Loaded twice-baked potatoes are the ultimate comfort food, combining the creamy richness of mashed potatoes with the crispy texture of baked potato skins. Perfect for any occasion, this dish is a crowd-pleaser that takes the humble potato to new heights with the addition of cheddar cheese, bacon, and a homemade ranch dressing.
Some ingredients in this recipe might not be staples in every household. Notably, ranch seasoning mix and sour cream might require a trip to the supermarket. Make sure to also grab russet baking potatoes and medium or mild cheddar cheese if they're not already in your pantry.
Ingredients For Loaded Twice Baked Potatoes
Russet baking potatoes: These starchy potatoes are ideal for baking and mashing due to their fluffy interior.
Butter: Adds a rich, creamy texture to the mashed potatoes.
Cream: Enhances the creaminess of the mashed potato filling.
Sour cream: Adds tanginess and extra creaminess to the mashed potatoes.
Salt: Balances the flavors in the potato mixture.
Pepper: Adds a hint of spice and depth to the potatoes.
Cheddar cheese: Provides a sharp, savory flavor and melty texture.
Season salt: Enhances the overall flavor profile of the dish.
Bacon: Adds a crunchy, salty element that complements the creamy potatoes.
Green onions: Offers a fresh, mild onion flavor and a pop of color.
Ranch seasoning mix: Infuses the ranch dressing with its signature herby and tangy flavor.
Mayonnaise: Gives the ranch dressing a smooth and creamy consistency.
Milk: Thins out the ranch dressing to the desired consistency.
One reader, Demetrius Akin says:
These loaded twice baked potatoes are a hit! The creamy, cheesy filling combined with crispy bacon and fresh green onions is simply irresistible. The homemade ranch dressing adds the perfect finishing touch. A must-try for any potato lover!
Essential Techniques for Making Loaded Twice Baked Potatoes Recipe
How to bake potatoes: Wash and scrub the potatoes, poke each one several times with a fork, and bake at 400 degrees F for about 65 to 70 minutes until soft when squished. How to scoop potato flesh: Slice baked potatoes in half lengthwise and scoop out the flesh into a large mixing bowl, leaving about ¼-inch of flesh so the potato maintains its shape. How to mash potatoes: Add butter to hot potato flesh and mash with a potato masher until no longer chunky. How to beat potato mixture: Add cream, sour cream, salt, and pepper to the mashed potatoes and beat with an electric mixer for about 2 to 3 minutes until smooth and fluffy. How to fill potato skins: Fill potato skins with mashed potatoes and smooth out tops with a spoon. How to bake filled potatoes: Bake filled potatoes at 350 degrees F for about 15 to 20 minutes, depending on desired gooeyness or crispness of the cheese. How to make ranch dressing: Combine ranch seasoning mix, sour cream, mayonnaise, and milk in a mixing bowl, mix well, cover, and let rest in the refrigerator for 1 hour.
How To Make Loaded Twice Baked Potatoes
Mouthwatering layers of mashed potatoes, gooey cheddar cheese, ranch, bacon, and green onions make these loaded twice baked potatoes so irresistible!
Serves:
Ingredients
- 6large Russet Baking Potatoes
- 3tbspbutter
- ½cupcream
- ⅓cupsour cream
- ½tspsalt
- pepper,to taste
- 12ozmedium or mild cheddar cheese,(about 3 cups)
- season salt
- 8-10slicesbacon,cooked and crumbled
- 6green onions,chopped, chives work also
- Ranch Dressing,(1 recipe)
For the Ranch Dressing:
- 1tbspranch seasoning mix,heaping
- ¼cupsour cream
- ¼cupmayonnaise
- ¼cupmilk
Instructions
-
Wash and scrub potatoes, poke each one several times with a fork. Place in oven and bake at 400 degrees F for about 65 to 70 minutes, or until soft when squished.
-
Remove baked potatoes from the oven and reduce oven temperature to 350 degrees F. Slice potatoes in half lengthwise and scoop out the flesh into a large mixing bowl, leaving about ¼-inch of flesh so the potato maintains its shape. Place potato skins on a baking sheet.
