This twice baked potato recipe is a favorite side dish at our house. That’s probably because it has the perfect blend of cheese, sour cream, and onions baked right into it.

You might wonder why you should bake potatoes twice. And I’ll tell you.

The first time is to soften them up so you can mix in all the other yummy stuff, like the cheese, sour cream, and whatever else you want to add.

The second time is to bake all of the goodness together so that the flavors blend.

Serve them with these baked beef ribs, and everyone at the table will be so happy! They’re also great with this pecan crusted fish!

They’re delicious as a side dish or served at a baked potato bar!

Twice Baked Potatoes – Ultimate Comfort Food

Potatoes are a comfort food for many people, including me. I love them in all forms, including these twice-baked potatoes, French fries, potatoes au gratin, and any other way you want to serve them to me.

I even love tater tots, which is why I love this hamburger tater tot casserole and this breakfast tater tot casserole.

My friend Julie makes these easy crockpot mashed potatoes that are super yummy.

While we’re on the subject of potatoes, if you haven’t tried these creamy buttermilk garlic mashed potatoes, you’re really missing out. Give them a try. I bet you’ll love them!

What You Need to for This Twice Baked Potato Recipe

You only need a few ingredients to make these mounds of deliciousness.

In addition to the potatoes (preferably russet potatoes), here’s what you’ll need:

• Shredded cheese
• Sour cream
• Onions

I sometimes add bacon bits, but this time I didn’t.

I like cheddar cheese, but sometimes I use Colby or Monterey Jack. It’s all good.

Add salt and ground black pepper to taste.

Any kind of large potato is good for baking, but I usually have plenty of russet potatoes in my pantry.

Although you can use any type of onion, I used green onions for these.

They’re pretty easy to work with because you only have to cut them in one direction. And you don’t need many because a few of them bring you as much flavor as you need.

I sprinkled a tiny bit of seasoned salt into the mixture, but it really wasn’t necessary. There’s enough saltiness in the cheese and tangy taste in the sour cream.

You can add pepper, but again, these potatoes don’t need the extra flavor.

Here are some other ingredients you can add if you like:

• Cream cheese
• Italian seasoning
• Chili powder
• Paprika
• Chives

Experiment with flavors you like. If you’re not sure about anything you’d like to add, try it on a small amount of potato.

How to Make Twice Baked Potatoes

Poke some holes in the potatoes and bake them in the microwave until they are tender.

Mix the sour cream, shredded cheese, onions, bacon (optional) and any other seasoning you want to add.

After the potatoes are done, cut them in half lengthwise.

Next, scoop out the center of the potato and put it in a bowl. Make sure you leave at least 1/4 inch of potato next to the skin, or they’ll cave in or fall apart.

Super thin potato skins are difficult to stuff. That little extra potato stuck to the skin adds stability to the shell.

Using a fork, mash the potato. If you want it extra fluffy or creamy, you can use a mixer and add a couple of tablespoons of milk. I like texture and firmness in my potatoes, so I don’t use a mixer.

Add all of the ingredients to the mashed potatoes and stir well.

Scoop the potato mixture evenly into the potato skins. Add more shredded cheese on top and sprinkle some chopped onion tips on them.

This is more for garnish than anything, although it does add even more onion flavor. You can also add paprika if you want the red color on top.

Bake for approximately 30 minutes, until the cheese melts and begins to turn a light brown color.

Air Fryer Twice Baked Potatoes

If you have an air fryer, you can do the final step in the air fryer. It’s super easy, but you’ll need to pay close attention to them so they don’t burn.

Turn your air fryer to 350 and check on them after 10 minutes. If they’re not the way you want them, keep putting them back in 3-5 minute increments. After you do this a time or two, you’ll know how long to finish them off in the air fryer.

What to Serve with Twice Baked Potatoes

These potatoes go with almost any meal. If you have steak, it’s even better than a plain baked potato.

Or you can skip the meat and serve it with some steamed vegetables or this cucumber tomato corn salad.

