Double Stuffed Potatoes

Experience the Ultimate Loaded Twice Baked Potatoes

Transform ordinary potatoes into an extraordinary culinary delight with our Classic Loaded Twice Baked Potatoes. This recipe elevates the humble potato to star status, combining the satisfying crunch of oven-crisped potato skins with an unbelievably smooth, rich, and flavorful mashed potato filling. Every element – from the savory bits of crispy bacon woven throughout, to the sharp cheddar cheese melting invitingly on top, and the fresh bite of green onions – works in harmony to create a side dish that often steals the show. Baked to golden perfection, these potatoes boast an incredible depth of texture and taste, ensuring every mouthful is pure bliss. They are more than just a side; they are a decadent experience crafted for those who truly appreciate the art of comfort food.

Mastering the Art of Baked Bacon for Perfect Crunch

Achieving perfectly crisp bacon without the usual mess of stovetop frying is a game-changer, especially when preparing ingredients for dishes like our Loaded Twice Baked Potatoes. Frying bacon can often lead to splattering grease and unevenly cooked strips, but baking offers a superior method. Learn How to Bake Bacon for an effortlessly easy technique that guarantees consistently crisp, beautifully rendered bacon every single time. This method ensures your bacon bits for the potato filling and garnish are exactly what you desire – golden, crunchy, and packed with irresistible savory flavor, elevating the entire dish.

Essential Ingredients and Equipment for Success

Crafting the perfect Loaded Twice Baked Potatoes begins with selecting high-quality ingredients and having the right tools on hand. Below is a comprehensive list to ensure your culinary endeavor is a resounding success. For precise measurements and detailed instructions, refer to the full recipe card conveniently located at the bottom of this post.

Ingredients:

• Yukon Gold potatoes: The star of our dish, chosen for their creamy texture when mashed and sturdy skin.
• Extra-virgin olive oil: For a crispy skin and even baking.
• Sour cream: Adds a rich tang and incredible creaminess to the filling.
• Buttermilk: Contributes to a lighter, fluffier, and more flavorful potato mash.
• Butter, softened: Essential for a smooth, indulgent filling.
• Real bacon bits: Provides a smoky, savory crunch throughout the potatoes.
• Shredded cheddar cheese: Melts beautifully, offering sharp, cheesy goodness.
• Green onions, divided: For a fresh, mild onion flavor and vibrant color.
• Kosher salt: Enhances all the flavors in the dish.
• Freshly ground black pepper: Adds a hint of warmth and aromatic spice.

Supplies:

• Rimmed baking sheet: Crucial for baking potatoes evenly and containing any drips.
• Stand mixer or handheld mixer: Makes achieving a perfectly smooth and creamy potato filling effortless.
• Medium mixing bowl: For preparing the mashed potato filling.
• Fork: For piercing potatoes before baking.
• Sharp knife: For slicing potatoes and green onions.

Choosing the Perfect Potato for Every Culinary Adventure

The success of any potato dish often hinges on selecting the right variety. Different potatoes possess unique characteristics that make them ideally suited for specific cooking methods. Understanding these nuances can elevate your cooking from good to gourmet. Here’s your go-to guide for choosing the best potato, ensuring delightful results every time:

• Mashed Potatoes & Twice-Baked Potatoes: For dishes requiring a wonderfully creamy and smooth texture, such as classic mashed potatoes or our signature twice-baked potatoes, Yukon Gold potatoes are unparalleled. Their naturally buttery flavor and medium starch content allow them to whip up into a consistently creamy consistency without becoming overly starchy or gummy.
• Baked Potatoes: When a fluffy interior and a perfectly crisp, savory skin are your goals, Russet potatoes are the ideal choice. Their high starch content contributes to a light, airy texture after baking, while their thick skins become wonderfully crunchy.
• Beef Stew & Hearty Soups: For recipes like a robust beef stew where potatoes need to absorb rich flavors and hold their shape without disintegrating, opt for waxy varieties. Baby Yukon Gold potatoes or baby red potatoes are excellent for this purpose. Their lower starch content means they remain firm and intact even after simmering in liquids.
• Oven-Roasted Potatoes: To achieve that coveted crispy exterior and tender interior, look for smaller, dense varieties. Baby red potatoes, baby gold potatoes, and elegant fingerling potatoes are perfectly sized for roasting. Their delicate skins are thin enough that peeling is unnecessary, saving you time and retaining valuable nutrients.
• Potato Salad: For potato salads, especially those where you prefer to keep the skins on for added texture and nutrients, petite potatoes are best. Varieties like baby red or baby gold potatoes boil to a tender consistency without becoming mushy, ensuring your potato salad has a pleasant bite.

