There’s something utterly comforting about the moment you slice into a twice baked potato, revealing a crispy exterior that holds a warm, velvety filling. Inspired by cozy family dinners and festive gatherings, this recipe for the Best Ever Twice Baked Potatoes is designed to elevate your home-cooked meal experience. The buttery richness combined with gooey cheese and a hint of scallions creates a flavor explosion that’s sure to impress both friends and family. Plus, the customization options let your creativity shine—whether you prefer bacon, roasted garlic, or a sprinkle of spicy jalapeños, make it uniquely yours!

As I prepared these potatoes after a long day, I found that they not only satisfied my cravings but also turned my kitchen into a haven of delightful aromas. Perfectly suited for a cozy night in or as a crowd-pleasing side at your next gathering, these twice baked potatoes are the answer for anyone tired of the same old fast food routine. Get ready to indulge in a dish that’s as fun to make as it is to eat!

Why are twice baked potatoes a must-try?

Comforting Experience: These twice baked potatoes deliver a heartwarming satisfaction that simply can’t be matched.

Customizable Toppings: Whether you crave crispy bacon, zesty jalapeños, or even the allure of roasted garlic, the options are endless.

Simple Preparation: With straightforward steps, this recipe makes it easy to whip up a delicious side dish or main attraction.

Crowd-Pleaser: Perfect for family dinners and festive gatherings, you can be sure your guests will rave about this delightful dish.

Freezer-Friendly: Not only can you enjoy these freshly baked delights, but they also store well, making for quick meals later. If you’re looking for more delicious potato ideas, try out Cheesy Fiesta Potatoes.

Twice Baked Potatoes Ingredients

For the Potatoes
• Russet or Yukon Gold potatoes – These varieties provide the best texture and structure for twice baked potatoes.

For the Filling
• Butter – Adds rich creaminess; feel free to substitute with olive oil for a healthier twist.
• Cheese – Go for sharp cheddar or melty mozzarella; consider vegan cheese for a plant-based option.
• Scallions – Freshens up the flavor beautifully; chives work well as a replacement.
• Lardons or Bacon – Introduces a savory crunch; swap with sautéed mushrooms for a vegetarian version.
• Sour Cream – Provides tang and creaminess; Greek yogurt is a great healthier alternative.
• Buttermilk – Ensures a smooth, creamy filling; milk or dairy-free milk can be substituted.

For Topping (Optional)
• Additional Cheese – Top with a sprinkle of cheese before broiling to achieve a golden crust.
• Fresh Herbs – Garnish with thyme or parsley for a vibrant finish.

These twice baked potatoes are not just a dish; they’re a comforting experience that invites creativity and joy into your kitchen.

How to Make Twice Baked Potatoes

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Make sure the rack is positioned in the middle of the oven for even cooking.
Bake the whole potatoes for 45-60 minutes. Check for fork tenderness and ensure they reach an internal temperature of 209°F for the perfect fluffy inside.
Hollow out the baked potatoes carefully. Reserve the creamy potato flesh in a bowl and return the empty skins to the oven for 10 minutes to crisp them up perfectly.
Mash the reserved potato flesh in the bowl. Add in butter, half of the cheese, scallions, lardons, sour cream, buttermilk, salt, and pepper until everything is smooth and creamy.
Fill the crispy potato skins with your delicious mashed mixture generously. Don’t forget to sprinkle the remaining cheese on top for that gooey finish!
Broil the potatoes for 5-10 minutes, watching closely until the cheese melts and the tops turn golden brown and bubbly.
Cool for 10 minutes before serving. Feel free to garnish with fresh herbs like parsley or chives for an inviting touch.

Optional: Drizzle with extra sour cream for a tangy finish.
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.

How to Store and Freeze Twice Baked Potatoes

Room Temperature: Allow cooked twice baked potatoes to cool completely for optimal storage. They should not sit out for more than 2 hours to maintain freshness.
Fridge: Store leftover twice baked potatoes in an airtight container for up to 4 days. This will keep them fresh and prevent drying.
Freezer: Wrap each twice baked potato tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag. They can be stored for up to 3 months without sacrificing taste.
Reheating: When ready to enjoy, reheat in the oven at 350°F for 20-25 minutes, or microwave for 2-3 minutes. Avoid high heat to keep the texture creamy!

What to Serve with Best Ever Twice Baked Potatoes?

Creating the perfect meal around these twice baked potatoes will elevate your dining experience to new heights.

