Ultimate Cheesy Twice-Baked Potatoes
Indulge in the comforting goodness of Ultimate Cheesy Twice-Baked Potatoes, perfect for a hearty side dish or a satisfying meal on their own. This recipe is simple yet versatile, allowing you to customize with your favorite cheeses and seasonings. These delightful stuffed potatoes can be prepared ahead of time, making them ideal for busy weeknights or gatherings. Bake extra potatoes for additional filling to enjoy later, and experience the rich flavors of creamy potato mixed with sharp cheddar and buttery goodness. Whether freshly made or reheated from the freezer, these potatoes are sure to be a staple in your kitchen!
N/A
Servings
150
Calories
7
Ingredients
Ingredients
Baking potatoes
4 (medium, scrubbed and pierced)
Butter
2 tablespoons (softened)
Salt
1/2 teaspoon (to taste)
Sour cream
1/3 cup
Sharp cheddar cheese
1/3 cup (shredded)
Milk
1 tablespoon (or more to achieve desired creaminess)
American cheese
4 slices
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit (200 degrees Celsius).
2
Thoroughly scrub and pierce the medium baking potatoes with a fork to prevent them from bursting during baking.
3
Place the potatoes directly on the oven rack and bake for about one hour, or until they are tender when pierced with a fork.
4
Once baked, carefully remove the potatoes from the oven and let them cool just enough to handle safely.
5
Using a sharp knife, cut each potato in half lengthwise and scoop out the insides using a spoon, being careful to keep the skins intact. Transfer the scooped-out potato to a large mixing bowl.
6
Add the butter and salt to the bowl, then mash the potato until smooth and creamy.
7
Mix in the sour cream until thoroughly combined and fluffy.
8
Stir in the shredded sharp cheddar cheese until evenly distributed.
9
Add one tablespoon of milk and continue mashing. If the mixture is still too thick, gradually add more milk, one tablespoon at a time, until you achieve your desired creamy consistency.
10
Taste the potato filling and adjust the salt if necessary.
11
Carefully spoon the creamy potato mixture back into the potato skins, heaping them generously.
12
Top each stuffed potato with a half slice of American cheese or your choice of good melting cheese.
13
Return the stuffed potatoes to the oven and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until they are heated through and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
14
Allow to cool slightly before serving. These potatoes can also be refrigerated for a make-ahead meal or frozen for later use. If freezing, add the cheese slices just before baking.
Nutrition Information
7.5g
Fat
17.5g
Carbs
5g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Ultimate Cheesy Twice-Baked Potatoes?
They are a comforting side dish made by baking potatoes, mashing the centers with butter, sour cream, and cheese, and then baking them again until bubbly.
How many potatoes does this recipe require?
The recipe calls for 4 medium-sized baking potatoes.
What temperature should the oven be set to?
Preheat your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit or 200 degrees Celsius.
How long is the initial baking time?
The potatoes should bake for about one hour or until they are tender.
Why do I need to pierce the potatoes with a fork?
Piercing the potatoes allows steam to escape and prevents them from bursting during the baking process.
How should the potatoes be prepared before baking?
The potatoes should be thoroughly scrubbed and then pierced with a fork.
How do I know when the potatoes are done?
They are done when they feel tender when pierced with a fork.
Should I let the potatoes cool after the first bake?
Yes, let them cool just enough so you can handle them safely for cutting and scooping.
How should the potatoes be cut?
Using a sharp knife, cut each potato in half lengthwise.
What is the best way to remove the potato insides?
Use a spoon to scoop out the insides into a mixing bowl, being careful to keep the skins intact.
What ingredients go into the potato filling?
The filling includes mashed potato, butter, salt, sour cream, shredded sharp cheddar cheese, and milk.
How much butter is used in the recipe?
The recipe requires 2 tablespoons of softened butter.
How much sour cream is added?
Use 1/3 cup of sour cream to make the filling fluffy.
What kind of cheddar cheese is recommended?
The recipe suggests using 1/3 cup of shredded sharp cheddar cheese.
Why is milk added to the potato mixture?
Milk is added gradually to help achieve a smooth and creamy consistency.
How much milk should I start with?
Start with one tablespoon of milk and add more only if the mixture is still too thick.
What cheese is used for the topping?
The potatoes are topped with half a slice of American cheese or your choice of melting cheese.
How long is the second baking period?
Bake the stuffed potatoes for an additional 15-20 minutes.
How do I know the potatoes are finished the second time?
They are finished when they are heated through and the cheese on top is melted and bubbly.
Can these potatoes be made in advance?
Yes, they are ideal for make-ahead meals and can be refrigerated or frozen.
Can I freeze these twice-baked potatoes?
Yes, they can be frozen. It is recommended to add the cheese slices just before the final baking.
Is this recipe vegetarian-friendly?
Yes, the ingredients listed are vegetarian.
How many calories are in one serving?
There are approximately 150 calories per serving.
What is the fat content per serving?
Each serving contains about 7.5g of fat.
How many grams of protein are in this dish?
Each serving provides about 5g of protein.
What are the carbohydrate counts?
There are approximately 17.5g of carbohydrates per serving.
Can I use different types of cheese?
Yes, the recipe is versatile and allows you to customize with your favorite cheeses.
What tags describe this recipe?
Tags include twice-baked potatoes, stuffed potatoes, cheesy potatoes, easy side dishes, and comfort food.
How should I store leftover potatoes?
Store them in the refrigerator for a quick make-ahead meal or in the freezer for longer storage.
How should I serve these potatoes?
Allow them to cool slightly after the final bake and serve them as a hearty side dish or a standalone meal.