Twice baked potatoes are the ultimate comfort food, combining creamy mashed potatoes with crispy, cheesy tops. They're perfect for family dinners or gatherings.
Buttermilk and chives might not be everyday staples in your kitchen. Buttermilk adds a tangy richness to the potatoes, while chives bring a mild onion flavor. If you don't have these on hand, a quick trip to the supermarket will be worth it.
Ingredients for Easy Twice Baked Potatoes
Russet potatoes: These starchy potatoes are perfect for baking and mashing.
Buttermilk: Adds a tangy, creamy texture to the mashed potatoes.
Sour cream: Enhances the creaminess and adds a slight tang.
Garlic powder: Provides a mild garlic flavor without overpowering the dish.
Butter: Adds richness and helps achieve a creamy texture.
Chives: Fresh herbs that add a mild onion flavor.
Bacon: Adds a salty, crunchy element to the dish.
Cheddar cheese: Melts beautifully and adds a sharp, savory flavor.
Salt and pepper: Essential for seasoning and enhancing the overall taste.
One reader, Donn Baxley says:
This easy twice baked potatoes recipe is fantastic! The creamy, cheesy filling with crispy bacon and chives is a perfect combination. Simple to make and absolutely delicious. My family loved it!
Techniques Required for Making Twice Baked Potatoes
How to wash potatoes: Rinse the potatoes under cold running water and scrub them with a vegetable brush to remove any dirt. How to poke potatoes with a fork: Use a fork to pierce the potatoes several times to allow steam to escape while baking. How to bake potatoes in the oven: Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F, place the potatoes directly on the oven rack, and bake for 1 hour or until soft. How to microwave potatoes: Place the potatoes on a microwave-safe plate and microwave on high for 5-10 minutes, turning them halfway through, until they are soft. How to scoop out potato pulp: Use a spoon to carefully scoop out the inside of the potato, leaving a ⅛-inch shell. How to mash potatoes: Use a potato masher or fork to mash the scooped-out potato pulp until smooth. How to fill potato skins: Spoon the mashed potato mixture back into the potato shells, filling them evenly. How to bake filled potatoes: Place the filled potato skins on a baking sheet and bake in the oven at 375 degrees F for 15-20 minutes or until heated through and the cheese is melted.
How To Make Easy Twice Baked Potatoes
Put together a wonderful, creamy side with these baked potatoes cooked with sour cream, buttermilk, and bacon, topped with melty cheddar.
Serves:
Ingredients
- 6small russet potatoes
- ½cupbuttermilk,or milk
- ⅓cupsour cream
- ½tspgarlic powder
- ¼cupbutter
- 1tbspchives,or green onions, sliced
- 6pcsbacon,cooked crisp and chopped, or 3 tbsp bacon bits
- 1½cupscheddar cheese,shredded, divided
- salt and pepper,to taste
Instructions
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Preheat oven to 375 degrees F.
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Wash potatoes and poke with a fork. Bake potatoes in the oven for 1 hour or microwave until soft. Allow to cool slightly.
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Slice each potato in ½ lengthwise. Scoop out the pulp of the potato leaving a ⅛-inch shell.
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In a bowl, mash potatoes, sour cream, butter, garlic powder, salt and pepper until smooth. Add buttermilk as needed to create a creamy texture. Stir in chives, bacon, and ¾ cup cheddar cheese.
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Fill each skin with the mashed potato filling and top with remaining cheese.
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Bake for 15 to 20 minutes or until heated through and cheese is melted.
Nutrition
- Calories: 246.47kcal
- Fat: 16.61g
- Saturated Fat: 8.37g
- Trans Fat: 0.37g
- Monounsaturated Fat: 5.27g
- Polyunsaturated Fat: 1.41g
- Carbohydrates: 16.81g
- Fiber: 1.23g
- Sugar: 1.40g
- Protein: 8.20g
- Cholesterol: 40.30mg
- Sodium: 321.19mg
- Calcium: 145.37mg
- Potassium: 429.05mg
- Iron: 0.89mg
- Vitamin A: 90.67µg
- Vitamin C: 5.15mg
Helpful Technique Tip for Preparing Twice Baked Potatoes
When scooping out the potato pulp, use a melon baller or a small spoon to ensure you leave a consistent ⅛-inch shell. This helps the potato skins hold their shape and prevents them from tearing.
Time-Saving Tips for Preparing Easy Twice Baked Potatoes Recipe
Pre-cook the bacon: Cook the bacon ahead of time and store it in the fridge. This will save you from having to cook it while preparing the potatoes.