-
Add butter to hot potato flesh in mixing bowl and mash potatoes with a potato masher until no longer chunky. Add in cream, sour cream, salt, and pepper. Beat potato mixture with an electric mixer for about 2 to 3 minutes until potatoes are smooth and fluffy. For thinner potatoes, just add a little bit of milk a few tablespoons at a time to reach desired consistency.
-
Fill potato skins with mashed potatoes and smooth out tops with a spoon. Sprinkle filled potatoes with cheddar cheese and about ⅛ teaspoon of season salt (more or less to your taste) and fresh ground pepper to taste.
-
Bake filled potatoes for about 15 to 20 minutes, depending on desired gooeyness or crispness of the cheese.
-
Remove from oven, sprinkle potatoes with crumbled bacon and chopped green onions, and drizzle with ranch dressing. Serve immediately.
-
Combine all ingredients in a mixing bowl, mix well. Cover and let rest in refrigerator 1 hour.
Nutrition
- Calories: 473.15kcal
- Fat: 30.31g
- Saturated Fat: 14.27g
- Trans Fat: 0.48g
- Monounsaturated Fat: 9.15g
- Polyunsaturated Fat: 4.38g
- Carbohydrates: 37.93g
- Fiber: 3.15g
- Sugar: 2.51g
- Protein: 14.35g
- Cholesterol: 71.09mg
- Sodium: 458.25mg
- Calcium: 281.79mg
- Potassium: 912.94mg
- Iron: 3.03mg
- Vitamin A: 171.83µg
- Vitamin C: 12.46mg
Pro Tip for Perfecting Loaded Twice Baked Potatoes
When scooping out the flesh of the potatoes, use a melon baller or a small spoon to ensure you leave an even ¼-inch layer inside the skins. This helps maintain the structure of the potato skins and prevents them from collapsing during the second bake.
Time-Saving Tips for Preparing Twice Baked Potatoes
Pre-cook the bacon: Cook the bacon ahead of time and store it in the fridge. This saves you from having to cook it while preparing the potatoes.
Use a microwave: Start the potatoes in the microwave for 10 minutes before transferring them to the oven. This reduces overall baking time.
Make the ranch dressing in advance: Prepare the ranch dressing a day before and keep it in the fridge. This allows the flavors to meld and saves you time on the day of cooking.
Shred cheese beforehand: Shred the cheddar cheese in advance and store it in an airtight container. This makes assembly quicker.
Substitute Ingredients For Loaded Twice Baked Potatoes Recipe
russet baking potatoes - Substitute with sweet potatoes: Sweet potatoes offer a different flavor profile and a slightly sweeter taste, which can add a unique twist to the dish.
butter - Substitute with olive oil: Olive oil is a healthier fat option and can provide a rich, slightly fruity flavor.
cream - Substitute with Greek yogurt: Greek yogurt is a healthier alternative that adds creaminess and a slight tang.
sour cream - Substitute with plain yogurt: Plain yogurt can provide a similar tangy flavor and creamy texture.
salt - Substitute with sea salt: Sea salt can offer a more complex flavor profile.
pepper - Substitute with white pepper: White pepper has a milder flavor and can blend more seamlessly into the dish.
cheddar cheese - Substitute with Monterey Jack cheese: Monterey Jack melts well and has a mild flavor that complements the other ingredients.
season salt - Substitute with garlic salt: Garlic salt adds a savory, garlicky flavor that can enhance the overall taste.
bacon - Substitute with turkey bacon: Turkey bacon is a leaner option that still provides a smoky flavor.
green onions - Substitute with chives: Chives offer a similar mild onion flavor and can add a fresh touch.
ranch dressing - Substitute with blue cheese dressing: Blue cheese dressing provides a tangy and creamy alternative that pairs well with potatoes.
ranch seasoning mix - Substitute with Italian seasoning mix: Italian seasoning mix can offer a different but equally flavorful herb blend.
sour cream - Substitute with creme fraiche: Creme fraiche is similar in texture and flavor but slightly less tangy.
mayonnaise - Substitute with Greek yogurt: Greek yogurt is a healthier alternative that can provide creaminess without the extra fat.
milk - Substitute with almond milk: Almond milk is a dairy-free option that can still add creaminess to the dressing.
Best Presentation Ideas for Twice Baked Potatoes
Select the finest russet baking potatoes: Ensure the potatoes are uniform in size and free from blemishes to maintain consistency in cooking and presentation.
