Twice Baked Potatoes Recipe {VIDEO} - The Cookie Rookie (2024)

Twice Baked Potatoes Recipe {VIDEO} - The Cookie Rookie (1)

By: Becky Hardin

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Twice Baked Potatoes are a classic, must-make side dish any time of year. This is the best Twice Baked Potatoes recipe because of its creamy, cheesy, crispy top. I’ve loaded it up with all the best ingredients and toppings, and they’re absolutely bursting with flavor.

Twice Baked Potatoes Recipe {VIDEO} - The Cookie Rookie (2)

Table of Contents

What’s in this Twice Baked Potato Recipe?

These are a little fancier than classic baked potatoes. Each crispy skin is filled with mashed potatoes overflowing out of the shell all covered with more shredded cheese and toppings. My mom and I developed this baked potato upgrade, and since making it, it’s my go-to spud recipe to make for special occasions.

  • Potatoes: I like Yukon Gold best, but Russets also work.
  • Vegetable Oil: Prevents the potato skins from burning in the oven.
  • Salt + Pepper: Season the skin of the potatoes!
  • Shredded Cheese: Sharp cheddar, Gruyere, Mexican blend… the possibilities are endless!
  • Butter: Helps the filling cook without burning. I recommend using unsalted butter, as the cheese is already salty enough!
  • Scallions: A classic baked potato topping. You can use chives instead.
  • Bacon: The perfect salty complement to these rich, creamy potatoes.
  • Sour Cream: Makes the filling creamy and tangy. For a healthier swap, use low-fat sour cream or plain Greek yogurt instead.
  • Buttermilk: Loosens up the filling so that it’s scoopable and adds great tangy flavor.

Pro Tip: Try using softened cream cheese in place of the buttermilk for super decadent twice baked potatoes.

Variations

Starting with this amazing base twice baked potato recipe, jazz it up to make it your own! Here are some ideas that we have loved making at our house:

  • Buffalo Chicken: Add spicy buffalo chicken, ranch, and blue cheese for a fun twist on a classic.
  • Broccoli Cheese Twice Baked Potato: I have a whole recipe dedicated to this one. It’s so delicious!
  • Spicy Mexican: Add ground beef, taco seasoning, jalapeños, and more!
  • Caprese: Add fresh basil, tomatoes, and mozzarella.
  • Chili Cheese: Load on your favorite chili, shredded cheese, and sour cream.
  • Chicken Bacon Ranch: You heard me!
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How to Store and Reheat

Store leftover twice baked potatoes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.

These potatoes reheat wonderfully. I love to send them with my husband to work the next day after having them for dinner. You can reheat them in a 400°F oven on a wire rack set in a baking sheet for 20 minutes, or microwave them on high for 2-3 minutes.

How to Freeze

I love having a batch ready to go in the freezer! Freeze twice baked potatoes in a single layer on a lined baking sheet until solid, about 1-2 hours. Wrap each potato in aluminum foil and transfer to an airtight container or Ziplco*k bag to store for up to 3 months.

If frozen before being baked, allow the potatoes to thaw overnight in the refrigerator before baking. If frozen after being baked, bake directly from frozen in a 400°F oven for 1 hour, or until heated through and bubbly.

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Serving Ideas

Twice baked potatoes could easily be a meal on their own since they’re stuffed with so much goodness. If serving as a main course, you can also add some protein like shredded chicken or sliced steak.

I love setting up a twice baked potato bar with a bunch of toppings and letting guests build their own epic twice baked potato. So fun! Get creative and serve them with different types of cheeses and herbs, peppers, caramelized onions, or toasted nuts.

They’re also a tasty side dish and complement so many main dishes. I love adding these to our holiday menu, but they’re good any night of the week.Try them with Oven Fried Chicken, Spinach Stuffed Chicken Breast, Pineapple Ham, Oven Baked Steak, or Stovetop Burgers.

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5-Star Review

“These were the very very best twice baked potatoes we have ever eaten. So creamy and delish! Boy have to make these again soon. Thank you Becky.” – Jill Schilling

Step by Step

How to make Twice Baked Potatoes

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Recipe

Twice Baked Potatoes Recipe (Best Ever)

4.59 from 280 votes

Author: Becky Hardin

Prep: 25 minutes minutes

Cook: 1 hour hour 15 minutes minutes

Total: 2 hours hours

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Serves4

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What’s not to love about a crispy potato shell filled with whipped mashed potatoes and the best toppings?! There’s so much texture in each bite. These are a perfect side dish for Thanksgiving (or any holiday feast) as well as anytime throughout the week. Any time is the right time for twice baked potatoes!

