Best Ever Twice Baked Potatoes Recipe – Cheap Delicious Meals

Before we dive into the delicious details of the best-ever twice baked potatoes, let’s chat about what pairs beautifully with this comforting dish. Twice baked potatoes are incredibly versatile! You can easily serve them alongside grilled meats like chicken or steak.

They also complement a hearty salad, adding a creamy texture to your meal. Feeling adventurous? Try them with braised greens or roasted vegetables for a wholesome plate.

Now, imagine this: you’re hosting a backyard barbecue. You’ve got the grill fired up, burgers sizzling, maybe a few corn cobs, and voilà, you decide to serve these twice baked potatoes. Trust me, your guests will rave about them!

What are the Best Ever Twice Baked Potatoes?

At their core, twice baked potatoes are a brilliant fusion of textures and flavors. First, you bake the potatoes until tender. Then, scoop out the insides, mix them with sour cream, cheese, bacon, and green onions, before stuffing them back into the crispy shells and baking again. 

This method transforms a simple spud into a gourmet side dish. Trust me; once you take a bite, you’ll understand why they’re deemed the best-ever.

How Does It Taste?

Imagine creamy flavors punctuated by the smokiness of bacon, kissed by the sharpness of cheddar cheese, and finished with a gentle crunch of green onions. Each bite offers a perfect balance between richness and freshness. 

The texture is sublime; the potato is fluffy, while the outer skin is delightfully crispy. Your taste buds will celebrate each flavor on this culinary journey.

Why You’ll Love This?

Why will you love these potatoes? For starters, they are crowd-pleasers. Whether you’re serving them at a family gathering or a casual dinner with friends, everyone will want seconds. Furthermore, they’re incredibly adaptable. 

You can customize the fillings based on what you have on hand; think different cheeses, vegetables, or proteins. Last but not least, they’re straightforward to prepare and can be made ahead of time, making weeknight meals or entertaining guests a breeze.

Ingredients

To create these heavenly twice baked potatoes, gather the following ingredients:

– 1 cup full-fat sour cream  

– ½ cup whole milk  

– 4 tablespoons unsalted butter  

– 4 medium-sized baking potatoes  

– 8 strips of crispy bacon  

– ½ teaspoon fine sea salt  

– ½ teaspoon black pepper  

– 1 tablespoon garlic powder  

– 1 cup shredded sharp Cheddar cheese, divided  

– 8 green onions, chopped, divided  

– ¼ cup crumbled feta cheese

Step-by-Step Directions

Now, let’s get our hands dirty! Follow these steps to whip up the best ever twice baked potatoes.

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). This allows for the perfect baking conditions to make those skins crispy.

Step 2: Prepare the Potatoes

Wash the potatoes thoroughly under running water. Pat them dry. Using a fork, poke holes in each potato — this prevents them from bursting in the oven. Lightly coat them with olive oil and sprinkle with coarse salt.

Step 3: Bake the Potatoes

Place the prepared potatoes directly on the oven rack. Bake for about 45-60 minutes, or until they are tender and a fork easily pierces through. The cooking time may vary depending on your oven and the size of the potatoes.

Step 4: Cook the Bacon

While the potatoes bake, cook your bacon in a skillet over medium heat until crispy. Once done, place them on a paper towel to drain excess grease. Once cooled, crumble the bacon into bite-sized pieces.

Step 5: Scoop and Mix

Remove the potatoes from the oven. Let them cool for a few minutes. Carefully cut each potato in half lengthwise. Use a spoon to scoop out the cooked potato flesh into a large mixing bowl, leaving a bit of potato on the skin for structure.

Step 6: Make the Filling

Add the sour cream, milk, butter, salt, pepper, garlic powder, half of the cheddar cheese, and half of the green onions to the bowl with the scooped potato. Mix everything until creamy. Fold in the bacon and feta cheese gently.

Step 7: Fill the Skins

Spoon the creamy filling back into the potato skins. Heap it up for that extra touch of luxury.

Step 8: Bake Again

Sprinkle the remaining cheddar cheese and a few green onions on top of the stuffed potatoes. Return them to the oven and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the tops are golden and bubbly.

Step 9: Serve and Enjoy

Once out of the oven, allow them to cool for just a few moments. Then dig in! These bad boys are best served warm.

Tips for Making the Best Ever Twice Baked Potatoes

• Choose the right potato: Opt for russet potatoes as they have the perfect texture for baking and mashing.
  
• Don’t rush the baking: Make sure they are completely tender inside before scooping. This ensures a creamy filling.
  
• Get creative with toppings: Feel free to add toppings like chives, jalapeños, or even a dollop of ranch for extra flavor.
  
• Make-ahead magic: Bake the potatoes ahead of time. You can scoop, mix the filling, and stuff them, then refrigerate until ready to bake for a second time.
  
• Experiment with flavors: Switch up cheeses or add vegetables like spinach or mushrooms for a twist.
  

How Do You Store These Twice Baked Potatoes?

Storing your twice baked potatoes is simple. Allow them to cool completely. Place them in an airtight container in the refrigerator, where they will keep well for about three days. 

If you want to store them for longer, consider wrapping them tightly in plastic wrap and then aluminum foil before placing them in the freezer. 

They can last for up to three months. To reheat, thaw overnight in the fridge and bake until warmed through.

What Other Substitutes Can You Use in Twice Baked Potatoes?

Here are some substitutions to consider:

• Greek yogurt: Substitute sour cream with Greek yogurt for a healthier twist.
  
• Cauliflower: For a lower-carb option, use steamed and mashed cauliflower instead of potatoes.
  
• Different Cheeses: Swap Cheddar with mozzarella, gouda, or pepper jack for different flavors.
  
• Chopped Veggies: Add broccoli, spinach, or bell peppers into the filling for added nutrition.
  
• Plant-based proteins: For a vegetarian version, include lentils or chickpeas instead of bacon.
  

Conclusion

Twice baked potatoes are not just any side dish; they are a celebration on a plate. They combine comfort food with creativity, offering a canvas for flavors and textures galore. 

Whether you keep them classic or get experimental, they’re bound to impress. Trust me, once you master the art of twice baked potatoes, they’ll become a staple at your table for years to come. 

So roll up your sleeves, gather your ingredients, and get ready to whip up the best ever twice baked potatoes that will make every meal more memorable. Enjoy!

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