoroughly washing and patting dry. Use a fork to create multiple punctures across the surface for even heating.
2. Roast potatoes in a preheated 400°F oven for 50-60 minutes until fork-tender and skin becomes crispy.
3. Allow potatoes to cool slightly, then carefully slice each potato lengthwise using a sharp knife.
4. Gently scoop out potato flesh, maintaining a thin protective shell to prevent tearing.
5. Transfer potato flesh to a mixing bowl and mash until smooth and creamy, eliminating large chunks.
6. Incorporate sour cream, milk, and butter into the mashed potato, blending until well combined and silky.
7. Season the mixture with salt and pepper, ensuring balanced flavor throughout.
8. Fold half the shredded cheese and crumbled bacon into the potato mixture, distributing evenly.
9. Spoon the enhanced potato filling back into the original potato shells, creating generous mounds.
10. Sprinkle remaining cheese and bacon over the stuffed potatoes for additional texture and flavor.
11. Reduce oven temperature to 375°F and bake for 15-20 minutes until potato tops turn golden and cheese melts completely.
12. Remove from oven and garnish with freshly chopped chives for a vibrant finishing touch.

Notes

• Opt for starchy potatoes like Russet for the fluffiest, most creamy interior that absorbs seasonings perfectly.
• Ensure potato shells remain thick enough to hold the filling without breaking, about 1/4 inch border.
• Balance cheese and bacon ratios based on dietary preferences, easily swap with vegetarian alternatives like roasted mushrooms or plant-based bacon bits.
• Try additional mix-ins like caramelized onions, roasted garlic, or fresh herbs to elevate flavor complexity without overwhelming the classic profile.

• Prep Time: 30 minutes
• Cook Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 410 kcal
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 420 mg
• Fat: 22 g
• Saturated Fat: 12 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
• Trans Fat: 0.5 g
• Carbohydrates: 38 g
• Fiber: 4 g
• Protein: 13 g
• Cholesterol: 50 mg