Name: Twice Baked Potatoes
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 1 h
Total time: 1 h 15 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 4 x 300g / 10oz potatoes (Sebago, Russet, or Maris Piper); 1 tbsp canola or vegetable oil; 1/2 tsp salt; 200g / 7oz bacon (streaky, chopped into small batons); 120g / 8 tbsp unsalted butter; 1/3 cup cream (pure or thickened / heavy); 1 cup cheddar cheese (shredded); 3 green onions (finely sliced); 1/4 tsp salt; 1/4 tsp pepper; 1 1/2 tbsp chives (finely chopped, for garnish); Sour cream (recommended!)

Why make this recipe

Twice baked potatoes are a delicious and comforting dish that impresses everyone at the dinner table. With their crispy skin and creamy filling, these potatoes are perfect as a side dish or even a main course. They are versatile and can be customized to your taste, making them a favorite choice for many.

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How to make Twice Baked Potatoes

Ingredients :

4 x 300g / 10oz potatoes ( – Sebago (Aus), Russet (US), Maris Piper / King Edwards (UK) (Note 1))
1 tbsp canola or vegetable oil
1/2 tsp salt
200g / 7oz bacon (streaky) (chopped into small batons) (Note 2)
120g / 8 tbsp unsalted butter
1/3 cup cream (pure or thickened / heavy)
1 cup cheddar cheese (shredded) (Note 3)
3 green onions (finely sliced)
1/4 tsp salt
1/4 tsp pepper
1 1/2 tbsp chives (finely chopped, for garnish)
Sour cream (recommended!)

Directions :

Bake potatoes: Preheat your oven to 200°C (400°F). Scrub the potatoes and dry them well. Prick each potato a few times with a fork, then rub them with canola oil and sprinkle with 1/2 tsp salt. Place them directly on the oven rack and bake for about 45-60 minutes, or until the skins are crispy and a fork easily pierces the flesh.
Prepare filling add-ins: While the potatoes are baking, cook the bacon in a skillet over medium heat until crispy. Remove the bacon from the skillet and let it drain on paper towels. Reserve some bacon fat in the skillet for later use.
Stuff potatoes: When the potatoes are done, let them cool for a few minutes. Carefully cut each potato in half lengthwise. Scoop out the insides into a bowl, leaving a little potato on the skin to support it. Mix the scooped potato with butter, cream, cheese, green onions, bacon, 1/4 tsp salt, and 1/4 tsp pepper until smooth and creamy. Spoon the mixture back into the potato skins.
Bake again! Preheat the oven to 190°C (375°F). Place the stuffed potatoes on a baking sheet and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes, until the tops are golden and heated through. Remove from the oven and sprinkle with chives and serve with sour cream if desired.

How to serve Twice Baked Potatoes

Serve twice baked potatoes warm, topped with extra cheese, green onions, and a dollop of sour cream for added flavor. They complement grilled meats, salads, and can also be enjoyed on their own as a filling snack.

How to store Twice Baked Potatoes

To store leftover twice baked potatoes, let them cool completely. Place them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. For longer storage, you can freeze them. Wrap each potato tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe container. They can be frozen for up to 3 months.

Tips to make Twice Baked Potatoes

Choose potatoes that are similar in size so they cook evenly.
Adjust the seasoning to your taste with herbs or spices.
You can use any type of cheese you like for different flavors.
For a lighter version, replace some of the cream and butter with Greek yogurt.

Variation

You can easily customize these twice baked potatoes by adding ingredients like broccoli, sour cream, or different types of meat such as cooked chicken or ham. Another popular twist is using blue cheese for a strong flavor.

FAQs

Q: Can I make twice baked potatoes ahead of time?
A: Yes! You can prepare the stuffed potatoes a day in advance and store them in the refrigerator. Just bake them before serving.

Q: Can I freeze twice baked potatoes?
A: Absolutely! Freeze them after the first bake and before the second bake. Reheat them directly from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.

Q: What should I do if my potatoes are undercooked after the first bake?
A: If the potatoes are still hard, just bake them longer until they’re fully soft. You can check their doneness by inserting a fork or knife into the flesh.