Twice Baked Potatoes are a hearty and comforting dish that combines crispy potato skins with creamy, cheesy filling. They make the perfect side for holiday dinners, steak nights, or any cozy family gathering. The creamy mashed center mixed with cheese, butter, and bacon creates a flavor that’s hard to resist.
1. Ingredients
- 4 large russet potatoes, scrubbed clean
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- ½ cup sour cream
- ¼ cup milk
- 3 tablespoons butter
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese, divided
- ½ cup cooked and crumbled bacon (optional)
- 2 green onions, finely chopped
- Salt and black pepper to taste
2. Cooking Time
- Prep time: 15 minutes
- Baking time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Total time: 1 hour 25 minutes
3. Serving Quantity
- Serves 4 people
4. Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Set the oven to 400°F (200°C). Rub the potatoes with olive oil and a little salt. Place them directly on the oven rack and bake for 1 hour, or until tender when pierced with a fork.
- Cool Slightly: Remove from the oven and let them cool just enough to handle. Reduce oven temperature to 375°F (190°C).
- Scoop Out the Potatoes: Cut each potato in half lengthwise. Using a spoon, carefully scoop out the insides, leaving a thin shell. Place the scooped potato in a mixing bowl.
- Make the Filling: Mash the potato with butter, sour cream, and milk until smooth and creamy. Stir in half the cheese, bacon, and green onions. Season with salt and pepper.
- Refill the Shells: Spoon the filling back into the potato skins, piling it high. Sprinkle the remaining cheese over the top.
- Bake Again: Place the filled potatoes on a baking sheet and bake for 15–20 minutes, until the tops are golden and the cheese is melted.
- Serve: Garnish with extra green onions or a small dollop of sour cream before serving.
5. Nutrition (per serving)
- Calories: 380
- Protein: 13 g
- Fat: 21 g
- Carbohydrates: 36 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Sugar: 3 g
6. Tips for Best Results
- For extra crisp skins, brush them lightly with butter before the second bake.
- Try mixing in chopped broccoli, cooked chicken, or mushrooms for a twist.
- Use a mix of cheeses—cheddar, mozzarella, and Parmesan—for deeper flavor.
- Make them ahead by preparing the potatoes, covering them, and baking before serving.
- These pair wonderfully with grilled meats, soups, or roasted vegetables.
Twice Baked Potatoes are creamy, cheesy, and full of flavor—a satisfying addition to any Christmas or family meal that always gets finished first.
