It’s comfort food in every sense of the word and a side dish that is as easy to make as it is to eat! Twice-baked potatoes are a super simple, budget-friendly side dish fully loaded with filling and flavor! It may remind you of a loaded baked potato because of the sour cream, cheese, and bacon, or maybe a larger version of everyone’s favorite potato skins appetizer. I do believe that this recipe is the BEST of both worlds with mashed potatoes joining the party. It’s filling, satisfying, and the combination of creamy sour cream, smoky, salty, bacon, and sharp cheese is fantastic and the balance of textures between crispy skin and creamy potato filling and salty, tangy, savory flavors is insane. One bite and you’ll start wondering if you even need to eat anything else besides seconds. It can very easily become the star of your meal because it does have a lot going on, but it can also act as a humble side dish to a simple hamburger as easily as it does a fancy steak. There is a little extra baking time because it’s baked twice, but it’s worth it. It allows you to focus on getting the rest of your meal together, especially if you’ve got lots on your menu. These freezer-friendly potatoes can be made ahead of a later date and any leftovers can be reheated and enjoyed the next day. You can never have too many potato recipes, so be sure to pass this recipe on to others so they can turn their everyday baked potatoes into something a little more special!
Shredded cheese – Sharp cheddar is always a classic choice, however, Monterey jack, sharp Gruyere, or Mexican cheese blend are all great choices.Sour cream – Sour cream has a cooling, creamy effect on baked potatoes, however this time it’s being mixed into the filling. It will give it a creamy, richness with a delicious tang.Milk – The liquid is added to the mixture to help blend all the ingredients making it nice and creamy. Butter – Potatoes and butter go hand in hand. The buttery flavor of any mashed potato is the stuff dreams are made of. Green onions – Adds a slightly pungent, sharp, fresh note to the otherwise heavy ingredients. Bacon – Salty, crispy bits of bacon add texture and round out the flavors of the filling so beautifully. Salt and pepper – A simple seasoning is all that is needed.Chives – An optional garnish that you typically see with sour cream, potatoes, butter, and cheese. So, it’s a natural fit!
Complete list of ingredients and amounts can be found in the recipe card below. Waxy potatoes that have a lower starch content will still work because they are sturdy and will not fall apart on you, however, they will result in a different texture. They won’t be as fluffy or creamy and will be denser.
Swap out the sour cream with cream cheese. It won’t be as light, and will be a little denser, but will still provide a nice cheesy tangy flavor.Caramelized onions would be crazy good!Salsa or a Salsa ranch combo is a great way to jazz it up Tex-Mex style.Ranch dressing mix or blue cheese dressing is a welcome addition to any potato recipe.Red pepper flakes, diced jalapeno, or sriracha for heat.Have any leftover buffalo chicken? You see where I’m going with this!
With a side salad: Keep it as a main dish and enjoy it with a side salad such as this three bean salad, Asian chicken salad, a simple tossed green salad, Kale Salad, or a kid-friendly pasta salad. Other starters: Needing to find some suitable sides to pair with your twice baked potato? When serving a large crowd add baked beans, Air Fryer corn on the cob, coleslaw, creamed corn or glazed carrots to your meal. Keep them wrapped tightly in foil or plastic and keep them in the fridge in an airtight container for up to 5 days. To freeze them, place them on a baking sheet and flash freeze them until they’re solid, and then store them in a freezer-friendly container or Ziploc for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to bake them, thaw them overnight in the fridge and bake as directed or bake from frozen adding on about 15 minutes of extra bake time. To reheat: You can reheat it quickly in the microwave, especially if you’re just reheating one serving. If you have a few that need reheating it might be worth turning on the oven to 400°F/205°C and reheating potatoes for about 20 minutes. You can also use the air fryer. Preheat it to 400°F/205°C for 5 minutes before adding the potatoes to heat through. © Little Sunny Kitchen