Microwave the potatoes: Instead of baking the potatoes for an hour, microwave them until soft. This can cut down the cooking time significantly.
Use a hand mixer: To achieve a smooth and creamy texture quickly, use a hand mixer to mash the potato filling.
Prep ingredients in advance: Chop the chives and grate the cheddar cheese ahead of time to streamline the assembly process.
Substitute Ingredients For Easy Twice Baked Potatoes Recipe
russet potatoes - Substitute with sweet potatoes: Sweet potatoes offer a different flavor profile and are slightly healthier due to their higher vitamin content.
buttermilk - Substitute with plain yogurt: Plain yogurt provides a similar tangy flavor and creamy texture.
sour cream - Substitute with Greek yogurt: Greek yogurt is a healthier alternative with a similar consistency and tanginess.
garlic powder - Substitute with fresh garlic: Fresh garlic gives a more robust and aromatic flavor.
butter - Substitute with olive oil: Olive oil is a healthier fat option and adds a different but pleasant flavor.
chives - Substitute with green onions: Green onions provide a similar mild onion flavor and can be used in the same way.
bacon - Substitute with turkey bacon: Turkey bacon is a leaner option with less fat and calories.
cheddar cheese - Substitute with mozzarella cheese: Mozzarella cheese melts well and has a milder flavor, which can be a good alternative.
salt - Substitute with sea salt: Sea salt has a different texture and can add a slightly different flavor.
pepper - Substitute with white pepper: White pepper has a milder taste and can be used to avoid black specks in the dish.
Best Way to Present Twice Baked Potatoes
Select the perfect plate: Choose a sleek, white, rectangular plate to allow the twice baked potatoes to stand out. The clean lines will give a modern and sophisticated look.
Create a base layer: Place a small dollop of sour cream in the center of the plate. This will act as an anchor to keep the potatoes in place and add a touch of creaminess.
Arrange the potatoes artfully: Position three twice baked potato halves in a staggered line on the plate. Ensure they are evenly spaced and slightly angled for visual interest.
Add a pop of color: Finely chop fresh chives and sprinkle them delicately over the potatoes. This will add a vibrant green contrast to the golden cheddar cheese topping.
Incorporate texture: Crumble crispy bacon into small pieces and scatter them around the potatoes. The crunchy texture will complement the creamy filling.
Drizzle with elegance: Lightly drizzle a bit of melted butter over the potatoes for a glossy finish. This will enhance the richness and add a touch of luxury.
Garnish with finesse: Place a small sprig of fresh thyme or a single chive on top of each potato half as a final garnish. This will add a touch of elegance and a hint of herbal aroma.
Serve with precision: Ensure the plate is spotless and free of any smudges or drips. Present the dish with confidence, showcasing the meticulous attention to detail and the harmonious balance of flavors and textures.
Essential Tools for Making Twice Baked Potatoes
Oven: Used to bake the potatoes initially and then again after they are filled with the mashed potato mixture.
Fork: Used to poke holes in the potatoes before baking to allow steam to escape.
Microwave: An alternative to the oven for cooking the potatoes until they are soft.
Knife: Used to slice the baked potatoes in half lengthwise.
Spoon: Used to scoop out the pulp of the potatoes, leaving a shell.
Mixing bowl: Used to mash the potato pulp with other ingredients to create the filling.
Potato masher: Used to mash the potato pulp until smooth.
Measuring cups: Used to measure out the buttermilk, sour cream, and cheddar cheese.
Measuring spoons: Used to measure out the garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
Spatula: Used to stir in the chives, bacon, and cheddar cheese into the mashed potato mixture.
Baking sheet: Used to place the potato skins on for the final baking step.
Cheese grater: Used to grate the cheddar cheese if it is not pre-shredded.
Cooling rack: Used to allow the baked potatoes to cool slightly before handling.
Storing and Freezing Twice Baked Potatoes: A Guide
- Allow the twice baked potatoes to cool completely before storing or freezing.
- To store in the refrigerator, place the cooled potatoes in an airtight container or wrap them tightly with plastic wrap. They will keep in the fridge for up to 5 days.
- For longer storage, you can freeze the twice baked potatoes:
- Place the cooled potatoes on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and freeze until solid, about 2-3 hours.
- Once frozen, transfer the potatoes to a freezer-safe container or resealable plastic bag. Remove as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn.
- Label the container or bag with the date and contents.
- Frozen twice baked potatoes will keep for up to 3 months.
