golden-brown twice-baked potatoes with crispy skins
Golden-brown twice-baked potatoes with crispy skins combine a perfect balance of crunchy, flavorful exterior and fluffy, creamy interior. This comforting and versatile dish, made with simple classic ingredients, is ideal as a side or snack for any meal or gathering. Easily customizable and make-ahead friendly, it’s sure to delight with every bite.
- Author: Mary
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 25 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Main Ingredients
- 4 large russet potatoes
- 4 tablespoons butter (room temperature)
- 1/2 cup sour cream (room temperature)
- 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar, Gruyere, or mozzarella)
- 2 tablespoons chopped chives or green onions
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
- Olive oil or cooking spray (for brushing skins)
Optional Variations
- 1/4 cup bacon bits
- 1/2 cup roasted vegetables (e.g., bell peppers or mushrooms)
- Pinch of cayenne pepper or diced jalapeños
- Dairy-free alternatives: coconut cream and vegan cheese
- Preparing the Potatoes: Scrub russet potatoes thoroughly to remove any dirt since the skin will be eaten. Pierce each potato several times with a fork to allow steam to escape during baking. Bake whole at 400°F (200°C) for about 60 minutes, until skins are crisp and a fork easily pierces the flesh.
- Scooping Out the Flesh: Allow potatoes to cool slightly. Cut them in half lengthwise, then carefully scoop out the fluffy insides, leaving approximately a 1/4-inch thick shell to hold their shape. Place the scooped flesh into a bowl for mixing.
- Preparing the Filling: Mix the scooped potato flesh with butter, sour cream, shredded cheese, chives, salt, and pepper. Mash until the mixture is smooth and creamy to ensure a luscious texture inside.
- Refilling the Skins: Spoon the creamy filling back into the potato shells, piling it slightly to create a generous mound. Sprinkle additional shredded cheese on top for a golden finish.
- The Final Bake: Lightly brush or spray the potato skins with olive oil to enhance crispiness. Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 20-25 minutes until the tops are golden brown and skins are crispy.
Notes
- Choose starchy potatoes like russets for best crispy skin and fluffy interior.
- Allow baked potatoes to cool before scooping to prevent breaking shells.
- Use room temperature butter and sour cream for a smooth filling without lumps.
- Brush skins with oil before both baking stages to improve crispiness and color.
- Add cheese inside the filling and on top to achieve a gooey inside and golden crust.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 potato half
- Calories: 280 kcal
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 350 mg
- Fat: 15 g
- Saturated Fat: 9 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 30 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 8 g
- Cholesterol: 40 mg
Keywords: twice-baked potatoes, crispy potato skins, comfort food, side dish, party appetizer, baked potatoes, easy recipe, make ahead