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Ingredients

  • 2 pounds Russet potatoes or large Yukon Gold potatoes; scrubbed and dried (about 4 potatoes)
  • 2 tablespoons vegetable oil or canola oil
  • Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
  • 4 ounces shredded cheese sharp cheddar, Gruyere, Mexican blend, or your favorite; divided
  • 4 tablespoons 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

Recommended Equipment

Instructions

  • Preheat oven to 400°F and adjust the oven rack to the middle position. Place a wire rack over a foil-lined baking sheet.

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  • Lightly rub each potato with oil and sprinkle with salt and freshly ground black pepper. Place the potatoes, evenly spaced, on the rack over the prepared baking sheet.

    2 pounds Russet potatoes, Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, 2 tablespoons vegetable oil

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  • Bake the potatoes to an internal temperature of 209°F or until fork tender (45 minutes-1 hour).

  • Remove the potatoes from the oven, and leave the oven on.

  • Once the potatoes have cooled on the rack 10 minutes, cut the potatoes in half lengthwise. Leave a ⅛-¼-inch thickness of flesh in each shell, and carefully scoop out the potato flesh into a medium-large mixing bowl.

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  • Transfer the potato shells back to the prepared baking sheet and bake at 400°F for 10 minutes (this is so the shells can crisp a little and hold their shape after filling).

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  • While the shells cook, mash together half of the cheese, butter, scallions, and lardons with all of the sour cream, buttermilk, and baked potato flesh until smooth. Season with salt and pepper and mix together.

    4 ounces shredded cheese, ¼ cup sour cream, ¼ cup buttermilk, 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, 2-4 scallions, 4 strips bacon

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  • Transfer shells from the oven and set the oven to broil. Fill the potato shells, mounding in the middle, with the mashed potato mixture and top with remaining cheese, scallions, bacon lardons, and butter.

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  • Broil until the cheese has melted and the potatoes are spotty brown and little crispy on top, approximately 5-10 minutes. Watch closely.

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  • Allow the potatoes to cool 10 minutes and serve topped with minced herbs, if desired.

    Minced fresh herbs

Last step! Don’t forget to show me a pic of what you made! Upload an image or tag me @thecookierookie on Instagram!

Becky’s tips

  • Yukon Gold potatoes will produce and slightly more moist potato and creamy result than Russets but are just as delicious.
  • Try using softened cream cheese in place of the buttermilk for super decadent twice baked potatoes.
  • Get creative with the toppings! Some of our favorites are: a variety of cheeses, sautéed sweet and/or green peppers, caramelized onions, fresh tomatoes, caramelized apples, dried cranberries, and toasted pecans.

Storage:Store twice baked potatoes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days or in the freezer for up to 3 months.

Nutrition Information

Serving: 1potato Calories: 502kcal (25%) Carbohydrates: 44g (15%) Protein: 15g (30%) Fat: 31g (48%) Saturated Fat: 15g (94%) Polyunsaturated Fat: 5g Monounsaturated Fat: 8g Trans Fat: 1g Cholesterol: 71mg (24%) Sodium: 928mg (40%) Potassium: 1065mg (30%) Fiber: 3g (13%) Sugar: 3g (3%) Vitamin A: 721IU (14%) Vitamin C: 14mg (17%) Calcium: 213mg (21%) Iron: 2mg (11%)

Did You Make This?I want to see! Be sure to upload an image below & tag @thecookierookie on social media!

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What are the best potatoes for twice baked potatoes?

I love using Yukon Gold potatoes – they are a little more moist and creamy than traditional Russet potatoes, but either are delicious!

Is this recipe gluten free?

Yes! If you make this recipe as written, it’s gluten free. When making any recipe variations, check all of the ingredients to make sure they comply.

How long do you cook twice baked potatoes?

About 50 minutes to a little over 1 hour. Initially, the potatoes bake for about 45 minutes to 1 hour, until tender. Once the potato skins have been refilled with the mashed potato mixture, broil them for another 5-10 minutes.

Can you make twice baked potatoes ahead of time?

Yes! These are a great make ahead recipe. You can make these potatoes up to 5 days ahead of time. Wrap the potatoes tightly in plastic wrap and store in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Wait to add the cheese on top until right before baking.

How long can you keep leftover twice baked potatoes?

If you have leftover twice baked potatoes, you can store them in the refrigerator for a few days. Just pop them back in the oven on broil to reheat.

More Twice Baked Potato Recipes We Love

  • Crockpot Twice Baked Potatoes
  • Instant Pot Twice Baked Potatoes
  • Air Fryer Twice Baked Potatoes
  • Twice Baked Sweet Potatoes
  • Broccoli Cheese Twice Baked Potatoes
  • Twice Baked Potato Casserole

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FAQs

Why are my twice-baked potatoes gummy? ›

Tip: Don't over mix the potato filling. Over-mixing causes mashed potatoes to become gluey instead of light and fluffy. To Make Ahead: Prepare potatoes completely, without baking them the second time. Place them on a large sheet pan, lightly cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate up to one day, until ready to bake.

