Twice-baked potatoes are the ultimate comfort food. They’re crispy on the outside, soft and creamy on the inside, and loaded with all the best toppings—cheese, bacon, sour cream, and more. Whether you’re preparing them as a side dish for a family dinner or as a snack for a party, these twice-baked potatoes will be a crowd-pleaser every time. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know to make these delicious potatoes perfectly.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. Crispy Skin, Creamy Inside

The beauty of twice-baked potatoes is in the texture. The skin crisps up perfectly, while the filling is soft, creamy, and loaded with flavor. It’s the best of both worlds!

2. Customizable Toppings

This recipe is highly customizable. You can add your favorite cheese, seasonings, or toppings like chives, sour cream, or even chili for a unique twist.

3. Perfect for Meal Prep

Twice-baked potatoes are easy to make in batches, so they’re great for meal prepping. Make them ahead of time, store them in the fridge, and simply reheat when you’re ready to serve.

4. Great for Any Occasion

These potatoes can be served as a side dish for a family dinner, or as a standout appetizer for your next party. They can also be turned into a main dish by adding extra toppings or protein like chicken or steak.

5. Cheese, Bacon, and Sour Cream—Need We Say More?

With three of the most delicious ingredients—cheese, bacon, and sour cream—packed into each potato, this recipe is packed with indulgent flavors that are sure to please everyone.

Ingredients

4 russet potatoes (Choose large, firm potatoes for the best results)
Olive oil (For coating the potatoes)
Salt (To sprinkle on the potatoes before baking)
⅓ cup sour cream (Adds creaminess and tang)
2 tablespoons butter (Enhances the rich flavor)
½ cup Monterey Jack cheese (Finely shredded)
1 cup cheddar cheese (Finely shredded, reserve ¼ cup for topping)
¼ teaspoon garlic powder
¼ teaspoon onion powder
¼ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon black pepper
¼-⅓ cup milk (Use as needed for desired creaminess)
2 slices bacon (Cooked until crispy and chopped)
1 scallion (Thinly sliced for garnish)

Variations

Add Protein: Turn these potatoes into a main dish by adding shredded chicken, pulled pork, or even chili on top.
Vegetarian Version: Skip the bacon for a vegetarian-friendly version, or replace it with sautéed mushrooms or spinach for added flavor.
Cheese Variations: Feel free to switch out the Monterey Jack and cheddar for your favorite cheeses like gouda, Swiss, or pepper jack for a different flavor profile.
Spicy Kick: Add chopped jalapeños or a sprinkle of chili flakes to the filling for some extra heat.

How to Make the Recipe

Step 1: Bake the Potatoes

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Wash and scrub the russet potatoes, then rub them with olive oil and sprinkle with salt. Pierce the potatoes with a fork a few times and place them on a baking sheet. Bake for 45-60 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender when pierced with a fork.

Step 2: Prepare the Bacon and Filling

While the potatoes bake, cook the bacon in a skillet over medium heat until crispy. Remove and set aside on paper towels to drain. Once cooled, chop the bacon into small pieces.

Step 3: Scoop Out the Potatoes

Once the potatoes are cool enough to handle, slice them in half lengthwise. Carefully scoop out the flesh from the potato skins, leaving about ¼ inch around the edges. Place the scooped potato flesh in a bowl.

Step 4: Make the Potato Filling

To the bowl with the potato flesh, add sour cream, butter, Monterey Jack cheese, ¾ cup cheddar cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Add milk a little at a time until the filling reaches your desired creaminess. Mash everything together until smooth and well combined. Stir in the chopped bacon.

Step 5: Fill the Potato Skins

Spoon the creamy potato mixture back into the hollowed-out potato skins. Be sure to pack the filling in well. Sprinkle the remaining ¼ cup of cheddar cheese over the top of each potato.

Step 6: Bake Again

Place the stuffed potatoes back on the baking sheet and return them to the oven. Bake for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the potatoes are golden brown on top.

Step 7: Garnish and Serve

Remove the potatoes from the oven and sprinkle with chopped scallions for a fresh, flavorful garnish. Serve hot and enjoy!

Tips for Making the Recipe

Do Not Overcrowd the Baking Sheet: When baking the potatoes the first time, make sure they are not crowded on the sheet to allow for even cooking.
Choose Large, Firm Potatoes: For the best results, use large russet potatoes. They are sturdy and have a fluffy interior that holds up well when scooped and refilled.
Let the Potatoes Cool Before Scooping: Allow the potatoes to cool slightly before handling them, as this will prevent burning your hands and give you a better texture to scoop from.
Make Ahead Option: You can prepare the potatoes up to the point of baking them a second time. Store them in the fridge and bake for 20-25 minutes when you’re ready to serve.

How to Serve

Twice-baked potatoes are an excellent side dish to serve with grilled meats, roasted chicken, or steak. They also make for a filling vegetarian main dish if paired with a fresh salad or sautéed vegetables. Serve them with a dollop of sour cream, extra bacon, or fresh herbs for an added burst of flavor.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

You can store leftover twice-baked potatoes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes or in the microwave for 2-3 minutes until warmed through.

Freezing

To freeze, place the fully prepared twice-baked potatoes on a baking sheet and freeze them for 2 hours. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer bag and store for up to 3 months. Reheat them in the oven at 375°F (190°C) for 25-30 minutes or until fully heated.

Reheating

Reheat leftover twice-baked potatoes in the oven for the best results. Simply place them on a baking sheet and heat at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes until the cheese is melted and the potatoes are warmed through.

FAQs

1. Can I use other types of potatoes?

Russet potatoes are ideal for this recipe due to their large size and fluffy interior, but you can use Yukon Gold potatoes as well for a creamier texture.

2. Can I make twice-baked potatoes without sour cream?

Yes, you can substitute sour cream with Greek yogurt for a tangy twist or simply use more butter for a richer texture.

3. How can I make these potatoes spicier?

Add some diced jalapeños, chili flakes, or a dash of hot sauce to the filling for an extra kick.

4. Can I use store-bought mashed potatoes instead of baking my own?

While it’s best to use fresh baked potatoes for the best texture, you can use leftover mashed potatoes in a pinch. Just make sure to adjust the seasonings to taste.

5. Can I use pre-cooked bacon?

Yes, pre-cooked bacon will work, but fresh, crispy bacon adds the best flavor and crunch.

6. Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the potatoes up to the point of baking them a second time and store them in the fridge until you’re ready to bake.

7. Can I add other vegetables to the filling?

Yes, feel free to add sautéed onions, spinach, or mushrooms to the filling for added flavor.

8. How do I make these potatoes vegetarian?

Skip the bacon and opt for vegetarian-friendly toppings like sautéed mushrooms, onions, or extra cheese.

9. Can I make these potatoes gluten-free?

Yes, this recipe is naturally gluten-free, just ensure that your seasoning mixes and sour cream are also gluten-free.

10. How do I prevent the skins from being too tough?

Make sure to bake the potatoes until they are fully tender. You can also lightly rub the skins with butter or oil for added softness.

Conclusion

Twice-baked potatoes are a delicious and versatile dish that can be customized with your favorite fillings and toppings. Whether you’re making them for a family dinner or a special occasion, these potatoes are sure to be a hit. With their crispy exterior and creamy, cheesy filling, they’re the perfect comfort food!