Twice Baked Potatoes are the ultimate comfort food. Creamy, cheesy, and loaded with toppings, these fluffy potato boats are baked to crispy perfection and filled with flavor in every bite. They’re perfect as a side dish for a special dinner, a hearty snack, or even the star of a casual meal.

I discovered this recipe when I wanted a more indulgent take on classic baked potatoes for a family gathering. Ever since, it’s been a go-to dish for holidays and celebrations. It’s easy to customize, making it a crowd-pleaser every time!

Let’s explore why you’ll love this recipe and how to make it step by step.

Why You’ll Love These Twice Baked Potatoes

These Twice Baked Potatoes take baked potatoes to a whole new level. Here’s why they’re a must-try:

Crispy and Creamy: The contrast of the crispy potato skin and creamy, cheesy filling is irresistible.
Customizable: Add bacon, chives, extra cheese, or your favorite toppings to make it your own.
Impressive but Simple: They look fancy but are surprisingly easy to make, perfect for holidays or dinner parties.
Make-Ahead Friendly: Prepare them ahead of time and simply bake when ready to serve.

From their golden, cheesy topping to the fluffy interior, these potatoes are guaranteed to be a hit. Let’s talk about the ingredients that make them so delicious.

Ingredients Notes

Each ingredient in this recipe plays a crucial role in creating the perfect Twice Baked Potatoes:

Russet Potatoes: These are ideal for baking because of their fluffy texture and sturdy skins, which hold up well when filled.
Butter: Adds richness to the mashed potato filling, making it extra creamy.
Sour Cream: Brings tanginess and creaminess, balancing the richness of the cheese and butter.
Cheddar Cheese: Sharp cheddar is the go-to choice for its bold flavor, both in the filling and as a melty topping.
Milk: Helps achieve a smooth, creamy consistency in the filling.
Bacon: Crispy crumbled bacon adds smoky, savory goodness to the filling and as a topping.
Green Onions: Provide a fresh, zesty contrast to the rich flavors.
Salt and Pepper: Enhance the natural flavors of the ingredients.

You’ll also need a baking sheet and a mixing bowl to bring it all together. Let’s dive into the process!

How to Make Twice Baked Potatoes

Follow these simple steps to create the ultimate Twice Baked Potatoes:

Step 1: Bake the Potatoes

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Scrub the russet potatoes clean, pat them dry, and pierce each potato several times with a fork.
Rub the potatoes with a little oil and sprinkle with salt. Place them directly on the oven rack or a baking sheet. Bake for 50-60 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender when pierced with a fork.

Step 2: Scoop and Mash

Let the potatoes cool slightly, then slice them in half lengthwise. Carefully scoop out the flesh, leaving a thin layer to keep the skins sturdy. Place the scooped potato flesh in a mixing bowl.
Mash the potato flesh with butter, sour cream, milk, salt, and pepper until smooth. Stir in half of the shredded cheddar cheese, crumbled bacon, and chopped green onions.

Step 3: Fill and Top

Spoon the creamy potato mixture back into the potato skins, mounding it slightly. Place the filled potatoes on a baking sheet.
Top each potato with the remaining cheddar cheese and additional bacon, if desired.

Step 4: Bake Again

Return the potatoes to the oven and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Garnish with extra green onions and serve warm.

Storage Options

Twice Baked Potatoes store beautifully, making them a great option for meal prep or leftovers:

Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through.
Freezer: Wrap each potato tightly in foil or plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe bag. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Pro Tip: To keep the skins crispy, avoid microwaving leftovers. Stick to oven reheating for the best results.

Variations and Substitutions

These potatoes are incredibly versatile. Here are some ideas to customize them to your liking:

Veggie-Packed: Add cooked broccoli, spinach, or caramelized onions to the filling for extra nutrients and flavor.
Spicy Twist: Stir in diced jalapeños, a splash of hot sauce, or pepper jack cheese for a spicy kick.
Loaded Style: Top with sour cream, extra bacon, and chives for the ultimate loaded potato experience.
Herbaceous: Add fresh herbs like parsley, thyme, or dill for a flavorful twist.
Cheese Swap: Experiment with gruyère, mozzarella, or parmesan for a different flavor profile.

Feel free to get creative and make these potatoes your own!

Whether you’re serving them at a holiday feast, a family dinner, or simply craving comfort food, Twice Baked Potatoes are a guaranteed hit. Their creamy filling, crispy skins, and cheesy topping make them an unforgettable side dish.

Now it’s your turn—preheat that oven, grab your potatoes, and let’s get cooking!