Recipe summary for Twice Baked Potatoes
These easy and filling twice baked potatoes transform leftover meal prep potatoes into a rich, cheesy side dish topped with crispy bacon and chives. It is a quick weeknight favorite that saves you time in the kitchen while delivering comfort food at its finest.
I hand tested this classic recipe until it was just right to share with you, making sure the balance of creamy filling and melted cheese hits the spot every single time. Reusing pre-cooked oven baked potatoes makes this meal come together so quickly, giving you a restaurant quality side dish with minimal effort.
If you enjoy smart kitchen shortcuts like this, you will love using extra potato portions from your batch cooking routine. For another delicious way to use up ingredients from your fridge, check out my recipes for shredded chicken and enchiladas rancheros.
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Why my family loves this recipe
Is it just me, or does my family really love the recipes that can take a lot of work or more time to make? LOL!
But really, recipes that take a few extra steps usually turn out awesome, and this recipe is no different. That’s why I oven bake a batch of potatoes and use that energy more than once. Double cooking is one of my favorite kitchen tricks!
So, we love twice baked potatoes because:
- They are creamy.
- They make you feel like you’re at a steakhouse.
- bacon. That’s all.
- They are in their own container (the skins!).
- Savory cheesy goodness.
Step by step instructions with pictures for Twice Baked Potatoes recipe
Time needed: 35 minutes
Step by step instructions with pictures for Twice Baked Potatoes recipe
- Scoop the potatoes
Preheat your oven to 400 degrees. Slice your three (previously) baked potatoes in half lengthwise. Carefully scoop out the center of each potato half into a mixing bowl, taking care to leave the potato skins intact.
Arrange the hollowed potato skins onto a baking sheet so they are ready to be refilled. Please have freedom to have imperfect potato shells, like me. - Mash and mix the filling
Using the back of a fork, mash the potato thoroughly in the bowl until smooth.
- Add remaining filling ingredients.
Add the sour cream, half a cup of shredded cheddar cheese, salt, and ground black pepper to the mashed potato.
- Stir
Stir everything together until the ingredients are completely combined and creamy.
- Stuff and bake
Carefully spoon the potato mixture back into the reserved potato skins on your baking sheet.
- Add Toppings
Top the stuffed potatoes evenly with the remaining half cup of cheddar cheese, the four pieces of chopped bacon, and the dried chives.
- Bake
Place the baking sheet in the oven and bake for 10 to 15 minutes, or until the filling is hot, and the cheese is completely melted.
FAQ for Twice Baked Potatoes recipe
Yes, you can easily prepare them in advance. Assemble the potatoes up through the refilling and topping step, then cover them tightly and store them in the refrigerator for up to two days. When you are ready to serve, simply bake them at 400 degrees for at least 20 minutes, until the filling is heated completely through and the cheese is melted.
As your first step, scrub your potatoes and use a fork to poke holes for steam all the way around each potato. Place the potatoes on a baking sheet and bake at 400 degrees for 45 minutes to an hour, or until a fork inserted in the center goes in easily.
Russet potatoes work best because their sturdy skins hold up well during the scooping and stuffing process. Additionally, their fluffy interior texture makes mashing and blending with sour cream and cheese smooth and effortless.
More About Steph @ Life Bites Kitchen
Did you know Steph hand writes and tests all recipes you find on this blog? She wants to make sure you have the best recipe in your hands when you spend your time and money to get cooking in the kitchen. She creates and tests every recipe herself without relying on AI, and the photos you see on the site are real photos of real food that she personally cooked and photographed. As a passionate recipe developer and family cook for 25 years, Steph loves sharing practical, delicious meals that make cooking at home a breeze.
Twice Baked Potatoes
Ingredients
Method
- Preheat oven to 400 degrees.
- Slice baked potatoes in half. Carefully scoop out the potato into a bowl, retaining the skins. Place the skins on a baking sheet.
- Using the back of a fork, mash the potato thoroughly.
- Add sour cream and 1/2 cup of the cheese. Add salt and pepper. Mix until combined.
- Carefully refill potato skins with potato mixture.
- Top with remaining cheese, chopped bacon, and chives.
- Bake for 10-15 minutes or until cheese is melted.
Notes
*Please consult your health professional for health and nutritional advice.
