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, a holiday feast, or a casual get-together. These potatoes offer an incredible blend of textures and flavors that make every bite delightful. They’re not just delicious; they’re also versatile and can be customized to suit various tastes.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Simple Preparation: This recipe is easy to follow, making it perfect for both beginners and seasoned cooks.
• Delicious Flavor: With creamy fillings and crispy tops, the flavor combination is irresistible.
• Customizable Toppings: Feel free to add your favorite ingredients like cheese, bacon, or herbs for a personal touch.
• Great for Meal Prep: Twice baked potatoes can be prepared ahead of time and reheated, making them ideal for busy days.
• Crowd-Pleaser: These potatoes are sure to impress guests at any gathering or special occasion.

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into the deliciousness of this twice baked potatoes recipe, gather the necessary tools. Having everything ready will streamline your cooking process.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Baking sheet
• Wire rack
• Medium-large mixing bowl
• Potato masher or fork
• Knife

Importance of Each Tool

• Baking sheet: Essential for catching drips while baking the potatoes and keeping your oven clean.
• Wire rack: Allows air to circulate around the potatoes while they bake, ensuring even cooking.

Ingredients

Here’s what you need 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.

Step 2: Prepare the Potatoes

1. Place a wire rack over a foil-lined baking sheet.
2. Lightly rub each potato with oil.
3. Sprinkle with salt and freshly ground black pepper.
4. Place the potatoes evenly spaced on the rack over the prepared baking sheet.

Step 3: Bake Until Tender

Bake the potatoes until they reach an internal temperature of 209°F or until fork tender. This usually takes about 45 minutes to an hour.

Step 4: Cool and Scoop

1. Remove the potatoes from the oven but keep it on.
2. Let them cool on the rack for about 10 minutes.
3. Cut each potato in half lengthwise, leaving a thin layer of flesh in each shell.
4. Carefully scoop out the potato flesh into a medium-large mixing bowl.

Step 5: Crisp Up Shells

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

Step 6: Make Filling Mixture

While shells are baking:
1. Mash together half of the cheese, butter, scallions, lardons, sour cream, buttermilk, and baked potato flesh until smooth.
2. Season with salt and pepper as desired.

Step 7: Fill Potato Shells

1. Remove shells from the oven.
2. Set oven to broil.
3. Fill each shell with mounded mashed potato mixture.
4. Top with remaining cheese, scallions, bacon lardons, and butter.

Step 8: Broil Until Golden

Broil until cheese melts and tops are spotty brown—approximately 5-10 minutes—watching closely.

Step 9: Cool & Serve

Allow cooling for about ten minutes before serving topped with minced fresh herbs if desired. Enjoy your Twice Baked Potatoes Recipe (Best Ever)!

How to Serve Twice Baked Potatoes Recipe (Best Ever)

Twice baked potatoes are a versatile dish that can be served in many delightful ways. Whether you want them as a side or a main course, here are some delicious serving suggestions.

As a Side Dish

• With Grilled Meats: Pair your twice baked potatoes with grilled steak or chicken for a hearty meal.
• Alongside Salads: Serve them with a fresh garden salad to balance the richness of the potatoes.

For Game Day

• With Dips: Offer them as part of a snack platter with dips like ranch or buffalo sauce for a tasty treat during the big game.
• Topped with Salsa: Add some fresh salsa on top for an extra kick and freshness.

Vegetarian Option

• Stuffed with Veggies: Fill them with sautéed mushrooms, spinach, and cheese for a vegetarian delight.
• As a Breakfast Dish: Top with scrambled eggs and avocado for a filling breakfast option.

Party Appetizer

• Mini Versions: Create bite-sized versions as appetizers at parties, topped with various cheeses and herbs.

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How to Perfect Twice Baked Potatoes Recipe (Best Ever)

Perfecting your twice baked potatoes takes just a few simple steps. Here are some tips to ensure they turn out delicious every time.

