When you think of comfort food, double baked potatoes might come to mind, and for good reason. Their creamy interior, combined with a crispy skin, makes them a satisfying choice for any meal. You might find yourself curious about the variety of ways you can enhance this classic dish. From the indulgent Classic Cheesy Bacon version to the lighter Sweet Potato alternative, each recipe brings its own unique twist. But which ones stand out as the best? Let's investigate these five standout recipes that could redefine your approach to this beloved side dish.
Classic Cheesy Bacon Double Baked Potatoes
Classic Cheesy Bacon Double Baked Potatoes are a comforting and indulgent side dish or main course that everyone will love. With crispy skin and a creamy, cheesy interior, these potatoes are a perfect canvas for the rich flavors of bacon and cheese. The process of baking them twice guarantees that they're fluffy on the inside while maintaining a satisfying crunch on the outside.
This recipe is simple enough for a weeknight dinner but impressive enough to serve at gatherings or special occasions.
Ingredients:
- 4 large russet potatoes
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/2 cup cooked and crumbled bacon
- 1/4 cup chopped green onions
- 2 tablespoons butter
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Wash and scrub the potatoes thoroughly, then prick them several times with a fork. Bake the potatoes directly on the oven rack for about 45-60 minutes or until they're tender when pierced with a knife.
Once done, let the potatoes cool slightly, then cut them in half lengthwise and scoop out the insides into a mixing bowl, leaving a thin layer of potato in the skin. Add butter, sour cream, half of the cheddar cheese, bacon, green onions, salt, and pepper to the bowl, and mix until well combined.
Spoon the mixture back into the potato skins, top with the remaining cheese, and return them to the oven for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the tops are golden and bubbly.
Extra Tips:
For an extra layer of flavor, consider adding spices like garlic powder or paprika to the potato filling. If you want a bit of a kick, you can also mix in some chopped jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce.
Be sure to check the potatoes for doneness by inserting a fork; they should feel soft and yield easily. To save time, you can microwave the potatoes for the first round of cooking, but baking guarantees a crispier skin.
Finally, feel free to customize your toppings—try adding different types of cheese, or even a dollop of guacamole for a unique twist!
Loaded Veggie Double Baked Potatoes
Loaded Veggie Double Baked Potatoes are a delicious and hearty dish that combines the comforting flavors of baked potatoes with a medley of fresh vegetables and creamy cheese. This recipe is a great way to use up any leftover veggies you have on hand, and it's perfect for a satisfying meal or as a side dish for gatherings. The double baking process allows the potatoes to become incredibly fluffy on the inside while the topping gets a delightful golden crust.
Ingredients:
- 4 large russet potatoes
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup broccoli florets, steamed
- 1 cup bell peppers, diced
- 1 cup corn (fresh or frozen)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/4 cup green onions, chopped
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
Cooking Instructions:
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Start by washing the russet potatoes thoroughly, then poke several holes in each potato with a fork. Rub them with olive oil, sprinkle with salt, and place them directly on the oven rack.
Bake for about 45-60 minutes or until they're tender when pierced with a fork. Once cooked, remove the potatoes from the oven and let them cool slightly. Slice each potato in half lengthwise and scoop out most of the potato flesh into a mixing bowl, leaving a thin layer to maintain the shape.
Add the steamed broccoli, diced bell peppers, corn, half of the cheddar cheese, sour cream, green onions, garlic powder, and paprika to the bowl, mixing well until combined. Spoon the mixture back into the potato skins, top with the remaining cheese, and bake again for an additional 20 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Extra Tips:
For added flavor, consider incorporating other vegetables such as zucchini or spinach, or even some cooked bacon or sausage for a meatier version.
You can also experiment with different types of cheese like mozzarella or pepper jack for a unique twist. If you want to save time, you can microwave the potatoes instead of baking them, although the texture may vary slightly.
Finally, these double baked potatoes can be made ahead of time; just store them in the refrigerator after the first bake and pop them in the oven when you're ready to serve!
Spicy Southwest Double Baked Potatoes
Spicy Southwest Double Baked Potatoes are a delightful twist on the classic baked potato, infused with bold flavors and a hint of heat. These potatoes are twice-baked to achieve a creamy, flavorful filling, improved with a blend of spices that bring the taste of the Southwest right to your kitchen. Perfect as a side dish or a hearty vegetarian main course, these double baked potatoes are sure to impress your family and friends.
Ingredients:
- 4 large russet potatoes
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/4 cup chopped green onions
- 1/4 cup chopped cilantro
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional toppings: diced tomatoes, jalapeños, avocado
Instructions:
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Start by scrubbing the potatoes thoroughly and then pricking them with a fork several times. Rub the potatoes with olive oil and sprinkle them with salt.
