Do you get tired of eating the same ole same ole side dishes? I do too. Do you ever get burned out on mashed potatoes? I definitely do! Sometimes, we just need a little change. These are the best twice baked potatoes, and they’re the perfect side dish! They’ll definitely be a great change added to your menu too. I’ve never heard one complaint about these delicious potatoes!
Preparing the Potatoes: The First Bake
First, you will need some good sized potatoes. You can use russet or Idaho. You will prepare them like you would baked potatoes by taking a fork and stabbing them. You’ll want to put holes in them in such a way that you make a straight line down the center of the potato.
Next, put them in the microwave for 2 minutes. Take them out, turn them over, and use the fork to poke holes on the other side. Again, make them in in a straight line down the other side as well. Then, put them back in the microwave for 2 more minutes. Repeat this process until the potatoes are cooked all the way through. You’ll know they’re ready when they’re soft!
Once soft, use a knife to slice the potatoes in half. You will want to follow the straight line you’ve made with your fork. I usually put an oven mitten on for this next part. Take one of the potato halves in your hand and use a spoon to scoop out the inside. Leave enough potato on the skin that they can still “sit up” on their own!
After scooping the potato out, you should be left with the skins. Now, let’s fix the potatoes. I like to take a fork and mash them up a little. If they’ve hardened, I stick them back in the microwave for a minute. Then, I use a fork to mash them again. Next, add some butter. I like to use 1-2 tablespoons depending on how many potatoes I have. Then, I add 2 tablespoons of sour cream and sprinkle seasoning salt on top. Stir it all together.
Baking the Potatoes: The “Twice” Bake
Turn your oven temperature to 350 degrees. I always let mine preheat. While it’s preheating, start using a spoon to put the “mashed” potatoes back inside the skins. Fill each skin generously. Next, top them off with cheese, and bake them in the oven for 15 minutes. You’ll know they are finished when the cheese starts to brown slightly. Serve them hot, and enjoy!
Pro Tip: Flavoring
If you want to add some extra flavor, I have a great way to do it. Cut up 1/4 or 1/2 of an onion (depending on how much onion you like), and then dice it. Add the onion dices to a pan of butter. Grill the onions until they are translucent. Then add them to your potato mixture. It adds a level of flavor to the potatoes like you wouldn’t believe!
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The Best Twice Baked Potatoes
Equipment
- 1 oven safe baking pan
- 1 microwave
Ingredients
- 3 Large Potatoes
- 1-2 tbsp butter
- 2 tbsp sour cream
- 3 tbsp mixed cheese
- 1 dash seasoning salt
Instructions
- Use a fork to poke holes in the potatoes. They need to be in a straight line down one side. Then bake in the microwave for 2 minutes. Take potatoes out, turn them over, and use the fork to poke holes on the other side. Bake for 2 more minutes in the microwave. Repeat this process until potatoes are soft.
- Use a knife to cut down the line you have created with the fork. Cut the potatoes in half.
- Use an oven mitten to hold a potato half in your hand. Use a spoon to scoop out the inside of the potatoes. Leave enough potato on the skin so that there are not holes.
- Once all potatoes are scooped, use a fork to mash the potatoes in a bowl. Next, add butter, seasoning salt, and sour cream to the mashed potatoes.
- Preheat the oven at 350 degrees.
- While oven preheats, use a spoon to put the mashed potatoes back inside the potato skins. Place potatoes on a baking pan after spraying it with a nonstick cooking spray. Lastly, top the potatoes with mixed cheese.
- Bake in the oven for 10-15 minutes or until cheese is slightly golden brown. Serve hot, and enjoy!