Create a smooth and creamy filling: Mash the potato flesh with butter, cream, and sour cream until it reaches a velvety texture. Use an electric mixer to achieve a fluffy consistency.
Season to perfection: Add salt and freshly ground pepper to the potato mixture, adjusting to taste. A hint of season salt can elevate the flavor profile.
Fill and shape elegantly: Spoon the mashed potatoes back into the potato skins, smoothing the tops with a spoon to create a refined look.
Top with quality cheddar cheese: Use medium or mild cheddar cheese and sprinkle generously over the filled potatoes. Ensure even coverage for a uniform melt.
Bake to perfection: Return the filled potatoes to the oven and bake until the cheese reaches your desired level of gooeyness or crispness, typically 15 to 20 minutes.
Garnish with precision: Once baked, top the potatoes with crumbled bacon and finely chopped green onions. The contrast in textures and flavors will enhance the dish.
Drizzle with homemade ranch dressing: Prepare the ranch dressing by combining ranch seasoning mix, sour cream, mayonnaise, and milk. Let it rest in the refrigerator for an hour before drizzling over the potatoes.
Plate with sophistication: Arrange the loaded twice baked potatoes on a pristine white plate, allowing the vibrant colors of the cheese, bacon, and green onions to stand out. Use a small spoon to artfully drizzle the ranch dressing in a delicate pattern around the potatoes.
Serve immediately: Ensure the potatoes are served hot to maintain the integrity of the textures and flavors. The contrast between the crispy potato skins and the creamy filling will be at its peak.
Essential Kitchen Tools for Making Loaded Twice Baked Potatoes
Oven: Used to bake the potatoes at the specified temperatures.
Fork: Used to poke holes in the potatoes before baking.
Baking sheet: Holds the potato skins while they are being baked.
Large mixing bowl: Used to mix the scooped-out potato flesh with other ingredients.
Potato masher: Used to mash the potato flesh until it is no longer chunky.
Electric mixer: Used to beat the potato mixture until smooth and fluffy.
Spoon: Used to fill the potato skins with the mashed potato mixture and smooth out the tops.
Cheese grater: Used to grate the cheddar cheese.
Knife: Used to slice the baked potatoes in half and chop the green onions.
Cutting board: Provides a surface for slicing the potatoes and chopping the green onions.
Measuring spoons: Used to measure out the butter, cream, sour cream, salt, and ranch seasoning mix.
Measuring cups: Used to measure out the cream, sour cream, mayonnaise, and milk.
Mixing bowl: Used to combine the ingredients for the ranch dressing.
Spatula: Used to mix the ingredients for the ranch dressing.
Refrigerator: Used to let the ranch dressing rest for an hour before serving.
Skillet: Used to cook the bacon until crispy.
Paper towels: Used to drain the cooked bacon.
Storage and Freezing Instructions for Loaded Twice Baked Potatoes
Once the twice baked potatoes have cooled completely, wrap each one individually in plastic wrap or aluminum foil. This will help prevent them from drying out and absorbing other flavors in the refrigerator.
Place the wrapped potatoes in an airtight container or a ziplock bag. Squeeze out as much air as possible before sealing the bag to prevent freezer burn.
Label the container or bag with the date and contents, so you can easily keep track of when they were stored.
Twice baked potatoes can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. When you're ready to eat them, simply unwrap and reheat in the oven or microwave until warmed through.
If you want to freeze the potatoes for later use, place the wrapped potatoes in a freezer-safe container or ziplock bag. They can be stored in the freezer for up to 2-3 months.
To reheat frozen twice baked potatoes, unwrap them and place them on a baking sheet. Cover with aluminum foil and bake in a preheated 350°F (175°C) oven for about 20-25 minutes, or until heated through. You can also microwave them, but the texture may be slightly different.
For best results, add toppings like bacon, cheese, and green onions after reheating the potatoes. This will ensure that the toppings are fresh and flavorful.
How To Reheat Leftover Twice Baked Potatoes
To reheat leftover loaded twice baked potatoes, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the potatoes on a baking sheet and cover them loosely with foil. Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until heated through. For a crispier top, remove the foil during the last 5 minutes of reheating.
