Twice-baked potatoes are the perfect blend of crispy skin, creamy filling, and savory flavors that will have everyone at your table coming back for seconds. Whether you’re looking to whip up a tasty side dish for your next dinner party, an appetizer for game day, or even a hearty meal on their own, these BEST Twice Baked Potatoes hit all the right notes. Loaded with mashed potatoes, melted cheese, crispy bacon, and chives, these beauties are not only delicious but easy to make!
Trust me, once you’ve tried this recipe, you’ll be hooked. Let’s dive into this fun, customizable dish that’s a crowd-pleaser every time.
Table of contents
What is a Twice-Baked Potato?
A Twice Baked Potato is exactly what it sounds like: a potato that’s baked twice to perfection. The process begins by baking a whole potato until it’s soft and tender. Then, the insides are scooped out, mashed with creamy fillings like butter, sour cream, and cheese, and stuffed back into the potato skins. Afterward, the stuffed potatoes are baked again, allowing the cheese to melt and the potato to crisp up, creating that irresistible contrast of soft and crunchy.
You can get creative with your stuffing too—bacon, chives, Greek yogurt, or even vegetables like broccoli can be added to give it your own twist. This versatility is one of the reasons why twice-baked potatoes are such a hit. Whether you serve them as a side dish, appetizer, or even as a full meal, they are sure to impress.
How Long to Cook Twice Baked Potatoes?
The cooking process for twice-baked potatoes takes about 2 hours in total. Here’s the breakdown:
- First Bake: Bake the potatoes at 400°F for about 1 hour or until they are soft and cooked through.
- Second Bake: After stuffing the potatoes with the mashed filling, bake them again for 20-30 minutes at 400°F, or until the cheese is melted and the tops are golden brown.
If you’re preparing ahead of time, you can even freeze the stuffed potatoes after the first bake and then pop them into the oven later. Freezing adds a little extra time to the second bake, but the result is just as delicious.
How to Make Twice Baked Potatoes
Step 1: Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Baking Sheet
Preheat your oven to 400°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or foil. This will make cleanup a breeze and prevent the potatoes from sticking.
Step 2: Prepare the Potatoes
Scrub the potatoes thoroughly under cold water to remove any dirt. Once cleaned, poke a few holes in each potato with a fork to allow steam to escape while baking. Season the potatoes with a light coating of olive oil and sprinkle them generously with salt.
Step 3: Bake the Potatoes
Place the potatoes on the prepared baking sheet and bake them for 1 hour, or until the potatoes are soft to the touch and a fork easily pierces through the flesh. You’ll know they’re ready when you can squeeze them gently, and they give under pressure.
Step 4: Cook Bacon Until Crispy
While the potatoes are baking, cook bacon in a skillet over medium heat until crispy. Once cooked, remove the bacon and drain it on paper towels. Chop it into small pieces for adding to the mashed potato filling.
Step 5: Scoop Out the Inside and Mash with Ingredients
Once the potatoes are cool enough to handle, slice them open lengthwise. Carefully scoop out the flesh, leaving a sturdy shell. Mash the potato filling in a bowl and add butter, sour cream, milk, cheese, and the cooked bacon. Mash until smooth and creamy, and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper to taste.
Step 6: Stuff the Potatoes with the Filling
Now, it’s time to stuff your potato shells with the creamy mashed filling. Spoon the filling into each potato skin, packing it in tightly. Top each potato with more cheese for that extra cheesy goodness.
Step 7: Second Bake
Place the stuffed potatoes back on the baking sheet and bake for 20-30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly. For an extra crispy finish, broil them for the last few minutes.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Yes! You can prep the potatoes up to a day ahead of time. After the first bake, scoop out the insides and prepare the filling. You can either stuff the potatoes and store them in the fridge or freeze them for later. When you’re ready to serve, simply bake them a second time.
Absolutely! Twice-baked potatoes are naturally gluten-free, as long as you use gluten-free ingredients like sour cream and bacon. Be sure to check labels when purchasing packaged items to ensure they’re gluten-free.
Russet potatoes are the best choice for twice-baked potatoes. Their starchy interior creates a fluffy, creamy texture once mashed, and their sturdy skins can handle the stuffing and second bake without falling apart.
To freeze twice-baked potatoes, simply prepare the stuffed potatoes as instructed and then place them on a baking sheet. Freeze them until solid, then wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and foil. You can freeze them before or after the second bake.
To reheat frozen twice-baked potatoes, bake them at 400°F for 1 hour and 15 minutes. If they’re stored in the fridge, bake them for 15-20 minutes, or microwave for 2 minutes. Always check that the cheese is melted and the filling is heated through.
How to Serve Twice Baked Potatoes
Twice-baked potatoes are incredibly versatile. You can serve them as a side dish with meats like beef, chicken, pork, or seafood. They’re also fantastic as a main dish when paired with a crisp green salad or steamed veggies. For a heartier meal, top them with additional fillings like grilled chicken or sautéed vegetables.
Need more ideas? Serve your twice-baked potatoes with a creamy soup like Broccoli Cheddar Soup or a fresh, vibrant Tomato Salad for a well-rounded dinner.
Related Recipes
If you love potatoes, you’re in for a treat. Check out these related recipes from my blog:
- Breakfast Potatoes Recipe (Easy & Crispy) – These potatoes are a great breakfast alternative to the classic twice-baked recipe.
- Crescent Roll Breakfast Recipes – A perfect pairing for those lazy Sunday mornings when you’re craving something both flaky and savory.
- Breakfast Pizza Recipe (Easy & Cheesy) – If you love cheesy potatoes, you’ll absolutely love this cheesy pizza recipe for breakfast.
Final Thoughts
Making BEST Twice Baked Potatoes is a simple, rewarding process that results in a dish everyone will love. Whether you’re making them as a side dish for a holiday dinner or as a comfort food treat for yourself, twice-baked potatoes are a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Try the recipe, customize it with your favorite toppings, and enjoy the crispy, creamy goodness of this classic dish.
Give it a go, and don’t forget to leave a comment sharing your own twist on this recipe!
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