Twice Baked Potatoes Recipe (Best Ever)

What’s not to love about a crispy potato shell filled with whipped mashed potatoes and the best toppings?! The Twice Baked Potatoes Recipe (Best Ever) is perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a family dinner or a casual gathering. Each bite offers a delightful mix of textures and flavors that will surely impress your guests. This recipe stands out because of its versatility; you can customize the fillings to suit your taste, making it a favorite for everyone.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Deliciously Flavorful: The combination of cheese, bacon, and fresh herbs creates an irresistible flavor profile.
• Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, this recipe is accessible for cooks of all skill levels.
• Versatile Toppings: You can experiment with different cheeses, toppings, and seasonings to make it your own.
• Crowd-Pleaser: Perfect for gatherings, parties, or as a side dish at dinner; everyone loves twice baked potatoes!
• Make Ahead Option: You can prepare and fill the potatoes ahead of time, then just bake when you’re ready.

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into this delicious recipe, gather the necessary tools to ensure a smooth cooking process.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Wire rack
• Baking sheet
• Mixing bowl
• Potato masher
• Knife

Importance of Each Tool

• Wire rack: Allows even cooking of the potatoes while keeping them crisp.
• Baking sheet: Catches any drippings while the potatoes bake.
• Mixing bowl: Ideal for combining all filling ingredients without spilling.

Ingredients

Here are the ingredients needed for the Twice Baked Potatoes Recipe (Best Ever):

• 2 lbs Russet potatoes (or large Yukon Gold potatoes; scrubbed and dried (about 4 potatoes))
• 2 tbsp vegetable oil (or canola oil)
• Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper (to taste)
• 4 oz. shredded cheese (sharp cheddar, Gruyere, Mexican blend, or your favorite; divided)
• 4 tbsp unsalted butter (room temperature and divided (½ stick))
• 2-4 scallions (thinly sliced and divided)
• 4 strips bacon (cut into ¼-inch lardons, cooked until crisp, and divided)
• ¼ cup sour cream (or Greek yogurt)
• ¼ cup buttermilk
• minced fresh herbs (parsley, thyme, cilantro, chives; for garnish)

How to Make Twice Baked Potatoes Recipe (Best Ever)

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 400°F. Adjust the oven rack to the middle position. Place a wire rack over a foil-lined baking sheet.

Step 2: Prepare the Potatoes

• Lightly rub each potato with vegetable oil.
• Sprinkle each potato generously with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper.
• Place the prepared potatoes evenly spaced on the wire rack atop the baking sheet.

Step 3: Bake Until Tender

Bake for about 45 minutes to 1 hour or until they reach an internal temperature of 209°F or are fork-tender.

Step 4: Cool Down

Remove the potatoes from the oven but keep the oven on. Allow them to cool on the rack for about 10 minutes.

Step 5: Scoop Out Flesh

Once cooled slightly:
1. Cut each potato in half lengthwise.
2. Leave about an ⅛-¼ inch thickness of flesh in each shell.
3. Carefully scoop out the potato flesh into a medium-large mixing bowl.

Step 6: Crisp Up Shells

Transfer the empty potato shells back onto the baking sheet. Bake them at 400°F for another 10 minutes to help crisp them up.

Step 7: Make Filling Mixture

While shells are baking:
1. In your mixing bowl with potato flesh, mash together half of the shredded cheese, butter, scallions, bacon lardons, sour cream, buttermilk until smooth.
2. Season with salt and pepper as desired.

Step 8: Fill Potato Shells

Remove shells from oven and set it to broil. Fill each shell with mounded mashed potato mixture. Top with remaining cheese, scallions, bacon lardons, and butter.

Step 9: Broil Until Golden

Broil filled potatoes for about 5-10 minutes until cheese is melted and tops are golden brown. Keep an eye on them to prevent burning!

Step 10: Serve

Allow cooling for about 10 minutes before serving. Garnish with minced fresh herbs if desired.

Enjoy your deliciously crafted Twice Baked Potatoes!

How to Serve Twice Baked Potatoes Recipe (Best Ever)

Twice baked potatoes are a delicious and versatile dish that can be served in many ways. Whether as a side or a main course, they are sure to impress your guests with their creamy filling and crispy shells.

As a Main Dish

• Pair with grilled chicken for a satisfying meal.
• Serve alongside a fresh garden salad for a light and healthy option.

With Additional Toppings

• Add extra cheese on top for cheesier goodness.
• Include chopped jalapeños for those who like a spicy kick.