Another option is to use the microwave. Place the potatoes on a microwave-safe plate and heat them on high power for 1-2 minutes, or until heated through. Be careful not to overheat them, as this can cause the potatoes to become dry and rubbery. For best results, microwave the potatoes in 30-second intervals, checking their temperature after each interval.
If you have an air fryer, you can also use it to reheat your loaded twice baked potatoes. Preheat the air fryer to 350°F (175°C) and place the potatoes in the basket. Cook for 5-7 minutes, or until heated through and slightly crispy on top.
For a quick and easy reheating method, you can use a toaster oven. Preheat the toaster oven to 350°F (175°C) and place the potatoes on the wire rack. Heat for 10-15 minutes, or until warmed through and slightly crispy on top.
If you want to add some extra flavor and moisture to your reheated potatoes, try drizzling them with a little olive oil or butter before reheating. You can also sprinkle some additional shredded cheese or bacon bits on top for an extra burst of flavor.
Interesting Trivia About Loaded Twice Baked Potatoes
A fun fact about this loaded twice baked potatoes recipe is that it combines the creamy texture of mashed potatoes with the crispy goodness of baked potato skins. This dual texture makes it a crowd-pleaser at gatherings and a versatile side dish that pairs well with various main courses.
Is Making Loaded Twice Baked Potatoes at Home Cost-Effective?
This loaded twice baked potatoes recipe is quite cost-effective for a household. The main ingredients like russet baking potatoes, cheddar cheese, and bacon are relatively affordable and can be found in most grocery stores. The use of sour cream and green onions adds flavor without significantly increasing the cost. The homemade ranch dressing is also a budget-friendly alternative to store-bought versions. Overall Verdict: 8/10. Approximate cost in USD for a household of 4 people: $15-$20.
Are Loaded Twice Baked Potatoes Healthy or Unhealthy?
The loaded twice baked potatoes recipe is undeniably delicious, but it's not the healthiest option out there. Here's why:
- The recipe is high in saturated fat due to the generous amounts of butter, cream, sour cream, and cheese used. Consuming too much saturated fat can increase the risk of heart disease and other health issues.
- Bacon, while tasty, is also high in saturated fat and sodium, which can contribute to health problems if consumed in excess.
- The recipe is calorie-dense, with each serving likely to be high in calories due to the rich ingredients used.
However, there are some redeeming qualities:
- Potatoes themselves are a good source of fiber, vitamins, and minerals.
- Green onions add a pop of color and provide some vitamins and antioxidants.
To make this recipe healthier, consider the following suggestions:
- Reduce the amount of butter, cream, and sour cream used, or replace them with lower-fat alternatives like Greek yogurt or milk.
- Use reduced-fat cheddar cheese to lower the saturated fat content.
- Opt for turkey bacon or Canadian bacon instead of regular bacon to reduce the fat and sodium content.
- Increase the amount of green onions used to add more nutrients and flavor.
- Serve the loaded potatoes as a side dish alongside a lean protein source and a generous portion of vegetables to create a more balanced meal.
- Use a smaller potato or cut the potatoes in half before baking to reduce the overall calorie count per serving.
Editor's Opinion on This Loaded Twice Baked Potatoes Recipe
This recipe for loaded twice-baked potatoes is a delightful indulgence. The combination of creamy mashed potatoes, rich cheddar cheese, and crispy bacon creates a symphony of flavors and textures. The addition of ranch dressing adds a tangy twist that elevates the dish. The process is straightforward, though it requires some time and attention to detail. Overall, it's a crowd-pleaser perfect for gatherings or a comforting side dish.
Enhance Your Loaded Twice Baked Potatoes Recipe with These Unique Side Dishes:
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Appetizer and Dessert Ideas to Serve with Twice Baked Potatoes
Why trust this Loaded Twice Baked Potatoes Recipe:
This recipe for loaded twice baked potatoes is a surefire hit, combining the creamy goodness of mashed potatoes with the savory flavors of cheddar cheese and bacon. The addition of sour cream and ranch dressing adds a tangy twist, while green onions provide a fresh crunch. Each step is carefully crafted to ensure a perfect balance of textures and flavors, making it a reliable choice for any occasion. Trust this recipe for a crowd-pleasing dish that’s both comforting and delicious.
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