I’ve even been known to have a leftover twice-baked potato alone for lunch the next day. Since it’s filling and satisfying, I don’t get the urge to snack before dinner.

Make Ahead

If you like to be prepared at all times, you can make a bunch of these twice baked potatoes and freeze them. Then all you need to do is take them out of the freezer, pop them into the oven, and heat them up for about 45 minutes.

You can also prepare them ahead of time and refrigerate them. Then as the rest of your dinner cooks, you can finish cooking it in the oven for half an hour. If they’re not frozen, they don’t take as long to heat up.

Benefits of Potatoes

In spite of so many people avoiding potatoes because of low-carb diets, they are actually good for you. Here are some of the benefits they provide:

• They are low in calories—with the average potato coming in around 100-120 calories each.
• Potatoes have no fat or cholesterol.
• In addition to being high in fiber, they also contain vitamin C, potassium, vitamin B6, and magnesium.
• Potatoes contain antioxidants that help protect your body from various diseases.
• They are easily digestible.
• Potatoes are versatile and go with almost any type of meal.
• You can peel them, but it’s better to eat the whole potato because the peeling has quite a few additional nutrients and fiber.
• You can cook them in a variety of ways, such as boiled, fried, baked, or grilled.
• They are inexpensive, so you can serve them often without having to worry about your budget.

Another dish we enjoy is these honey mustard roasted potatoes. Not only are they are packed with flavor, but they’re also easy to make.

Personalize Your Recipe

I’m a big believer in tampering with recipes to make them more suited for my personal taste. For that reason, I encourage you to add other items you like.

Some other things that are good in these potatoes are mushrooms, olives, capers, and pimentos.

If you like something, try adding it to a small section of your potato. That way, you won’t waste a whole potato if it’s not as good as you think it will be.

Favorite Potato Recipes

There’s a reason that potatoes are so popular. They’re a great side dish for so many different types of food. Plus they work well in a wide variety of casseroles.

Try some of these delicious potato recipes:

Bacon Wrapped Potato Wedges – These are wonderful as a side dish or appetizers. Don’t be surprised when they steal the show at any family meal or dinner party.

Parmesan Potato Bake – The flavors of this dish come together so well to enhance whatever you serve them with.

Air Fryer French Fries – These fries are easy to make and so delicious, with a crispy outer crust and soft, flaky interior!

More Main Dish Recipes

Any kind of baked potatoes go with certain main dishes. Here are some of our favorites:

Barbecued Chicken Drumsticks – I make these in the air fryer, and they’re every bit as good those cooked on an outdoor grill.

Crock Pot Garlic Chicken – Fall-off-the-bone tender, the flavors in this chicken will have everyone going back for seconds.

Lemon Pepper Chicken – If you love the tangy taste of lemon, you’ll love this delightful chicken dish.

Baked Pot Roast – Pot roast and potatoes have been a popular combination for a reason: They work together so deliciously!

Air Fryer Pork Tenderloin – Marinated to perfection, you’ll want to add this pork dish to your regular dinner rotation!

More Fabulous Side Dish Recipes

I love coming up with a variety of side dishes that I can mix and match to go with any main dishes. I try to have at least 2 sides and sometimes 3.

Here are some that are good with these twice baked potatoes:

Crispy Zucchini Parmesan Chips – Zucchini is one of the most versatile vegetables, and this will quickly become one of your favorites!

Air Fryer Carrots – Carrots turn out so delicious when you cook them in an air fryer. You’ll be tempted to eat them like candy, which is okay because they’re also good for you.

Roasted Brussels Sprouts – How many ways can you say “Yum”? You’ll think of a bunch of them after tasting these delicious little morsels of goodness!

Creamed Spinach – Every time I bring this to any potluck dinner, I get asked for the recipe.

See this recipe shared at Weekend Potluck, Meal Plan Monday, and Full Plate Thursday.

Please feel free to share!