Twice-Baked Potatoes
Twice-Baked Potatoes are a comforting classic, featuring fluffy potato flesh mixed with creamy cheese and seasoned to perfection. Topped with fresh parsley and a sprinkle of paprika, they make a delicious side dish for family gatherings or a cozy dinner. Perfect for potato lovers!
Ingredients
Instructions
- Put cream cheese out to soften.
- Scrub potatoes and dry. Grease them with butter and salt the skins.
- Bake at 350° for 1 hour.
- Remove from oven and cool to handle.
- Cut them in half lengthwise.
- Remove cooked potato to bowl, being careful to reserve the skins whole.
- Mash with cream cheese, hot milk, garlic salt and butter.
- Pile mixture back into skins.
- Sprinkle with parsley and paprika and bake 20 more minutes.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier filling, you can substitute sour cream for some of the cream cheese. If you prefer a richer flavor, consider adding shredded cheese like cheddar or gouda to the potato mixture. To save time, prepare the potatoes ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator until you are ready to bake. Ensure the skins are not punctured to keep them intact during baking.
Serving Suggestions
Twice-baked potatoes make a hearty side dish that pairs beautifully with grilled meats or a fresh salad. Consider serving them alongside classic American recipes like a juicy steak or roasted chicken for a complete meal. For a vegetarian option, serve with a side of sautéed vegetables or a rich bean chili to complement the flavors.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover twice-baked potatoes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 15-20 minutes until heated through. You can also microwave individual portions, but the oven method will keep the skins crispier.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Twice-Baked Potatoes contains roughly 181 calories, with 6g protein, 13g carbohydrates, and 14g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin A (68% of the Daily Value), iron (28% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (26% of the Daily Value), and a good source of protein and potassium. It also contributes 7g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.
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 twice-baked potatoes in advance?
Yes, you can prepare the potatoes up to the point of baking them a second time. Simply follow the recipe until you fill the skins, then cover and refrigerate. When ready to serve, bake them directly from the fridge, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.
What can I add to the potato filling for extra flavor?
You can mix in cooked bacon bits, chopped green onions, or even different cheeses to enhance the flavor of the filling. Experimenting with spices like smoked paprika or fresh herbs can also add a unique twist to the dish.
How can I make these potatoes healthier?
To lighten up the recipe, consider using low-fat cream cheese or Greek yogurt in place of regular cream cheese. You can also reduce the amount of butter and use olive oil or vegetable broth instead. Adding more vegetables like spinach or broccoli to the filling can also increase the nutritional value.
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).