Description
Few dishes capture the essence of indulgent, homestyle cooking quite like twice baked potatoes. Rich, creamy, and endlessly customizable, this classic side dish delivers a harmonious blend of crispy potato skins and velvety smooth filling. Whether served alongside a juicy steak, a roasted chicken, or presented as a standalone comfort meal, twice baked potatoes are a guaranteed crowd-pleaser at dinner tables year-round.
Ingredients
4 large russet potatoes (thoroughly washed)
1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
3/4 cup sour cream
1/2 cup whole milk or heavy cream
1 1/2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
1/4 cup green onions, chopped
1 teaspoon garlic powder
Salt and black pepper, to taste
Optional: 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika for garnish
Instructions
1. Bake the Potatoes
-
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
-
Using a fork, prick each potato a few times to allow steam to escape.
-
Place potatoes directly on the oven rack or on a baking tray.
-
Bake for 50–60 minutes, or until the skins are crisp and a fork easily pierces the center.
-
Remove from the oven and allow them to cool for 10–15 minutes, until safe to handle.
2. Prepare the Potato Filling
-
Once cooled, slice each potato in half lengthwise.
-
Carefully scoop out the flesh, leaving about a 1/4-inch shell to maintain structure.
-
Place the scooped-out potato flesh in a large mixing bowl.
-
Add butter, sour cream, milk, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
-
Mash together until smooth but still slightly chunky for texture.
-
Fold in 1 cup of cheddar cheese, and green onions.
3. Stuff and Bake Again
-
Spoon the mixture evenly back into the potato shells, mounding it slightly.
-
Top each with the remaining cheddar cheese.
-
Arrange the filled potatoes on a baking tray.
-
Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 20–25 minutes, or until golden and bubbly on top.
-
For a crispier top, broil for the last 2–3 minutes, monitoring closely to avoid burning.
4. Garnish and Serve
-
Sprinkle with additional chopped green onions and a dusting of smoked paprika for extra flavor and visual appeal.
-
Serve hot for maximum flavor.
Notes
- For extra creaminess, add a splash of heavy cream to the mashed filling.
- Try substituting Greek yogurt for sour cream for a lighter version.
- You can prepare these a day ahead. Just assemble, refrigerate, and bake before serving.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Baking
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 stuffed potato half
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 530mg
- Fat: 21g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 13g
- Cholesterol: 55mg