Twice Baked Potatoes

Published: October 30, 2025

by Simon

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Delicious Flavor: The combination of creamy sour cream and sharp cheddar cheese creates a rich taste that everyone loves.
Versatile Dish: Perfect as a side for dinner or as a hearty snack during parties.
Easy to Prepare: With just a few steps, you’ll have an impressive dish that looks great on the table.
Customizable Filling: Feel free to mix in your favorite ingredients like herbs or different cheeses to suit your taste.
Great for Meal Prep: These twice-baked potatoes can be made ahead of time and reheated when needed.

Tools and Preparation

Before you get started on making these delicious Twice Baked Potatoes, gather your tools. Having everything ready will make the cooking process smooth and enjoyable.

Essential Tools and Equipment

Baking sheet
Mixing bowl
Skillet
Potato masher or hand mixer
Knife

Importance of Each Tool

Baking sheet: Ensures even baking of the potatoes without sticking.
Mixing bowl: Large enough for combining all filling ingredients easily.
Skillet: Allows for crispy turkey bacon preparation effectively.
Potato masher or hand mixer: Helps achieve a smooth filling consistency for the potatoes.

Ingredients

Here’s what you need to make these tasty Twice Baked Potatoes:

For the Potatoes

4 large russet potatoes

For the Filling

4 slices Turkey Bacon
½ cup sour cream
⅓ cup whole milk
4 tablespoons butter
¾ cup cheddar cheese
3 tablespoons chopped chives
½ teaspoon kosher salt
¼ teaspoon ground black pepper

How to Make Twice Baked Potatoes

Step 1: Bake the Potatoes

Preheat your oven to 400°F. Wash and dry the potatoes thoroughly. Using a fork, prick each potato several times. Place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet and bake for 50 to 60 minutes until easily pierced with a knife.

Step 2: Cook the Turkey Bacon

While the potatoes are baking, cook the turkey bacon in a skillet over medium heat until crispy. Transfer it to a paper towel-lined plate to absorb excess grease. Once it cools down, crumble it into small pieces.

Step 3: Scoop Out the Potatoes

Remove the baked potatoes from the oven and let them cool slightly. Slice each potato in half lengthwise and scoop out the flesh while leaving about a ¼-inch rim around the edges. Place the scooped potato flesh into a large mixing bowl.

Step 4: Mix the Filling

In the mixing bowl with potato flesh, add sour cream, milk, and butter. Use either a potato masher or hand mixer to combine until smooth. Fold in crumbled turkey bacon, ½ cup of cheddar cheese, and 2 tablespoons of chives until evenly mixed.

Step 5: Fill the Potato Skins

Scoop the filling mixture back into each potato skin generously. Top with remaining cheddar cheese. Return filled potatoes to the oven and bake for another 15 to 20 minutes until cheese is melted and lightly golden.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

Before serving, garnish with remaining chives for added flavor and presentation. Enjoy your delicious Twice Baked Potatoes!

How to Serve Twice Baked Potatoes

Twice baked potatoes are versatile and can be served in various exciting ways. They make a great side dish or appetizer for any gathering, adding a creamy, cheesy delight to your dining experience.

As a Side Dish

Pair with grilled chicken or turkey for a hearty meal.
Serve alongside a fresh garden salad to balance the richness of the potatoes.

As an Appetizer

Cut into smaller portions and serve at parties for easy snacking.
Offer with a variety of dipping sauces like ranch or sour cream for added flavor.

With Toppings

Top with additional ingredients such as diced tomatoes or jalapeños for an extra kick.
Add a dollop of guacamole for a creamy twist that complements the flavors.

How to Perfect Twice Baked Potatoes

Creating the perfect twice baked potatoes is all about technique and quality ingredients. Follow these tips to elevate your dish.

Choose the right potatoes: Opt for large russet potatoes, which provide a fluffy texture when baked.
Don’t rush baking: Bake until tender; undercooked potatoes won’t scoop easily.
Season well: Use enough salt and pepper in both the filling and on the skins for enhanced flavor.
Experiment with cheeses: Try different types of cheese like mozzarella or gouda for unique flavors.
Add herbs: Incorporate fresh herbs like parsley or dill into the filling for added freshness.
Keep them warm: If serving later, keep them in a low oven to maintain warmth without overcooking.

Best Side Dishes for Twice Baked Potatoes

Twice baked potatoes pair well with many dishes. Here are some fantastic options to consider:

Grilled Vegetables: A mix of seasonal veggies drizzled with olive oil enhances the meal’s freshness.
Steamed Broccoli: Lightly steamed broccoli adds color and nutrients while complementing the richness of the potatoes.
Caesar Salad: Crisp romaine lettuce tossed with Caesar dressing offers a crunchy texture contrast.
Roasted Chicken: Juicy roasted chicken provides protein that nicely balances the creamy potatoes.
Corn on the Cob: Sweet corn adds a delightful crunch and sweetness that pairs well with savory flavors.
Beef Skewers: Tender beef skewers bring hearty protein options to your table, creating a satisfying meal experience.
Stuffed Bell Peppers: Colorful bell peppers filled with grains and vegetables provide an eye-catching side that’s also nutritious.
Garlic Bread: Crispy garlic bread is perfect for those who love bold flavors and want something to accompany every bite!

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making twice baked potatoes, it’s easy to overlook some key steps. Here are common mistakes to watch out for:

Not Preheating the Oven: Always preheat your oven before baking the potatoes. This ensures even cooking and crispy skin.
Overbaking the Potatoes: Keep an eye on your potatoes while baking. Overbaking can lead to dry flesh; aim for a fork-tender texture.
Skipping Seasoning: Don’t forget to season your filling! A pinch of salt and pepper enhances the flavors significantly.
Using Cold Ingredients: Using cold dairy ingredients can result in a lumpy filling. Make sure your sour cream and milk are at room temperature.
Filling Too Much: Avoid overstuffing the potato skins. Leave a little space to allow for expansion during the second bake.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

Store in an airtight container.
Best consumed within 3-5 days.

Freezing Twice Baked Potatoes

Wrap each potato tightly in plastic wrap.
Place in a freezer-safe bag or container.
Can be frozen for up to 3 months.

Reheating Twice Baked Potatoes

Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and bake for about 20 minutes until heated through.
Microwave: Heat on high for 2-3 minutes, checking halfway.
Stovetop: Place in a skillet over medium heat, cover, and warm for about 10 minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about twice baked potatoes.

What are Twice Baked Potatoes?

Twice baked potatoes are potatoes that are first baked, then scooped, mixed with fillings, and baked again until creamy and golden.

Can I customize my Twice Baked Potatoes?

Absolutely! You can add different cheeses, herbs, or vegetables based on your preference.

How do I make Twice Baked Potatoes healthier?

Consider using low-fat sour cream and reducing cheese. You can also add more vegetables into the filling.

How long do Twice Baked Potatoes last?

In the fridge, they last about 3-5 days; if frozen properly, they can last up to 3 months.

Final Thoughts

These twice baked potatoes are a crowd-pleasing side dish that pairs well with many meals. Their creamy texture combined with crispy edges makes them irresistible. Feel free to customize them with your favorite ingredients or toppings to suit any occasion!

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