As Party Appetizers

• Cut them into smaller portions for easy snacking.
• Serve with sour cream or hot sauce on the side for dipping.

For Family Gatherings

• Place them on a buffet table for everyone to grab their favorites.
• Offer a variety of toppings so guests can customize their own.

Save it!

How to Perfect Twice Baked Potatoes Recipe (Best Ever)

Perfecting your twice baked potatoes is all about technique and attention to detail. Here are some tips to ensure your dish turns out amazing every time.

• Choose the right potatoes: Russet or Yukon Gold potatoes have the right texture for baking and mashing.
• Don’t rush cooling: Allow the baked potatoes to cool slightly before handling; this makes scooping easier.
• Use room temperature ingredients: Mixing in room temperature butter and dairy helps create a smooth filling.
• Season generously: Taste your filling as you go; proper seasoning is key to great flavor.
• Watch while broiling: Keep an eye on the potatoes while broiling to prevent burning; it only takes a few minutes.
• Garnish creatively: Fresh herbs not only add flavor but also enhance presentation.

Best Side Dishes for Twice Baked Potatoes Recipe (Best Ever)

Twice baked potatoes make an excellent accompaniment to many dishes. Here are some great side options that complement their rich flavors.

1. Grilled Steak – A juicy steak pairs well, creating a hearty meal perfect for special occasions.
2. Roasted Vegetables – Seasoned and roasted veggies provide balance with their crunch and natural sweetness.
3. Caesar Salad – The crisp romaine and creamy dressing offer freshness that contrasts nicely with the potatoes.
4. Honey Glazed Carrots – Sweet carrots add color and complement the savory flavors of the potatoes well.
5. Coleslaw – A tangy slaw adds crunch and acidity, making it an ideal partner with rich twice baked potatoes.
6. Baked Salmon – The flaky fish brings lightness while its omega-rich profile enhances overall nutrition.
7. Corn on the Cob – Sweet corn gives a fun summer vibe, especially when slathered in butter.
8. Stuffed Mushrooms – These bite-sized treats are filled with flavor and can be customized based on preferences.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When preparing your Twice Baked Potatoes Recipe (Best Ever), it’s easy to overlook some key steps. Here are common mistakes to avoid for the best results.

• Overcooking the Potatoes: If you bake the potatoes for too long, they can become too dry. Aim for an internal temperature of 209°F.
• Not Mashing Enough: Be sure to fully mash the potato flesh with ingredients. This ensures a creamy filling that’s easy to pipe into the shells.
• Skipping Seasoning: Don’t forget to season the filling well with salt and pepper. Taste as you go to enhance flavor.
• Using Cold Ingredients: Room temperature butter and dairy help create a smoother filling. Cold ingredients can make it lumpy.
• Filling Too Generously: While it’s tempting to pile on the filling, overfilling can lead to messy potatoes that spill when baking.

Save it!

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftover twice baked potatoes in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Make sure they have cooled completely before sealing.

Freezing Twice Baked Potatoes Recipe (Best Ever)

• Freeze unbaked twice baked potatoes in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months.
• Wrap each potato tightly in plastic wrap before placing them in a container.

Reheating Twice Baked Potatoes Recipe (Best Ever)

• Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F and bake for about 20-25 minutes until heated through.
• Microwave: Heat on high for 2-3 minutes, checking halfway through for even heating.
• Stovetop: Place in a skillet over medium heat, covering to retain moisture, and warm for about 10-15 minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about the Twice Baked Potatoes Recipe (Best Ever) that can help you perfect your dish.

Can I use other types of cheese?

Yes, feel free to experiment with different cheeses such as mozzarella or gouda. Each will bring a unique flavor.

How do I make this recipe healthier?

To make it healthier, consider using Greek yogurt instead of sour cream and reducing the amount of cheese.

What toppings work well with twice baked potatoes?

Toppings like chives, crispy onions, or even guacamole can add extra flavor and texture!

How can I customize my twice baked potatoes?

You can customize by adding vegetables like spinach or broccoli or even proteins like shredded chicken or turkey bacon.

Can I prepare these in advance?

Absolutely! You can prepare them ahead of time and store them in the fridge or freezer before baking.

Final Thoughts

The Twice Baked Potatoes Recipe (Best Ever) is not only delicious but also versatile. You can easily customize it with your favorite toppings or herbs. Whether as a side dish or a main event, these potatoes are sure to impress any crowd!