Crafting Perfection: A Step-by-Step Guide to Loaded Twice Baked Potatoes

Creating these heavenly Loaded Twice Baked Potatoes is an enjoyable process that yields incredibly rewarding results. Follow these detailed steps to ensure each potato is a masterpiece of creamy filling and crispy skin.

• Prepare the Potatoes for First Bake: Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Thoroughly scrub your Yukon Gold potatoes under running water to remove any dirt. Pat them completely dry. Drizzle each potato generously with extra-virgin olive oil, then rub it evenly over the entire surface. This helps create that coveted crispy skin. Using a fork, pierce each potato several times across its surface. This allows steam to escape during baking, preventing the potatoes from bursting.
• First Bake and Cooling: Arrange the prepared potatoes on a rimmed baking sheet, ensuring they are not overcrowded. Bake for approximately 45 minutes to 1 hour, or until they are fork-tender. You should be able to easily pierce them with a fork. Once baked, remove the potatoes from the oven and allow them to cool for about 20 minutes, or until they are comfortable enough to handle. Important: Do not turn off your oven yet! You’ll need it for the next steps.
• Scoop and Crisp the Skins: With a sharp knife, carefully slice about 1/8 inch off the top lengthwise of each potato, creating an opening for scooping. Using a spoon, gently scoop out the hot, fluffy potato insides, transferring them to a medium mixing bowl. Be sure to leave about a 1/8-inch thickness of potato flesh attached to the skin all around the edges; this creates a sturdy “boat” for your filling. Once hollowed, return the potato skins to the oven for an additional 5 minutes. This crucial step helps to crisp up the exterior, making them more robust and delightful to bite into. Again, keep that oven on!

• Prepare the Creamy Filling: While your potato skins are crisping in the oven, it’s time to create the luscious filling. In the medium mixing bowl with the scooped-out potato insides, add the sour cream, buttermilk, and softened butter. Using a stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment, or a handheld electric mixer, beat the ingredients until they are beautifully smooth and creamy. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the potatoes gummy.
• Incorporate the “Loaded” Elements: Now for the delicious add-ins! Gently stir in ⅓ cup of the crispy bacon bits, 1 cup of the shredded cheddar cheese, 2 tablespoons of the fresh sliced green onions, kosher salt, and freshly ground black pepper. Fold these ingredients into the creamy potato mixture until they are just combined, ensuring the flavors are evenly distributed.

• Garnish and Serve: Once the potatoes are out of the oven, generously sprinkle the remaining bacon bits and fresh green onions over the tops. The vibrant green adds a pop of color and freshness that perfectly complements the rich flavors.

Celebrate Dad with Father’s Day Food Boards and More

Make Father’s Day extra special by treating Dad to an unforgettable culinary experience with our Father’s Day Food Boards and More. This guide is brimming with creative inspiration to design an impressive food board overflowing with all his favorite savory treats and delightful bites. Beyond the board, you’ll discover classic side dishes that perfectly complement any main, dad-approved desserts to satisfy his sweet tooth, and a selection of relaxing cocktails to help him unwind. Combine these elements, and you have the recipe for Father’s Day perfection, creating cherished memories around a table laden with love and delicious food.

Storage and Reheating Tips for Loaded Twice Baked Potatoes

One of the many great things about Loaded Twice Baked Potatoes is that they can be prepared ahead of time or enjoyed as delicious leftovers. Proper storage and reheating ensure they retain their incredible flavor and texture, almost as good as fresh out of the oven.

To Store: If you find yourself with any delicious leftover twice baked potatoes, allow them to cool completely to room temperature before storing. Transfer them to an airtight container or wrap them individually in aluminum foil, then place them in the refrigerator. They will maintain their freshness and flavor for up to three days.

To Freeze: For longer storage, twice baked potatoes freeze exceptionally well. Once completely cooled, wrap each potato individually in plastic wrap, then again in aluminum foil. Place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be frozen for up to 2-3 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

To Reheat (Oven Method): For the best results, especially for crispier skins, reheating in the oven is highly recommended. Preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C). Place the potatoes on a prepared baking sheet (you can line it with foil for easy cleanup). Bake for approximately 15 to 20 minutes, or until they are heated through to the center and the cheese on top is re-bubbled and slightly crisp. If reheating from frozen, increase the baking time to about 30-40 minutes, ensuring they are thoroughly heated.

To Reheat (Microwave Method): While the oven provides the crispiest result, the microwave is a quick and convenient option. Place an individual potato on a microwave-safe plate and cover it with a damp paper towel. Microwave in 30-second increments, checking for warmth, until heated through. This typically takes about 2 to 2 1/2 minutes total, depending on your microwave’s power. Be aware that the skin will not be as crispy as with oven reheating.