Twice Baked Potatoes: A Cozy Comfort Food Classic
There’s something incredibly nostalgic about the aroma of baking potatoes wafting through the house. It reminds me of chilly evenings spent huddled around the table with family, sharing stories and laughter over hearty meals. Twice baked potatoes have always held a special place in my heart. They’re creamy, cheesy, and topped to perfection—what’s not to love?
These delightful potatoes are perfect for an easy weeknight dinner or a cozy gathering with friends. Every bite is a warm hug, making them the ultimate comfort food! Trust me, this is one recipe you’ll definitely want to pin for later!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Creamy Texture: The buttery, velvety filling makes every bite heavenly.
- Crowd-Pleasing: Whether it’s a family dinner or a friendly potluck, these potatoes are sure to be a hit!
- Customizable: You can add your favorite ingredients for a personal touch, making it a delicious way to showcase your creativity.
- Easy to Make: Simple steps mean you can whip this dish up even on the busiest weeknights.
- Perfect for Leftovers: Twice baked potatoes make for excellent lunchtime treats and reheat like a dream!
What You’ll Need
Gather these simple ingredients:
- 4 large russet potatoes
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/2 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or your choice)
- 1/4 cup chopped chives
- 4 tablespoons butter
- Salt and pepper to taste
How to Make Twice Baked Potatoes
Let’s make it together! Follow these easy steps for deliciously comforting twice baked potatoes:
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Wash and pierce the potatoes with a fork. Bake them in the oven for about 45-60 minutes until tender.
- Let the potatoes cool slightly, then cut them in half lengthwise and scoop out the insides into a bowl, leaving a small border.
- Mash the scooped potato with sour cream, butter, cheese, chives, salt, and pepper until creamy.
- Refill the potato skins with the mashed mixture.
- Top with extra cheese and any additional toppings you like.
- Return to the oven and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes until heated through and the tops are golden.
- Serve warm with additional sour cream and chives.
Delicious Variations to Try
Get creative with your twice baked potatoes! Here are some fun ways to customize it:
- Zesty Mexican Twist: Add chopped jalapeños and sprinkle with taco seasoning for a spicy kick.
- Creamy Ranch: Mix in ranch dressing with the potato filling for a tangy flavor boost.
- Savory Garlic: Incorporate roasted garlic into the mashed potatoes for a rich and aromatic touch.
- Indulgent Bacon Addition: Swap in turkey bacon bits for a savory punch—the smoky flavor pairs beautifully with the creamy mash!
Chef Emma’s Helpful Tips
To ensure your twice baked potatoes are perfect every time, consider these helpful tips:
- Make Ahead: You can prepare the filling in advance and store it in the fridge until you’re ready to assemble and bake.
- Storing Leftovers: Keep any leftover stuffed potatoes in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Slicing Tips: When cutting the potatoes, use a serrated knife for a clean cut and less mess.
- Freezing for Later: These delicious potatoes freeze well! Just wrap them individually in foil, and they’ll be ready for a quick reheating on busy nights.
What’s Inside – Nutrition Breakdown
For each Twice Baked Potato serving, you can expect to find:
- Serving Size: 1 potato half
- Calories: 300
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Sugar: 2g
- Fat: 15g
- Protein: 8g
- Sodium: 400mg
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I make this ahead? Yes, the filling can be prepared ahead of time and stored in the fridge.
- Can I use different ingredients? Absolutely! Get creative with toppings and mix-ins to suit your taste.
- How do I store leftovers? Keep them in an airtight container for up to 3 days in the refrigerator.
- How long does it last? Leftover stuffed potatoes will last about 3 days in the fridge. If frozen, they can keep for up to 2 months!
Wrapping It Up
Twice Baked Potatoes are a quintessential comfort food that brings warmth and love into your home. The creamy, cheesy filling and the crispy potato skin create a cozy dish perfect for any occasion. Whether you enjoy them on a chilly evening or at a friendly gathering, this recipe will surely find its way to your heart and table. Save this Twice Baked Potatoes to your cozy recipes board so it’s ready when you need a warm treat!
Print
Twice Baked Potatoes
- Total Time: 80 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Twice Baked Potatoes are creamy, cheesy, and topped to perfection, making them the ultimate comfort food for any occasion.
Ingredients
- 4 large russet potatoes
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/2 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or your choice)
- 1/4 cup chopped chives
- 4 tablespoons butter
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Wash and pierce the potatoes with a fork. Bake them in the oven for about 45-60 minutes until tender.
- Let the potatoes cool slightly, then cut them in half lengthwise and scoop out the insides into a bowl, leaving a small border.
- Mash the scooped potato with sour cream, butter, cheese, chives, salt, and pepper until creamy.
- Refill the potato skins with the mashed mixture.
- Top with extra cheese and any additional toppings you like.
- Return to the oven and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes until heated through and the tops are golden.
- Serve warm with additional sour cream and chives.
Notes
These potatoes are great for making ahead. Just prepare the filling and store in the fridge until ready to bake.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 60 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 potato half
- Calories: 300
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 400mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 8g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
Keywords: twice baked potatoes, comfort food, easy recipe, vegetarian side dish