Updated on August 28th, 2025
Twice baked potatoes are one of those side dishes that never disappoint, whether you’re serving them alongside a main course or putting them out as an appetizer for guests. The process is simple but makes all the difference. The potatoes are baked, scooped, and then mixed with a creamy blend of sour cream, butter, milk, and cheese before being stuffed back into the skins. Once they go into the oven a second time, they turn golden and flavorful with a topping of cheddar, bacon, and green onions. It’s a recipe that feels comforting, filling, and always gets plenty of compliments at the table.
Why this recipe works
- Double baking for flavor: Baking the potatoes twice gives the skins a crispy outside while keeping the filling soft, creamy, and flavorful.
- Creamy filling mixture: The blend of sour cream, milk, butter, and cheese creates a rich texture that turns the scooped potato into a smooth, cheesy mash.
- Toppings that add more: Crispy bacon, melted cheddar, and fresh green onions add saltiness, sharpness, and freshness in every bite.
- Easy to prepare ahead: The potatoes can be assembled earlier in the day and baked again just before serving, which is convenient for busy meals.
- Great for different meals: They work well as a side for weeknight dinners, a holiday table, or even as a hearty appetizer for parties.
Serving suggestions
- Classic dinner side: Serve twice baked potatoes with steak, grilled chicken, or roasted pork for a well-rounded meal.
- Make it a holiday favorite: Add them to your Thanksgiving or Christmas spread where they’ll fit right in alongside turkey or ham.
- Party appetizer option: Slice them into halves or quarters for bite-sized portions that are easy to grab at gatherings.
- Pair with soup or salad: These potatoes go especially well with a fresh salad or a warm bowl of soup for a lighter but still filling meal.
- Switch up the toppings: Try adding jalapeños, broccoli, or different cheeses to make the recipe your own while keeping the base the same.
Twice Baked Potatoes Recipe
Creamy, cheesy, and topped with bacon, these twice baked potatoes are the ultimate side dish or appetizer for family dinners, holidays, or game day.
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
Ingredients
- 4 large baking potatoes
- 8 slices bacon
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1/2 cup milk
- 4 tablespoons butter
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon pepper
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (divided)
- 8 green onions (divided)
Instructions
- Pre-heat the oven to 350 degrees. Place potatoes onto a baking sheet. Place into the oven and bake for 1 hour. While potatoes are baking, place bacon slices into a large deep skillet. Cook over medium-high heat (turning once) until the bacon is crispy. Drain on paper towels. When the bacon has cooled crumble it into small pieces. Set aside.
- When potatoes are done remove them from the oven and allow them to cool for 10 minutes. After 10 minutes slice the potatoes in half lengthwise and scoop out the flesh (leaving about ¼” of the flesh still inside) into a large bowl. Save the skins. Add sour cream, milk, butter, salt, pepper, a ½ cup of cheese, ½ of the green onions to the scooped out potato. Mix with a hand mixer until well blended and creamy. Spoon the mixture into the potatoes skins. Top each with remaining cheese, green onions, and bacon.
- Place back into the oven and bake for 15 minutes at 350 degrees.
Nutrition
- Serving Size:
- Calories: 421
- Sugar: 3.6 g
- Sodium: 496.2 mg
- Fat: 26.7 g
- Carbohydrates: 33.1 g
- Protein: 13.1 g
- Cholesterol: 60.4 mg