Why are my twice-baked potatoes falling apart? ›

Cook's Note. I learned the hard way not to wrap the potatoes in foil before baking. It softens the shells and they will fall apart not good!

Can you eat the skin of a twice-baked potato? ›

The skins of twice-baked potatoes can absolutely be eaten. They are salted and crispy and are absolutely excellent to eat. In addition, there is quite a bit of nutrient in the potato skins.

What is the difference between baked potato and twice-baked potato? ›

The main difference is in the preparation of the mashed potato mixture before it is returned to the skins. Twice-baked potatoes are typically mashed with butter, sour cream, cheese, and seasonings, then spooned back into the potato skins and baked again until golden brown and crispy.

How do I make sure my potatoes don't get gummy? ›

Don't overmix the potatoes! For mashed potatoes that are smooth without being gummy, a potato ricer is your best bet. It gently presses the potato into fine pieces, so all that's left to do is add your liquid and a pat or two of butter.

How long can twice baked potatoes sit out? ›

You want to be able to eat your potato without worrying if you are going to get food poisoning or botulism. Here's how you can ensure that your baked potatoes are safe to eat. DON'T let your potato sit out in the open at room temperature for over four hours regardless of whether or not it is wrapped in aluminum foil.

What goes good with twice baked potatoes? ›

The best side dishes to serve with twice-baked potatoes are Mississippi pot roast, chicken drumsticks, roasted duck, braised beef, vegetarian chili, kalua pork, lamb chops, grilled salmon, roasted vegetables, shrimp scampi, steak, chicken Caesar salad, BBQ ribs, mushroom gravy, and green beans almondine.

How long to heat up a twice baked potato? ›

Reheating them in the oven at 400° will re-crisp the potato skin while keeping the filling inside nice and creamy still. The potatoes will take about 15 to 20 minutes to reheat again. If you're in a rush, microwaving them is fine too, though parts of the potato might turn a little tough due to uneven heating.

Can dogs eat potatoes? ›

Dogs can eat potatoes as long as they are plainly cooked and offered in moderation. Roasted potatoes, prepared without spices or butter are the best way to let your pet have a taste of a delicious spud. But avoid giving your dog raw or boiled potatoes as they're not safe for dogs to eat as they contain solanine.

How long do twice baked potatoes last in the fridge? ›

Twice Baked Potatoes should be stored in the refrigerator in an airtight container or wrapped tightly in plastic wrap or foil. Properly stored Twice Bake Potatoes will keep in the refrigerator for about five days. If you think you aren't going to eat your potatoes by then, you can freeze them instead.

Is a baked potato healthier than a sandwich? ›

Of rice, pasta, potatoes, and bread, potatoes are the healthiest of these starchy and complex carbohydrate foods. This is because potatoes are dense in nutrients, containing essential minerals, vitamins, and other micronutrients.

How do you cut potatoes for twice baked? ›

With a sharp knife, cut each potato in half lengthwise. Scrape out the insides into the mixing bowl, being careful not to tear the shell. Leave a small rim of potato intact for support. Lay the hollowed out potato shells on a baking sheet.

What happens if you over bake a baked potato? ›

Visual signs: The potato skin will start to wrinkle when over cooked. The potato, when wrapped in foil or placed on the bottom of a pan will have a dark brown spot on the bottom, a sure sign of over cooking. Foil traps the moisture in the potato causing the skin to be wet and the inside flavorless or gummy.

What does it mean when potatoes are gummy? ›

When too much starch gets released, the potatoes become gummy, gluey, and unappetizing. Overworking the potatoes can happen in a couple ways: either by simply handling them too much, or by using a food processor, blender, or similar tool, which mixes the potatoes too aggressively.

What makes potatoes gluey? ›

According to Serious Eats, when your mashed potatoes end up with a pasty or a gluey consistency, it's due to an excess of starch. As a result, limiting the amount of starch in your dish is the key to nailing perfect mashed potatoes. Luckily, there's an easy way to do this: Don't overwork your potatoes.

Why are my potatoes gummy? ›

Some cells will inevitably burst, releasing tacky gel that helps give mashed potatoes their cohesiveness. But if too much gelled starch seeps out of the cells, either from overcooking or too-vigorous mashing (or both), gumminess ensues.

How do you tell if a baked potato is overcooked? ›

Visual signs: The potato skin will start to wrinkle when over cooked. The potato, when wrapped in foil or placed on the bottom of a pan will have a dark brown spot on the bottom, a sure sign of over cooking. Foil traps the moisture in the potato causing the skin to be wet and the inside flavorless or gummy.

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