Twice Baked Potatoes are like the ultimate comfort food hug. Picture this: a crispy, golden exterior giving way to a creamy, dreamy filling that dances with flavors and textures. You take a bite, and it’s as if your taste buds just threw a party, inviting butter, cheese, and chives to join the fun. crispy smashed potatoes creamy au gratin potatoes The savory aroma wafts through your kitchen, making it impossible to resist sneaking a spoonful before they even hit the table. sweet potato gratin broccoli cheese mashed potatoes. For more inspiration, check out this creamy vegan potato soup recipe.
I remember the first time I made Twice Baked Potatoes for my family. My little cousin took one bite and declared it “the best potato ever,” which was pretty high praise from a kid who usually stuck to chicken nuggets. Since then, these delectable spuds have graced our holiday dinners and casual get-togethers alike. They’re perfect for cozy nights in or as a crowd-pleasing side dish at gatherings. Let’s dive into this flavor adventure! For more inspiration, check out this sweet potato casserole recipe.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Twice Baked Potatoes are incredibly easy to prepare and can be made ahead of time
- Their rich flavor profile combines buttery potatoes with creamy cheese and fresh herbs
- These potatoes look stunning on any dinner table, making them a visual feast
- Versatile enough to customize with your favorite toppings or add-ins!
I still chuckle recalling how my aunt tried to convince everyone they were “just potatoes” as we devoured them in seconds.
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
- Large Russet Potatoes: Choose firm potatoes; they provide the perfect fluffy texture for baking twice.
- Unsalted Butter: Always use unsalted butter; it allows you to control the saltiness of the filling.
- Sour Cream: Full-fat sour cream adds richness and creaminess that balances the flavors beautifully.
- Shredded Cheese: Cheddar is classic here, but feel free to mix in your favorites for added depth.
- Chopped Chives or Green Onions: Fresh herbs add brightness and color while enhancing overall flavor.
- Salt and Pepper: Simple yet essential for seasoning the filling just right.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it together
Preheat Your Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). While it heats up, let’s prepare those potatoes!
Bake the Potatoes: Wash the Russet potatoes thoroughly and poke several holes in each with a fork. Bake them directly on the oven rack for 45-60 minutes until tender.
Let Them Cool & Scoop Out Filling: Once baked, let the potatoes cool slightly before slicing them in half lengthwise. Carefully scoop out the insides into a mixing bowl, leaving some flesh attached for structure.
Prepare Your Creamy Filling: To the potato flesh, add unsalted butter, sour cream, shredded cheese, chopped chives or green onions, salt, and pepper. Mix until creamy and smooth; taste for seasoning adjustments.
Refill & Reset Those Potatoes: Spoon the creamy mixture back into each potato shell generously. Top with extra cheese if you want an epic cheesy finish!
Bake Again!: Place filled potatoes back in the oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 15-20 minutes until heated through and lightly golden on top.
And voilà! Serve these Twice Baked Potatoes hot; watch as everyone dives in faster than you can say “potato party!”
You Must Know
- Twice baked potatoes are a comforting classic that can easily be prepped ahead and frozen
- They offer a creamy texture and rich flavor that transforms any meal into a feast
- Plus, these spuds are perfect for customizing with your favorite toppings, bringing a personal touch to every bite
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by baking the potatoes until soft, then scoop out the insides and mix in your desired ingredients before refilling them for a second bake.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap out sour cream for Greek yogurt or cheddar cheese for pepper jack to add a spicy kick.
Storing & Reheating
Store twice baked potatoes in airtight containers or wrap them tightly in foil. Reheat in the oven at 350°F until warmed through, about 20 minutes.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- Use russet potatoes for their ideal fluffy texture; avoid waxy types like red potatoes
- Make sure to season your potato mixture well; bland filling leads to sad spuds!
- For extra creaminess, add more butter or cream cheese to the filling before baking again
Creating twice baked potatoes always brings back warm memories of family gatherings, where laughter filled the air and these spuds were devoured in record time.
FAQ
Can I freeze twice baked potatoes?
Yes, you can freeze them before or after the second bake for later enjoyment.
How long do they last in the freezer?
Twice baked potatoes can last up to three months when properly stored.
What toppings can I use for twice baked potatoes?
You can use bacon bits, chives, or even broccoli for added flavor and texture.
Twice Baked Potatoes
- Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
Description
Twice Baked Potatoes are the ultimate comfort food, combining a crispy exterior with a creamy, flavorful filling that delights every palate. Stuffed with buttery potatoes, rich sour cream, and melty cheese, they’re an irresistible side dish perfect for gatherings or cozy dinners at home. Whether served as a standalone dish or as an accompaniment to your favorite meal, these spuds will have everyone clamoring for more.
Ingredients
- 4 large Russet potatoes
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 cup full-fat sour cream
- 1.5 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- ¼ cup chopped chives or green onions
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Wash and poke holes in the Russet potatoes; bake directly on the oven rack for 45-60 minutes until tender.
- Let cool slightly, slice in half lengthwise, and scoop out the insides into a bowl, leaving some flesh for structure.
- Mix potato flesh with butter, sour cream, cheese, chives, salt, and pepper until creamy.
- Spoon mixture back into potato skins; top with extra cheese if desired.
- Bake at 375°F (190°C) for another 15-20 minutes until heated through and golden.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 75 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 potato
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 480mg
- Fat: 16g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 44g
- Fiber: 6g
- Protein: 9g
- Cholesterol: 35mg
