Twice Baked Potatoes for the Ultimate Comfort Food Upgrade

Last Updated on January 7, 2026 by Souhail

If there’s one dish that never fails to impress at my dinner table, it’s twice baked potatoes. Seriously, I can’t tell you how many times these cheesy, creamy, golden-topped beauties have stolen the spotlight — even when served next to a perfectly roasted chicken or a holiday ham. The first time I made them, I was in college trying to upgrade from boxed mashed potatoes, and let me tell you… my life changed.

Twice baked potatoes hit that sweet spot between rustic comfort and indulgent elegance. They’re basically fluffy mashed potatoes whipped with butter, sour cream, cheese, and all the good stuff, then stuffed back into their crisp potato skins and baked again until bubbly and golden on top. It’s like a baked potato and mashed potatoes had a delicious baby.

These are perfect for everything from cozy family dinners to holiday feasts or even a game day spread. And the best part? You can prep them in advance, making your life 10 times easier when you’re juggling other dishes.

Why These Twice Baked Potatoes Work Every Single Time

Twice baked potatoes might sound fancy, but they’re surprisingly simple — and seriously satisfying. Here’s what makes this recipe one you’ll come back to over and over again:

• Texture Heaven: You get the best of both worlds — a crispy potato skin that holds a fluffy, creamy, cheesy center. That contrast is so good.
• Make-Ahead Friendly: You can prep these hours (or even a day) ahead of time and just pop them in the oven before dinner.
• Customizable for Any Diet: Swap out dairy or meat ingredients to make them vegetarian, vegan, or even high-protein with a few tweaks.
• Comfort Food Classic: They’re nostalgic and cozy — like a warm hug in potato form — but fancy enough for special occasions.
• Crowd-Pleasers: Everyone loves potatoes, and when you add cheese, sour cream, and butter? Game over.

Want to mix it up a bit? Here are some easy variations:

• Use sweet potatoes instead for a sweet-and-savory twist (like in this sweet potato casserole)
• Make them meaty with crumbled bacon, shredded chicken, or even chili inside.
• Go loaded-style with green onions, cheddar, and a dollop of sour cream on top.
• Try a veggie version with sautéed spinach, roasted mushrooms, or caramelized onions.

How To Make This Recipe

Twice Baked Potatoes Recipe

Recipe by Kenza

0.0 from 0 votes

Course: Sides, DinnerCuisine: AmericanDifficulty: Easy

Servings

8

servings

Prep time

15

minutes

Cooking time

1

hour 

20

minutes

Calories

320

kcal

These twice baked potatoes are the ultimate comfort food — creamy on the inside, crispy on the outside, and loaded with cheesy, buttery flavor. They’re a perfect side dish for family dinners, potlucks, or special occasions.

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Ingredients

• 4 large russet potatoes

• 1 tablespoon olive oil

• 0.5 teaspoon salt

• 4 tablespoons butter

• 0.33 cup sour cream

• 0.25 cup milk (warm)

• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (plus extra for topping)

• 0.5 teaspoon garlic powder (optional)

• Salt and pepper to taste

• 2 tablespoons chopped green onions or chives (optional, for garnish)

Directions

• First things first, you’ll want to grab some large russet potatoes — they’ve got the perfect starchy texture for this recipe. Give them a good scrub under cool water, then pat them dry.
• Rub each potato with a little olive oil and sprinkle with salt. This helps the skin crisp up beautifully. Place them directly on the oven rack or a baking sheet and bake at 400°F for about 50–60 minutes. You want them fork-tender and the skin to feel nice and crisp.
• Let them cool for about 10–15 minutes so you can handle them without burning your fingers (been there, done that). Then carefully slice each potato in half lengthwise.
• Now comes the fun part: scooping! Use a spoon to gently scoop out the inside of each half, leaving about ¼ inch of potato flesh all around the edges. This keeps the skins sturdy enough to hold all that delicious filling.
• Place the scooped-out potato into a bowl and add butter, sour cream, milk, shredded cheddar cheese, and a sprinkle of salt and pepper. If you want to level it up, toss in some garlic powder or chives. Mash everything together until smooth and creamy.
• Spoon the filling back into the potato shells — don’t be shy about piling it high! Sprinkle a little extra cheese on top for that irresistible cheesy crust.
• Pop them back into the oven for another 15–20 minutes at 375°F, until the tops are golden and bubbly. If you like that extra crisp cheese layer, give them a quick broil for 1–2 minutes at the end (just keep an eye on them!).
• Let them cool slightly, then top with chopped green onions or herbs if you’d like, and serve hot.

Notes

• You can prep these a day ahead and refrigerate before the second bake — super handy for holidays or parties.
• Don’t skip warming the milk — it helps everything blend smoothly without cooling down your mash.
• Want it extra creamy? Add a splash of heavy cream along with the milk.
• For a protein boost, mix in chopped cooked bacon or shredded rotisserie chicken.
• Love spice? A dash of hot sauce or pinch of cayenne in the filling gives a nice kick.
• You can freeze stuffed potatoes before the second bake — just wrap tightly and bake from frozen when needed.

