Twice Baked Potatoes Recipe

Twice baked potatoes are a comforting and delicious side dish that’s perfect for any occasion. They are creamy, cheesy, and full of flavor. Here’s a beginner-friendly, detailed step-by-step recipe to make the perfect twice baked potatoes.

Twice Baked Potatoes

Ingredients:

4 large russet potatoes
2 tablespoons olive oil
1/2 cup sour cream
1/4 cup milk
4 tablespoons butter
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
4 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
2 green onions, sliced
Salt and pepper to taste
Extra shredded cheddar cheese (for topping)
Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Equipment:

Baking sheet
Aluminum foil
Mixing bowl
Potato masher or fork
Spoon
Knife

Step-by-Step Instructions:

Step 1: Bake the Potatoes

Preheat oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
Prepare potatoes: Wash and scrub the potatoes thoroughly. Dry them with a paper towel.
Oil and salt: Rub each potato with a small amount of olive oil and sprinkle with salt. Pierce each potato a few times with a fork.
Bake: Place the potatoes directly on the oven rack or on a baking sheet. Bake for 50-60 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender when pierced with a fork.

Step 2: Prepare the Filling

Cool the potatoes: Remove the potatoes from the oven and let them cool for about 10 minutes, or until they are cool enough to handle.
Cut and scoop: Cut each potato in half lengthwise. Carefully scoop out the flesh, leaving a small border of potato around the skin to maintain its shape. Place the scooped-out potato flesh in a mixing bowl.

Step 3: Make the Potato Mixture

Mash the potatoes: Mash the potato flesh with a potato masher or fork until smooth.
Add ingredients: Add the sour cream, milk, butter, 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese, crumbled bacon, sliced green onions, salt, and pepper to the mashed potatoes. Mix well until all ingredients are combined and the mixture is creamy.

Step 4: Fill the Potato Shells

Fill shells: Spoon the potato mixture back into the potato shells, dividing it evenly among them.
Top with cheese: Sprinkle extra shredded cheddar cheese on top of each filled potato.

Step 5: Bake Again

Bake: Place the filled potatoes back on the baking sheet. Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and the potatoes are heated through.

Step 6: Serve

Garnish and serve: Remove the potatoes from the oven. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley and serve immediately.

Tips for Making the Best Twice Baked Potatoes:

Choose the right potatoes: Russet potatoes are ideal for twice baked potatoes due to their starchy texture, which creates a fluffy filling.
Don’t overmix: When mashing the potato flesh, be careful not to overmix, as this can make the potatoes gluey.
Customize the filling: Feel free to add your favorite ingredients to the filling, such as cooked broccoli, diced ham, or different types of cheese.

Final Thoughts

This beginner-friendly twice baked potatoes recipe is perfect for creating a comforting and delicious side dish. Follow the step-by-step instructions to make these creamy, cheesy potatoes that are sure to be a hit at any meal. Enjoy cooking and savoring this delightful dish!