Place them directly on the oven rack and bake for about 45 to 60 minutes, or until they're tender when pierced with a fork. Once done, remove the potatoes from the oven and allow them to cool slightly.
Cut each potato in half lengthwise and scoop out the insides into a mixing bowl, leaving a small border of potato in the skins. Mash the scooped potato with garlic powder, smoked paprika, cumin, cayenne pepper, sour cream, half of the cheddar cheese, green onions, cilantro, salt, and pepper until well combined.
Spoon the mixture back into the potato skins and top with the remaining cheddar cheese. Return the filled potatoes to the oven and bake for an additional 15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Extra Tips:
For an even more flavorful filling, consider adding cooked black beans or corn to the potato mixture. You can also adjust the spice level by adding more or less cayenne pepper, or by including diced jalapeños for additional heat.
If you prefer a creamier texture, mix in a bit more sour cream or some cream cheese. These double baked potatoes can be made ahead of time; simply prepare them up to the second baking step, refrigerate, and then bake when you're ready to serve.
Enjoy experimenting with different toppings like avocado or a drizzle of hot sauce for an extra kick!
Garlic Parmesan Double Baked Potatoes
Garlic Parmesan Double Baked Potatoes are a delicious twist on the classic baked potato, offering a rich and savory flavor that will leave your taste buds wanting more.
These twice-baked potatoes are stuffed with a creamy mixture of garlic, cheese, and herbs, then baked to perfection. Ideal as a side dish for any meal or as a hearty snack, they're sure to impress family and friends alike.
Ingredients:
- 4 large russet potatoes
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon paprika
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (for garnish)
Instructions:
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Scrub the russet potatoes clean, then poke holes in them with a fork to allow steam to escape.
Place them directly on the oven rack and bake for about 45-60 minutes, or until tender when pierced with a knife. Once baked, let the potatoes cool slightly, then cut them in half lengthwise and scoop out the insides into a mixing bowl, leaving a small border around the edges.
To the bowl, add sour cream, milk, Parmesan cheese, butter, minced garlic, salt, black pepper, and paprika. Mix until smooth and creamy, then spoon the mixture back into the potato skins.
Place the stuffed potatoes on a baking sheet and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes, until heated through and the tops are golden.
Extra Tips:
For an even richer flavor, consider adding cooked bacon bits or chives to the filling mixture before baking the potatoes a second time.
You can also experiment with different cheeses, such as cheddar or mozzarella, to customize the taste to your liking. If you're short on time, you can microwave the potatoes instead of baking them, although the texture may be slightly different.
Finally, these double baked potatoes can be made ahead of time and stored in the fridge; just reheat them in the oven before serving for a quick and satisfying dish!
BBQ Chicken Double Baked Potatoes
BBQ Chicken Double Baked Potatoes are a delicious and hearty meal that combines the rich flavors of barbecue chicken with the creamy, fluffy texture of baked potatoes. This dish is perfect for a family dinner or a weekend gathering, as it's both satisfying and easy to prepare.
The smoky flavor of the BBQ chicken pairs wonderfully with the buttery potato, making each bite a delightful experience. Let's plunge into the ingredients and cooking instructions to create this mouthwatering dish.
Ingredients:
- 4 large russet potatoes
- 2 cups cooked shredded chicken
- 1 cup BBQ sauce (your favorite brand)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- ½ cup sour cream
- ¼ cup green onions, chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Olive oil for brushing
Instructions:
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Start by washing and scrubbing the potatoes thoroughly, then pierce each potato several times with a fork.
Brush the potatoes with olive oil and sprinkle them with salt. Bake the potatoes directly on the oven rack for about 45-60 minutes, or until they're tender.
Once baked, let them cool for a few minutes, then cut each potato in half lengthwise and scoop out the insides, leaving a small border around the edge.
In a mixing bowl, combine the scooped potato with shredded chicken, BBQ sauce, sour cream, and half of the cheddar cheese. Season with salt and pepper, then mix until well combined.
Spoon the mixture back into the potato skins, top with remaining cheese, and bake again for an additional 15-20 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Extra Tips:
For an extra layer of flavor, consider adding some cooked bacon bits or jalapeños to the chicken mixture before stuffing the potatoes.
If you want to make this meal ahead of time, you can prepare the potato filling and store it in the fridge for up to a day before baking.
Also, feel free to experiment with different types of cheese or BBQ sauces to customize the dish to your taste.
Finally, garnishing with additional green onions or a drizzle of ranch dressing can enhance your BBQ Chicken Double Baked Potatoes even further. Enjoy!