• Choose the Right Potatoes: Use starchy potatoes like Russet or Yukon Gold for the best texture.
• Avoid Overbaking: Bake until fork-tender; overbaking can lead to dry potatoes.
• Mash Smoothly: Ensure the potato mixture is smooth before refilling the shells for better texture.
• Broil Carefully: Watch closely while broiling to avoid burning the tops; aim for golden brown, not charred.
• Experiment with Toppings: Try different cheeses or toppings like jalapeños or sour cream to keep it exciting.
• Let Them Rest: Allow the filled potatoes to cool slightly before serving; this helps flavors meld beautifully.

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

Twice baked potatoes pair well with various side dishes. Here are some great options to complement your meal.

1. Grilled Vegetables: Seasoned zucchini, bell peppers, and asparagus add color and healthiness to your plate.
2. Caesar Salad: Crisp romaine lettuce, parmesan cheese, and croutons create a classic pairing with rich potatoes.
3. Coleslaw: A tangy coleslaw provides crunch and balances the creamy texture of twice baked potatoes.
4. Roasted Brussels Sprouts: These provide earthy flavors that enhance the richness of your dish.
5. Corn on the Cob: Sweet corn complements the savory flavors of twice baked potatoes perfectly during summer months.
6. Steamed Broccoli: A simple side that adds nutrition without overpowering the main dish’s flavor profile.
7. Bacon-Wrapped Asparagus: For an elegant touch, wrap asparagus in bacon; its crispiness pairs well with fluffy potatoes.
8. Garlic Bread: A crunchy garlic bread serves as an excellent vessel for any leftover toppings from your twice baked potatoes.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Creating the perfect Twice Baked Potatoes Recipe (Best Ever) can be tricky. Here are some common mistakes to steer clear of:

• Overcooking potatoes: This can lead to a mushy texture. Aim for fork-tender potatoes, typically around 45 minutes to an hour in the oven.
• Not seasoning enough: Failing to season your potato flesh can result in bland flavors. Be generous with salt and pepper during the mashing process.
• Skipping the crisping step: If you don’t bake the shells again before filling, they may become soggy. Always crisp them for about 10 minutes after scooping out the insides.
• Underestimating toppings: Not using enough cheese or toppings can leave your potatoes lacking flavor and texture. Load them up with your favorites!
• Ignoring cooling time: Rushing to fill hot shells can cause burns and make it difficult to scoop. Let them cool for at least 10 minutes before handling.

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Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
• Allow them to cool completely before sealing for maximum freshness.

Freezing Twice Baked Potatoes Recipe (Best Ever)

• Wrap each potato tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe bag.
• They can last up to 3 months in the freezer.

Reheating Twice Baked Potatoes Recipe (Best Ever)

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F and heat for about 20-25 minutes until warmed through.
• Microwave: Use a microwave-safe plate and heat on high for about 2-3 minutes, checking halfway.
• Stovetop: Heat in a skillet over medium-low heat, covering with a lid until warmed through, about 5-10 minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some questions frequently asked about this Twice Baked Potatoes Recipe (Best Ever).

Can I make Twice Baked Potatoes ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare and fill them ahead of time, then refrigerate or freeze until you’re ready to bake.

What toppings work best for Twice Baked Potatoes?

Popular choices include cheese, bacon, scallions, sour cream, and fresh herbs. Feel free to customize based on your preferences!

How do I ensure my potatoes are crispy?

Crisp the potato shells by baking them for an additional 10 minutes after scooping out the insides.

Can I use other types of potatoes?

Absolutely! Yukon Gold potatoes also work well and offer a slightly different flavor and texture.

Final Thoughts

The Twice Baked Potatoes Recipe (Best Ever) is not just delicious but also versatile. You can customize your fillings with various cheeses and toppings based on your taste. Whether served as a side dish or a main attraction at dinner, these twice baked potatoes will surely impress everyone at the table!