These ultimate twice baked potatoes are a delicious main or side dish. Comfort food at its best! Also acts as a meal to freeze and eat at a later time.
Original post: January 2017 | Updated: August 2022
Why This Recipe Works
Do you ever get tired of comfort food? I don’t. Which is actually a problem because attempting to lose a few pounds doesn’t align with a constant desire to stuff comforting recipes down my throat. This baked potato recipe definitely fall into the “comfort” category.
I got hooked on this recipe a few years ago because they act as a great main meal and a perfect side dish. They’re also great to make, freeze and eat at a later date (love doing this). However you plan to consume them, you will be happy you found them. These are the best potatoes ever.
Recipe Ingredients
Potatoes – Large russet potatoes are the perfect baking potatoes, but give the recipe a try with sweet potatoes or even large yukon gold or red potatoes. Scrub thoroughly before baking and the potato skins can be eaten!
Milk – Replace with heavy cream if desired.
Sour cream – To make this recipe healthier, use a reduced-calorie variety of sour cream or cut the amount in half.
Butter – Cut the amount of butter used in the recipe in half (if desired) or consider replacing a portion of it with olive oil.
Cheese – Shredded cheddar cheese is the go-to option for cheesy toppings, but this variety can be replaced with any shredded cheese that melts well.
Toppings – Go crazy with toppings! Top with any variety of cheese, chives, bacon bits or bacon crumbles, salsa, green onions, cooked broccoli florets, sriracha, pickled jalapenos or cilantro, with a sprinkle of pepper on top!
How To Make This Ultimate Twice Baked Potatoes Recipe
Step 1
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Using a fork, poke holes in potatoes. Place on a baking sheet and bake potatoes in the preheated oven for 60 minutes, or until a fork can easily be inserted into the tender insides.
Cut potatoes in half lengthwise and scoop out potato flesh with a spoon, leaving 1/2-inch rim to create a boat.
Step 2
Add the potato flesh to a large bowl and add milk, sour cream, butter, 1/2 cup cheese and seasoned salt. Using a stand or hand-held mixer, beat on medium speed until creamy. Stir in bacon. Divide the potato mixture between the potato boats and place on baking sheet.
Step 3
Top potatoes with shredded cheese and bake for an additional 15 minutes. Top with sour cream and chives and serve hot!
Recipe Notes
- Instead of using a hand mixer, you may use a potato masher to mash the flesh before adding the remaining ingredients.
- Add spices of your choice to the mashed potato filling, such as garlic powder, cayenne pepper, dry ranch dressing mix or paprika.
What Goes With Meatloaf
Meatloaf is a common pairing with many side dishes, making this recipe or any of the following baked potato recipes perfect to serve alongside it!
- For a more standard stuffed option, check out this easy baked potato recipe that will save you on busy nights.
- A mini baked potato in your fingertips! Loaded potato rounds are perfect for dinner or served as a party food.
- Chili-topped baked potatoes are a great way to use up chili or chili mac leftovers! Smother the potato with the delicious flavors of your chili and sour cream and cheese! It’s piling comfort food on top of comfort food for a warm, delicious meal.
- Sweet potatoes can be enjoyed as a sweet side, but let’s dive into some savory ways to enjoy these root vegetables! These savory baked sweet potato recipes are sure to be a win at your next dinner table.
What To Serve With Sweet Potatoes
In need of ideas about what to serve alongside this tasty orange food? Check out this roundup of 20 delicious ideas: what to serve with sweet potatoes.
How To Make Baked Sweet Potatoes in the Microwave
The only downfall to making potatoes is the wait! Don’t let this stop you from enjoying this perfect side dish. You can quickly and easily make a baked sweet potato in the microwave.
FAQ About Twice Baked Potatoes
Twice baked potatoes are great for freezing! After you stuff the potato “boats” with the delicious potatoey, creamy mixture, wrap each boat tightly in aluminum foil. Place the wrapped potatoes in resealable freezer bags and place them in the freezer for up to three months.
When you’re ready to eat them, let them thaw completely (preferably in the fridge overnight) and bake at 350 degrees for 20-25 minutes (or until heated through) and add toppings as desired! So easy peasy!
The reason twice baked potatoes tend to get gummy is that they are over baked or under baked. You want the potatoes cooked all the way through the initial time because when they return to the oven the second time, it’s a short time to melt the toppings together.
If you want to serve a full meal with your twice baked potatoes, try preparing a boneless pork loin with a seasoned rub or prepare some grilled chicken in the instant pot!
Other Recipes With Potatoes
Thanksgiving Recipes
- Which recipes will adorn your Thanksgiving table this year?! Check out this gallery of my absolute favorite options, including cranberry sauce, mashed potatoes, creamy potatoes and more! All of them can be deliciously used as Christmas recipes, as well.
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Ultimate Twice Baked Potatoes Recipe
Ingredients
- 4 Russet potatoes
- 1/2 cup milk
- 8 oz sour cream
- 1/4 cup butter softened
- 1/2 cup cheddar cheese shredded
- 1 tsp seasoned salt
- 8 slices bacon cooked and chopped
- 1/2 cup cheddar cheese shredded, for topping
- 1/2 cup sour cream and chopped chives for topping
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Using a fork, poke holes in potatoes. Place on a baking sheet and bake in the preheated oven for 1 hour. Cut potatoes in half lengthwise and scoop out potato flesh with a spoon, leaving 1/2-inch rim to create a boat.
- Add the potato flesh to a mixing bowl and add milk, sour cream, butter, 1/2 cup cheese and seasoned salt. Using a stand or hand-held mixer, beat on medium speed until creamy. Stir in bacon. Divide the mixture between the potato boats and place on baking sheet.
- Top potatoes with shredded cheese and bake for an additional 15 minutes. Top with sour cream and chives and serve hot!
Notes
- To make this recipe healthier, use a reduced-calorie variety of sour cream or cut the amount in half, as well as the butter.
- Russet potatoes work best for this recipe, but give it a try with sweet potatoes or even large yukon gold or red varieties.
- Go crazy with toppings! Top with any variety of cheese, chives, bacon crumbles, salsa, sriracha, pickled jalapenos or cilantro!
Don’t know why but, I haven’t put together twice baked potatoes in years.. Freezing some is great for just the two of us
Thank you for prompting fond memory.. :O)
Yes!! I want to make these pronto. And I have never thought about freezing them!
They are super yummy and just as good after being frozen! (thawing one now for lunch tomorrow!)