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