Part comfort food classic, part restaurant menu staple, Twice Baked Potatoes bring on the feelings of warmth and nostalgia with every fluffy, cheesy bite. They’re a timeless favorite side dish that pairs well with almost any main dish from a hearty grilled steak to roasted chicken, juicy pork chops to delicate fish. They can even be enjoyed as a stand-alone entree, alongside a bright salad for a complete meal.
From the moment they emerge from the oven, golden and crispy on the outside, these scrumptious spuds will have mouths watering. Their savory, velvety mashed potato filling is always indulgent, and the perfect backdrop for any ingredients you’d like to add.
What’s most fun about making your own Twice Baked Potatoes is customizing the recipe to suit your tastes. While this simple recipe features plenty of rich cheddar cheese, and fresh chives for a classic flavor, it’s versatile enough for you to add your own creative culinary spin. Change up the type of cheese for a whole new flavor, or add chopped bacon and broccoli for a little “loaded baked potato” flair. Try it with tangy barbecue chicken and Monterey Jack cheese, or with mushrooms, fresh herbs and Gruyère for an elevated take. You can use whatever ingredients your family loves, or whatever you might have on hand.
Give this simple recipe a go the next time you’re craving creamy, comforting Twice Baked Potatoes. Once assembled, the finished potatoes are super easy to make ahead and store in the fridge or freezer so you can enjoy this amazing side almost any time!
And if you want to create even more of a steakhouse feel at your own table, give these Grilled Beef Steaks a try. Don’t forget to add more of our savory side dishes to round out the meal!
With hearty, velvety potatoes as your base, adding a few additional ingredients takes your Twice Baked Potatoes over the top.
Dairy: You’ll need a creamy element to give your Twice Baked Potatoes their signature luscious texture and velvety mouthfeel. Butter, sour cream, and milk are the most common choices for your mashed potato filling, as they give that delicious, decadent richness the dish is known for.
Cheese: Say cheese! Adding depth of flavor and gooey indulgence to the filling, cheese is a must-have ingredient for any twice baked potato. Any melting cheese will do, but we recommend cheddar or mozzarella for can’t miss results. But try experimenting with pimento cheese or Gouda for something that feels extra indulgent.
Meat: Adding meat is a great way to take your Twice Baked Potatoes from side to main dish status. Topping with chicken or bacon can make this side dish much heartier. Love bacon? Try Our Cheddar Bacon Twice Baked Potatoes.
Herbs: Bringing a pop of color and burst of freshness to a very rich dish, herbs are always a welcome addition. Onion, garlic, chives, oregano, and thyme are all great options. Other fun twists can include seasoned salts, roasted garlic, or whatever your heart desires.
The type of potato you choose may be the most important factor in getting the perfect, velvety texture you crave in a twice baked potato. Russet or Idaho potatoes are ideal for this Twice Baked Potatoes recipe due to their high starch and low moisture content, which results in a fluffier texture. Avoid using waxy potatoes, typically those with yellow or red skins. These types of potatoes have higher moisture and lower starch content, which will become gluey very quickly when mashed. Picking the right type of potato when making this Twice Baked Potatoes recipe will make it easy to get incredible results, every time.
And now that you’re an expert, make sure to try one of our other savory potato side dishes. They’re perfect for any potato fan!
There’s no need to wait for a special occasion to whip up this delectable dish. Any night where you’re craving some extra creamy, comforting goodness will do. But don’t sleep on this side for celebratory meals either. Twice Baked Potatoes make a great addition to your other Thanksgiving recipes (make sure to check out these other amazing Thanksgiving sides for a perfectly rounded out holiday feast.) They’re great for the Christmas holiday recipes, too.
| Food Component / Nutrient | Amount | % , Daily Value* |
|---|---|---|
| Total Fat | 11g | 16% |
| Saturated Fat | 7g | 34% |
| Trans Fat | 0g | % Value Not Available |
| Monounsaturated Fat | 3g | % Value Not Available |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0g | % Value Not Available |
| Omega-3 | 0g | % Value Not Available |
| Cholesterol | 30mg | 10% |
| Sodium | 210mg | 9% |
| Total Carbohydrate | 20g | 7% |
| Dietary Fiber | 2g | 8% |
| Soluble Fiber | 0g | % Value Not Available |
| Insoluble Fiber | 1g | % Value Not Available |
| Sugars | 2g | % Value Not Available |
| Protein | 6g | % Value Not Available |
| Vitamin D | Value Not Available | 2% |
| Calcium | Value Not Available | 10% |
| Iron | Value Not Available | 6% |
| Potassium | 520mg | 15% |
| Vitamin A | Value Not Available | 8% |
| Vitamin C | Value Not Available | 8% |
| Vitamin E | Value Not Available | 0% |
| Thiamin | Value Not Available | 4% |
| Riboflavin | Value Not Available | 6% |
| Niacin | Value Not Available | 6% |
| Vitamin B6 | Value Not Available | 15% |
| Folic Acid | Value Not Available | 8% |
| Vitamin B12 | Value Not Available | 2% |
| Pantothenic Acid | Value Not Available | 4% |
| Phosphorus | Value Not Available | 15% |
| Magnesium | Value Not Available | 8% |
| Zinc | Value Not Available | 6% |
| Manganese | Value Not Available | 10% |
| Selenium | Value Not Available | 4% |
| Copper | Value Not Available | 6% |
| Beta-Carotene | Value Not Available | % Value Not Available |
*The % Daily Value (DV) tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice. | ||
