Twice Baked Potatoes Recipe – Crispy, Cheesy, and Flavorful!
Looking for the perfect side dish for family dinners, holidays, or game nights? These Twice Baked Potatoes are the ultimate combination of crispy potato skins and a creamy, cheesy filling. Packed with buttery mashed potatoes, melted cheese, crispy bacon, and green onions, this easy recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser!
📝 Why You’ll Love This Recipe
✅ Crunchy & Creamy: The crispy skins with a rich, cheesy filling make the perfect bite!
✅ Easy to Make Ahead: Prep them in advance and bake when ready to serve.
✅ Customizable: Add different toppings like sour cream, chives, or extra bacon.
✅ Great for Any Occasion: Perfect for holiday feasts, BBQs, and game day snacks!
🥔 Ingredients You’ll Need
To make the best Twice Baked Potatoes, gather these simple ingredients:
- 4 large russet potatoes (ideal for crispy skins)
- 1 tbsp olive oil (to crisp up the skins)
- 4 slices bacon, cooked & crumbled
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter
- ½ cup sour cream (for a creamy texture)
- ¼ cup milk (adjust for desired consistency)
- ½ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (divided)
- 3 green onions, sliced (for garnish)
👩🍳 Step-by-Step Instructions
1️⃣ Bake the Potatoes
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Wash and dry the potatoes, then pierce them several times with a fork to allow steam to escape. Rub with olive oil and salt, then bake for 50-60 minutes until soft.
2️⃣ Prepare the Filling
While the potatoes bake, cook the bacon in a skillet over medium heat until crispy. Drain on paper towels and crumble once cooled.
Once the potatoes are cool enough to handle, cut them in half lengthwise. Carefully scoop out the flesh into a mixing bowl, leaving a thin layer of potato attached to the skins.
3️⃣ Make It Creamy
Mash the scooped-out potato with butter, sour cream, milk, salt, and pepper until smooth. Stir in ½ cup cheddar cheese and most of the crumbled bacon (save some for topping).
4️⃣ Stuff & Bake Again
Spoon the creamy filling back into the potato skins, mounding slightly. Top with the remaining cheddar cheese and bacon. Return to the oven and bake at 375°F (190°C) for 15-20 minutes, until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
5️⃣ Serve & Enjoy!
Garnish with sliced green onions and serve warm. Pair with sour cream or ranch dressing for extra flavor!
🌟 Expert Tips for Perfect Twice Baked Potatoes
✔ Use Russet Potatoes: They have the best texture for crispy skins.
✔ Don’t Overmix: Over-mashing can make the filling gluey instead of fluffy.
✔ Make Ahead: Assemble the potatoes up to 24 hours in advance and refrigerate until ready to bake.
✔ Try Different Cheeses: Swap cheddar for Gouda, Monterey Jack, or Parmesan.
✔ Go Vegetarian: Skip the bacon and add sautéed mushrooms or caramelized onions.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
Can I freeze Twice Baked Potatoes?
Yes! Freeze them unbaked in an airtight container for up to 2 months. Bake straight from frozen, adding an extra 10-15 minutes to the baking time.
What can I serve with Twice Baked Potatoes?
They pair perfectly with grilled steak, BBQ chicken, roasted veggies, or a fresh salad.
How do I store leftovers?
Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10 minutes for best results.
📌 Final Thoughts
These Twice Baked Potatoes are crispy, cheesy, and ultra-satisfying! Whether for a cozy family dinner or a party side dish, they’re easy to prepare and absolutely delicious. Try this recipe today and let us know how you liked it!
