Twice Baked Potato
Twice Baked Potatoes are a hearty, cheesy comfort food featuring fluffy baked potatoes filled with seasoned mashed potato mixture, crispy bacon, and topped with melted cheese. Perfect for gatherings or a satisfying family dinner, they combine creamy textures with savory flavors that appeal to all ages.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Wash potatoes and pat dry.
- Prick each potato with a fork.
- Bake on a rack at 400°F for 1 hour or until potatoes are done.
- Cut a thin slice from the top of each potato and scoop out the pulp into a bowl.
- Mash potato pulp with hot milk until fluffy.
- Beat in butter and sliced green onions.
- Add salt, black pepper, nutmeg, and paprika to seasonings.
- Fry bacon until crisp and crumble.
- Add crumbled bacon to the potato mixture.
- Spoon the potato mixture back into the potato shells.
- Sprinkle grated Parmesan and Cheddar cheeses on top.
- Place potatoes on a baking sheet.
- Bake at 375°F until cheeses are melted and bubbly.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier filling, consider substituting sour cream for some of the milk. If you're short on time, use pre-cooked bacon. Additionally, you can use russet or Yukon gold potatoes for a different flavor profile. To enhance the dish, try adding some cooked broccoli or spinach to the filling, echoing the flavors found in recipes like Bacon Spinach Quiche.
Serving Suggestions
Twice-baked potatoes make a hearty side dish or a satisfying main course. They pair beautifully with grilled meats or salads, and serve well alongside dishes like Believe It Or Not Pork Chops. For a complete meal, consider adding Sweet 'N Sour Green Beans for a delightful vegetable contrast.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover twice-baked potatoes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply place them in the oven at 350°F for about 20 minutes or until heated through. Alternatively, you can microwave them for a quicker option, but they may not retain their crispiness.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Twice Baked Potato contains roughly 576 calories, with 18g protein, 78g carbohydrates, and 31g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (122% of the Daily Value), iron (78% of the Daily Value), and vitamin A (72% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2014mg per serving (88% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I prepare the filling ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the potato filling a day in advance. Store it in the refrigerator in an airtight container. Just remember to bring it to room temperature before spooning it back into the potato shells and baking them.
What can I use instead of bacon?
If you're looking for a vegetarian option, you can replace bacon with sautéed mushrooms or diced bell peppers for added flavor. Additionally, smoked paprika can mimic the smoky taste of bacon, or you can use tempeh bacon for a plant-based alternative.
Can I freeze twice-baked potatoes?
Yes, twice-baked potatoes freeze well. Allow them to cool completely, then wrap each potato tightly in plastic wrap followed by aluminum foil. They can be frozen for up to 3 months. To reheat, bake from frozen at 375°F for about 30-40 minutes.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).