Twice Baked Mashed Potatoes Recipe – The Ultimate Creamy, Cheesy Side Dish

For the carb lovers out there, few sides satisfy quite like a hearty serving of rich, creamy mashed potatoes. But have you tried taking that classic mash to the next level by baking it twice?

Twice baked mashed potatoes take creaminess to new heights, with an ultra-fluffy interior and crispy, cheesy tops. Plus you can load them up with all kinds of drool-worthy ingredients to customize the flavors.

In this post, I’ll share my easy recipe for the creamiest twice-baked potatoes along with endless ways to adapt them. From mix-ins to toppings, you’ll find tons of tips for crafting the ultimate savory, comforting potato casserole side your family and friends will go crazy for.

Let’s dive in to all things twice-baked mash! Grab your potato masher and preheat that oven.

Twice Baked Mashed Potatoes Recipe Perfection in 3 Simple Steps

Here’s a high level overview of what’s involved in making these über creamy spuds:

Step 1 – Bake the Potatoes

Bake whole russet potatoes until completely tender all the way through. This takes about 1 hour.

Step 2 – Scoop and Mash

Cut potatoes in half lengthwise. Scoop out the insides into a bowl, leaving just a bit attached to the skins. Mash the scooped-out insides, then mix in cheese, cream, etc.

Step 3 – Restuff and Rebake

Spoon the cheesy mash mixture back into the empty potato skins. Top with crunchy toppings if desired. Bake again until heated through and tops are crispy.

Twice Baked Mashed Potatoes Recipe – The Ultimate Creamy, Cheesy Side Dish

Recipe by radiantnourishCourse: CookbookCuisine: AmericanDifficulty: Medium

Servings

4

servings

Prep time

30

minutes

Cooking time

40

minutes

Calories

420

kcal

Rest time

10

minutes

Cooking MethodOven Baked

Best SeasonFall

Total time

1

hour 

20

minutes

The two bakes are what takes these spuds over the top! Now for more detail on how to nail ultimate twice baked riches…

Ingredients You’ll Need

• 4 large Russet potatoes, scrubbed

• 1/3 cup milk or cream

• 4 tbsp butter

• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• 2 tbsp chopped chives

• Salt and pepper

• Optional toppings: bacon, cheese, sour cream

Step-by-Step Instructions

• Bake the potatoes – Rub 4 large russet potatoes with oil and pierce skins. Bake at 400F for 60 minutes until completely tender when pierced.
• Halve potatoes to scoop out flesh – Once baked, halve potatoes lengthwise. Scoop out insides into a bowl, leaving just a thin layer attached to skins.
• Mash potato insides – Add milk or cream, butter, cheddar, garlic, chives to bowl with potato insides. Mash with a masher or ricer. Season with salt and pepper.
• Restuff skins – Spoon cheesy mash mixture to refill empty potato skins. Top with any crunchy toppings like bacon or extra cheese.
• Bake again – Bake stuffed potatoes at 400F for 15 minutes until heated through and tops are crispy. Enjoy!

Notes

• The twice-baking gives you the Best of both worlds – creamy interior and crispy tops. Now let’s talk ways to customize…

Mix-In Ideas for Twice Baked Mashed Potatoes

The possibilities are endless when it comes to twice baked add-ins! Here are some of my favorites:

• Shredded cheese – cheddar, gruyere, pepper jack, fontina
• Cooked crumbled bacon or sausage
• Sour cream or Greek yogurt for extra tang
• Minced roasted garlic or caramelized onions
• Diced ham or pulled roasted chicken
• Chopped fresh herbs – dill, rosemary, parsley
• Sun-dried tomatoes, roasted red peppers, or cooked spinach
• Jalapeños, chipotles or other peppers for a kick
• Mushrooms, broccoli, or zucchini for extra veg

Let your imagination run wild mixing in anything delicious. Thecheese and cream base pairs well with almost any flavor!

Topping Ideas for Twice Baked Potatoes

Don’t forget those tasty toppers before the second bake! Crunchy, crispy toppings contrast beautifully with the creamy interior.

• Shredded cheddar, Monterey Jack
• Crumbled bacon, cooked sausage
• Sour cream dollop
• Green onion, chives
• Diced tomatoes
• Jalapeño slices
• Crispy fried shallots or onions
• Toasted breadcrumbs or crushed crackers
• More cheese, more cheese!

Pile on any toppings that intrigue before baking to create that iconic crispy crown.

Creative Serving Suggestions

While twice baked potatoes are decadent enough on their own, they also pair well with:

• Juicy steak, pork chops, or lamb
• Fall-off-the-bone ribs or pulled pork
• Herb roasted chicken or turkey
• Hearty pot roast or beef stew
• Sausage – kielbasa, brats, chicken apple sausage
• Additional veggies like roasted broccoli or greens
• A fresh, acidic salad to counter their richness

Twice baked potatoes are the ultimate comfort food side. What will you serve these creamy spuds with?

Storage and Reheating Tips

Here are some suggestions for storing and reheating leftovers:

• Allow potatoes to cool before refrigerating in an airtight container for 3-5 days.
• To freeze, cool completely then transfer to freezer bags or containers and freeze up to 2-3 months.
• To reheat, bake in a 400F oven until warmed through, 15-20 minutes. Or microwave in 30 second intervals until hot.

With proper storage and reheating, you can enjoy twice baked goodness all week long!

Twice Baked Mashed Potatoes FAQs

The Creamy Verdict

If you can’t tell, I’m pretty much obsessed with these twice baked potato casseroles. They take the comfort factor of mashed potatoes over the top!

With an insanely buttery interior and crispy cheesy tops, twice baked spuds are total crowd-pleasers. I hope you’ll give this easy from-scratch recipe a try soon and let me know how you customize them.

Now who’s ready to get their potato fix?? Twice baked, that is. Dig in!