Grilled Chicken: Juicy and flavorful, the smokiness of grilled chicken pairs brilliantly with the creamy richness of the potatoes.
Steamed Broccoli: A fresh and vibrant addition, steamed broccoli adds a delightful crunch and balances the dish’s richness.
Garlic Bread: The buttery, garlicky goodness of garlic bread complements the potatoes perfectly, making every bite more indulgent.
Caesar Salad: Crisp romaine, tangy dressing, and crunchy croutons add a refreshing contrast to the creamy potatoes, lightening the overall plate.
Sautéed Mushrooms: Earthy and savory, sautéed mushrooms lend a lovely depth of flavor that harmonizes with the potatoes’ creamy filling.
Roasted Asparagus: Tender stems with a slight char and bright flavor offer an elegant touch and a pleasant textural contrast to the dish.
Apple Crisp: End your meal with a warm, spiced apple crisp. The sweetness and warm spices provide a perfect, nostalgic finish.
Chardonnay: A glass of crisp Chardonnay can enhance the flavors beautifully, making every moment feel special.

These pairings create a memorable and well-rounded dining experience, celebrating the humble potato in a delightful way!

Make Ahead Options

These twice baked potatoes are perfect for meal prep enthusiasts looking to save time during busy weeknights! You can prepare the filling (mash potatoes, butter, cheese, and seasonings) up to 3 days in advance and refrigerate it in an airtight container. Additionally, the empty potato skins can be baked and stored for up to 24 hours before filling. When you’re ready to serve, simply bake the filled skins at 350°F for about 20-25 minutes, or broil for 5-10 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and golden. This way, you can enjoy delicious, home-cooked twice baked potatoes with minimal effort, keeping dinner stress-free and satisfying!

Twice Baked Potatoes Variations

Personalize your twice baked potatoes with fun twists that will delight your taste buds!

Cheesy Delight: Add more cheese like gouda or pepper jack to the filling for an extra gooey experience. The richness will elevate your dish to a whole new level of comfort.
Herb-Infused: Stir in fresh herbs like dill or basil for a refreshing touch. The aroma will be incredible and adds a garden-fresh flavor that brightens each bite.
Spicy Kick: Toss in diced jalapeños or a splash of hot sauce for a fiery version. This variation is perfect for those who enjoy a little heat with their comfort food.
Smoky Flavor: Incorporate smoked paprika or chipotle powder into the filling for a unique, smoky profile. The depth of flavor will surprise and impress your guests.
Vegetarian Wonder: Swap out lardons for sautéed spinach or roasted bell peppers. This playful combination offers robust flavor while staying meat-free and delightful.
Savory Garlic: Mix in roasted garlic for a sweet, nutty essence. Each bite will have a lovely depth that enhances the comforting creaminess of your potatoes.
Creamy Spinach & Feta: Fold in chopped spinach and crumbled feta cheese for a Mediterranean twist. This combination adds bursts of flavor and a nice texture contrast.
Loaded Taco: Top with seasoned ground beef, diced tomatoes, and a drizzle of salsa for a taco-inspired variant. It’s a fun way to turn your potatoes into a fiesta on a plate!

Expert Tips for Twice Baked Potatoes

Crispy Skins: After hollowing the potatoes, return the skins to the oven to crisp for an additional 10 minutes—this enhances the overall texture.
Perfectly Mashed: Avoid over-mashing the potato flesh to keep a fluffy texture; mix until just combined for best results.
Ingredient Temperature: Ensure all filling ingredients are at room temperature before mixing to achieve a uniform texture in your twice baked potatoes.
Prevent sogginess: Cool hollowed skins completely before storage to avoid steam buildup, which can lead to a mushy consistency.
Taste As You Go: Adjust flavors to your liking by tasting the filling before broiling; it’s a great way to ensure perfect seasoning!

Best Ever Twice Baked Potatoes Recipe FAQs

What type of potatoes should I use for twice baked potatoes?
I recommend using Russet or Yukon Gold potatoes. They provide the perfect texture and structure, allowing for a fluffy filling that complements the crispy skin. Look for medium to large-sized potatoes that are firm and have no dark spots or blemishes.

How should I store leftover twice baked potatoes?
To keep your twice baked potatoes fresh, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Make sure they cool completely before sealing to avoid sogginess from steam buildup.

Can I freeze twice baked potatoes?
Absolutely! To freeze, individually wrap each potato tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag. They can be stored for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, simply thaw them in the fridge overnight and reheat.

What if the skins aren’t crispy enough after baking?
If your potato skins aren’t crispy enough, return the hollowed skins to the oven for an additional 10 minutes after they’ve been emptied. This ensures they regain that delightful crunch before you fill them with the creamy stuffing.

Can I make these vegetarian-friendly?
Yes! You can easily adapt the recipe for a vegetarian diet by substituting bacon with sautéed mushrooms or extra veggies like roasted garlic and bell peppers. This can still provide a savory punch to your twice baked potatoes.

Is there a way to adjust for dietary restrictions?
Of course! For a healthier alternative, consider using olive oil instead of butter and Greek yogurt instead of sour cream. If vegan, choose dairy-free cheese and skip the bacon, using mushrooms or additional herbs for flavor. Always check ingredient labels for allergies or dietary considerations!