Cheesy Twice Baked Potatoes Recipe
Something about these twice-baked stuffed potatoes always feels a bit special. You start with simple baked potatoes…
Something about these twice-baked stuffed potatoes always feels a bit special.
You start with simple baked potatoes and turn them into the ultimate comfort food: fluffy insides mashed with sour cream, cheese, and crispy bacon, then spooned into their skins and baked again until golden.
It’s an easy, loaded dish that works just as well for a weeknight dinner as it does for a holiday table.
If you want a recipe with bacon and all the right ingredients, creamy, cheesy, and satisfying, this one is hard to beat.
Think of it as your go‑to side straight from the oven, with plenty of room to make it your own.
Ingredients you’ll need:
- 4 large russet potatoes
- ½ cup plain Greek yogurt or sour cream
- ¼ cup cream or milk
- 4 slices of cooked bacon, crumbled
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (or your preferred oil)
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 cup grated sharp cheddar cheese
- 2 green onions, thinly chopped
- Salt and freshly ground pepper
Step-by-Step Instructions:
- Heat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Scrub the potatoes clean, dry them well, and poke several holes with a fork.
- Allow them to cool just enough to handle.
- Slice each one lengthwise and carefully scoop most of the insides into a bowl, leaving a thin potato layer inside the skins so they hold their shape.
- Coat them lightly in oil, sprinkle with salt, and bake directly on the oven rack (or tray) for 50–60 minutes, until the skins feel crisp and a fork slips in easily.
- Mash the potato flesh until smooth.
- Stir in yogurt (or sour cream), milk, butter, half of the bacon, half of the cheese, and some of the chopped onions.
- Season generously with salt and pepper and mix all the ingredients.
- Fill the potato shells with this creamy mixture, piling it slightly higher than the edges.
- Sprinkle the tops with the rest of the cheese and bacon.
- Return to the oven for another 15–20 minutes, just until the cheese melts and turns golden.
Scatter the remaining green onions over the hot potatoes and serve warm.
Check out these cozy fall recipes for more comforting ideas:
- Juicy Chimichurri Steak with Fresh Herbs – Tender grilled steak topped with garlicky, vibrant chimichurri sauce.
- Creamy Marry Me Chicken – A rich and flavorful chicken dish everyone falls in love with.
- Homemade Roasted Tomato Basil Soup – A smooth and cozy soup made with oven-roasted tomatoes and fresh basil.
- Sweet Potato Bites with Toasted Marshmallows – Bite-sized sweet and savory treats perfect for gatherings.
- Classic Moist Carrot Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting – Soft, spiced layers topped with velvety frosting for the perfect finish.
Other Filling Ideas for Your Twice-Baked Potatoes
If you enjoy experimenting, twice-baked potatoes are perfect for it. Once you have the creamy potato base ready, you can mix in different flavors to make it your own.
Here are a few simple ideas that work well.
- Chives instead of green onions: for a milder, fresher flavor.
- Garlic: roasted garlic or garlic powder mashed in with the filling.
- Mushrooms: sautéed mushrooms folded into the potato mixture.
- Egg yolk: mixed into the filling for extra richness (gives a silky texture).
- Different cheeses: try Gruyère, mozzarella, Monterey Jack, or a mix.
- Broccoli: small steamed florets chopped and stirred into the filling.
- Cream cheese: for a tangier, creamier texture.
- Spinach: wilted spinach, finely chopped for a bit of green.
- Ham instead of bacon: diced ham for a different savory note.
- Paprika or smoked paprika: sprinkled on top for color and smoky flavor.
Notes
- You can prep these in advance, just fill the potato shells, cover, and pop them in the fridge.
- When you’re ready, bake them until the tops are golden.
- I usually go with cheddar, but any cheese you love will work here; try Gruyère or a mix if you’re feeling fancy.
- Want to skip the bacon? They’re still delicious without it, or you can use a veggie-friendly version.
- Sometimes I add a pinch of garlic powder or smoked paprika to the filling for a little extra flavor.
That’s Dinner Sorted
Once you’ve tried this twice-baked potato recipe, you’ll see why it’s such a favorite.
The skins stay crisp while the filling turns rich and creamy, everything baked in the oven until piping hot.
It’s a simple homemade side that works whether you love classic jacket potatoes or just want an easy way to make them a little more special.
Cheesy Twice Baked Potatoes
Crispy potato skins filled with creamy mashed potatoes, cheddar cheese, bacon, and green onions, baked twice for the perfect cheesy, comforting side dish.
Ingredients
- 4 large russet potatoes
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt, to taste
- ½ cup sour cream
- ¼ cup milk or cream
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese, divided
- 4 strips bacon, cooked and crumbled
- 2 green onions, thinly sliced
- Black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Scrub potatoes, poke with a fork, rub with oil, and sprinkle with salt.
- Bake for 45–60 minutes or until tender. Let cool slightly.
- Cut in half lengthwise and scoop out the insides, leaving a thin shell.
- Mash the insides with sour cream, milk, butter, half the cheese, bacon, and green onions. Season with salt and pepper.
- Fill the potato shells with the mixture. Top with remaining cheese and bacon.
- Bake again for 15–20 minutes, until cheese is melted and golden.
- Garnish with extra green onions and serve warm.