Nutrition Facts

• Calories: 320kcal
• Fat: 17g
• Sodium: 340mg
• Carbohydrates: 33g
• Fiber: 3g
• Sugar: 2g
• Protein: 9g

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My Favorite Tips for the Best Twice Baked Potatoes Ever

Okay, if you want your twice baked potatoes to have people begging for seconds (or thirds), here’s what I’ve learned from making them for years:

• Use starchy potatoes like russets. Their fluffy interior is ideal for mashing and restuffing.
• Bake, don’t microwave, the potatoes for the first round. It takes longer, but you get crispier skins and better flavor.
• Scoop gently: Leave about ¼ inch of potato inside the skin so it holds its shape when you restuff.
• Whip it good: Use a hand mixer or potato masher to get your filling super creamy. Add warm milk or cream if needed.
• Don’t skip the cheese: Sharp cheddar adds that rich, tangy depth — and melts beautifully. A mix of cheeses works great too.
• Make extra and freeze: These freeze surprisingly well. Just wrap tightly and bake straight from frozen when you’re ready.

Delicious Ways to Remix Your Twice Baked Potatoes

Once you’ve got the base recipe down, the fun really begins. There are so many ways to switch up twice baked potatoes and make them feel brand new. Here are some of my favorite twists:

1. Loaded Twice Baked Potatoes

Add crispy bacon bits, extra cheddar, chopped green onions, and a dollop of sour cream right on top after baking. These taste just like a fully loaded baked potato — only better. Perfect for game day or cozy weekends.

2. Vegetarian Garden-Style

Fold in roasted veggies like bell peppers, mushrooms, or spinach into the potato mixture. Top with a sprinkle of parmesan or feta for added punch. This version is colorful, wholesome, and a great way to sneak in extra veggies.

3. Sweet Potato Swap

Switch russet potatoes for sweet potatoes and add a touch of cinnamon, maple syrup, and a sprinkle of pecans or marshmallows on top. Think Thanksgiving vibes! For inspiration, check out this sweet potato casserole recipe.

4. Tex-Mex Twice Baked Potatoes

Mix in black beans, corn, taco seasoning, and pepper jack cheese. Serve with a side of guac or salsa for a spicy, southwestern kick.

5. Creamy Broccoli Cheddar Version

This one’s for comfort food lovers. Mix steamed broccoli and extra cheddar into your mashed filling. It’s like broccoli cheddar soup… but in a crispy potato shell. Speaking of cozy soups, don’t miss this crockpot loaded potato soup recipe.

6. Mini Party-Size Potatoes

Use small red or yellow potatoes to create bite-sized versions — perfect for parties or potlucks. Just reduce the baking time and treat them the same way!

How to Serve These Like a Pro (Even If It’s Just Dinner at Home)

Twice baked potatoes are super versatile when it comes to serving. They work equally well as a side dish or a main, depending on how loaded up you go.

Pair them with:

• Roast chicken, steak, or grilled tofu for a balanced dinner
• A big leafy green salad with vinaigrette to cut the richness
• Warm soup, like this ultra-comforting potato soup or a hearty lasagna soup
• Extra toppings at the table: sour cream, chopped herbs, hot sauce, or even crumbled bacon

For presentation, sprinkle chopped parsley or chives on top and serve them in a warm dish with a little melted butter on the side. They look fancy, but are incredibly cozy and approachable.

Storage & Reheating Tips: Keep ‘Em Crispy, Not Soggy

Twice baked potatoes store beautifully, which makes them perfect for meal prep or leftovers.

To store: Let them cool completely, then place in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.

To reheat:

• For best texture, reheat in the oven at 350°F for 15–20 minutes.
• In a pinch, you can microwave them for 2–3 minutes, but the skin won’t be as crisp.
• You can also freeze them (before or after the second bake). Just wrap tightly in foil or freezer bags, then bake from frozen at 375°F until heated through (about 35–40 minutes).

Fun & Creative Ways to Use Leftovers

If you somehow have leftovers (hard to believe, I know), here are a few delicious ways to give them new life:

• Potato Skins Remix: Cut them in half again, add a little cheese, and broil for quick potato skins.
• Twice Baked Potato Bowls: Scoop out the filling, warm it in a bowl, and top with an egg, salsa, or shredded meat.
• Breakfast Hash: Chop up leftovers and sauté them in a skillet with eggs and veggies.
• Soup Thickener: Stir the creamy filling into soups like this hash brown potato soup to make it extra rich and flavorful.

Frequently Asked Questions

Wrapping It Up: These Twice Baked Potatoes Are a Must-Try

There’s something undeniably comforting about a dish that’s creamy, cheesy, golden, and satisfying all at once — and these twice baked potatoes totally deliver on that front. Whether you’re prepping for a cozy dinner, a festive holiday table, or just treating yourself to something delicious on a random Tuesday, this recipe brings a little extra joy to the plate.

I hope you give them a try and put your own creative twist on the filling. With endless topping combos and so many ways to serve them, you’ll never get bored of this classic.

And if you loved this recipe, you might want to check out other cozy favorites like potato soup, hash brown soup, or even a hearty lasagna soup to round out the ultimate comfort food week.

Happy cooking, and don’t forget to let me know how your potatoes turn out!