- To reheat refrigerated potatoes, place them in a preheated 375°F (190°C) oven for 15-20 minutes or until heated through. You can also microwave individual potatoes on high for 1-2 minutes.
- For frozen potatoes, you can either thaw them overnight in the refrigerator or bake them directly from frozen. If baking from frozen, increase the cooking time to 30-40 minutes at 375°F (190°C) or until heated through and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- To maintain the best texture and flavor, consume the reheated twice baked potatoes immediately after reheating.
How to Reheat Leftover Twice Baked Potatoes
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the leftover twice baked potatoes on a baking sheet and cover them loosely with aluminum foil. Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until heated through. Remove the foil for the last 5 minutes of baking to crisp up the top.
Microwave the twice baked potatoes on a microwave-safe plate. Cover them with a damp paper towel to prevent drying out. Heat on high for 1-2 minutes, or until heated through. Cooking times may vary depending on the power of your microwave and the size of the potatoes.
For a crispy top, place the microwaved twice baked potatoes under the broiler for 1-2 minutes after reheating. Keep a close eye on them to prevent burning.
If you have an air fryer, preheat it to 350°F (175°C). Place the twice baked potatoes in the air fryer basket and cook for 3-5 minutes, or until heated through and crispy on top.
To reheat larger quantities, place the twice baked potatoes in a covered casserole dish and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 20-25 minutes, or until heated through. Uncover for the last 5 minutes of baking to crisp up the top.
Interesting Fact About Twice Baked Potatoes
A fun fact about this twice baked potatoes recipe is that it combines the creamy texture of mashed potatoes with the crispy skin of baked potatoes. This dish is believed to have originated in the United States and has become a popular comfort food, often served at family gatherings and holiday meals.
Is Making Twice Baked Potatoes at Home Cost-Effective?
This twice baked potatoes recipe is quite cost-effective for a household. The primary ingredients like russet potatoes, buttermilk, sour cream, and cheddar cheese are affordable and easily available. The use of bacon adds a bit of luxury but is still manageable within a budget. For a household of 4, the approximate cost would be around $10-$12. Overall Verdict: 8/10.
Are Twice Baked Potatoes Healthy or Unhealthy?
The twice baked potatoes recipe, while undeniably delicious, leans more towards the unhealthy side due to several factors:
- The recipe is high in saturated fat from the butter, sour cream, bacon, and cheddar cheese, which can contribute to heart disease and high cholesterol levels when consumed in excess.
- The use of bacon also adds nitrates and sodium to the dish, which can be detrimental to overall health if consumed regularly.
- The recipe is relatively low in fiber, as most of the potato skin (where the majority of the fiber is found) is removed during preparation.
However, the recipe does include some nutritious ingredients, such as the potatoes themselves (a good source of potassium and vitamin C) and chives (which contain antioxidants and vitamins A and K).
To make this recipe healthier without compromising on taste, consider the following modifications:
- Swap out half of the sour cream for Greek yogurt, which is lower in fat and higher in protein.
- Use a reduced-fat cheddar cheese to decrease the overall saturated fat content.
- Replace the bacon with turkey bacon or omit it altogether, and instead add more vegetables like chopped broccoli or spinach to increase the fiber and nutrient content.
- Use a smaller amount of butter or replace it with a heart-healthy olive oil.
- Leave more of the potato skin intact to increase the fiber content of the dish.
Editor's Opinion on This Twice Baked Potatoes Recipe
This recipe for twice-baked potatoes is straightforward and delicious, perfect for a comforting side dish. The combination of buttermilk, sour cream, and butter ensures a creamy texture, while garlic powder and chives add a subtle flavor boost. The inclusion of bacon and cheddar cheese provides a savory richness that complements the potatoes beautifully. Baking the filled potato skins again allows the flavors to meld and the cheese to melt perfectly. Overall, it's a well-balanced and satisfying dish that is sure to please.
Enhance Your Easy Twice Baked Potatoes Recipe with These Unique Side Dishes:
Delicious Alternatives to Twice Baked Potatoes
Why trust this Easy Twice Baked Potatoes Recipe:
This recipe for twice baked potatoes is a surefire hit because it combines the creamy goodness of buttermilk and sour cream with the savory flavors of bacon and cheddar cheese. The garlic powder and chives add a delightful aromatic touch, making each bite irresistible. Plus, it's easy to follow and perfect for any skill level. Trust this recipe for a comforting, crowd-pleasing dish that’s both delicious and simple to prepare.
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