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    Home ยป Recipes ยป Sides ยป Potatoes

    Twice-Baked Potatoes

    Published: Jan 18, 2023 ยท Updated: Jan 21, 2023 ยท Post may contain affiliate links

    Jump to Recipe Print Recipe

    Nutritious twice-baked potatoes will satisfy your craving for comfort food with double the cheese for a high-protein side dish or main meal.

    a baking sheet lined with foil with twice baked potatoes after baking
    • About Twice-Baked Potatoes
      • Ingredients
        • Cost of Recipe
    • How to Make Twice-Baked Potatoes in Oven
    • Recipe Tips
      • Variations
        • Ingredient Options
        • Flavor Substitutions
        • Alternative Prep & Cooking
        • How to Make Allergy-Friendly
        • How to Fix a Mistake
      • Make-Ahead Twice Baked Potatoes
        • Reheating Twice Baked Potatoes
        • From frozen
        • From the fridge
      • Storage Suggestions
    • Frequently Asked Questions
      • Nutrition Benefits
      • What to Serve with Twice-Baked Potatoes

    About Easy Twice-Baked Potatoes

    Potatoes are the ultimate veggie; they can do practically anything!

    Baked potatoes are great but when you bake them twice (and mix the potato with some cheesy goodness), you get magic.

    Twice-baked potatoes were some of my favorite sides when I was growing up.

    When I was in grad school on a limited budget, I would make these twice-baked potatoes with cottage cheese instead of sour cream and butter as the binder.

    It's so nice that they are high in protein, and you enjoy two halves as a main dish with a side salad or cup of soup.

    Originally, these were created using one potato.

    But twice-baked potatoes are one of those things that you can double, triple, quadruple (or more) the recipe with minimal extra effort and a lot of return.

    I highly suggest making them to keep in the freezer for one of those times you're not in the mood to cook or need a side dish without effort.

    Below, there are tips and instructions for how to make these ahead, how to freeze, and how to reheat frozen twice baked potatoes.

    one green onion, a block of cheddar cheese, one russet potato, a bowl of cottage cheese, and a bowl of salt, garlic powder, and paprika

    Ingredients

    Potato: For baked potatoes, russet potatoes are the best choice. They are sometimes referred to as "Idaho potatoes" or "baking potatoes." White potatoes can also be used.

    Want to learn more about potatoes? Read all about potatoes here

    Cottage cheese: The cottage cheese binds the mixture together, makes the filling extra-cheesy and creamy, and adds protein. Use any type of cottage cheese, other than fat-free. Small-curd, large-curd, reduced-fat, and 4% fat all work well.

    Cheddar cheese: Cheddar gives your twice-baked potatoes flavor as well as protein for satiety. You can use any cheese you want.

    Green onion: Often, the filling for twice-baked potatoes can be a little bland, but adding green onions fixes that. Plus, they add a little contrast to the smooth twice baked potato filling. You can use chives or onion powder.

    Spices: Garlic powder, paprika, and salt season the filling. You can also add cayenne pepper, crushed red pepper, black pepper, dried parsley, or dried onion flakes/onion powder (if you aren't using green onions).

    Toppings: Crumbled bacon, sour cream, plain yogurt, and fresh parsley are all great options for topping your high-protein twice-baked potatoes.

    Cost of Recipe

    • potato 4 (6-ounce) potato: $0.90
    • cottage cheese 1 cup: $1.24
    • cheddar cheese 4 ounces: $1.99
    • green onion 4: $0.40
    • garlic powder ยฝ teaspoon: $0.04
    • paprika ยฝ teaspoon: $0.08
    • salt โ…œ teaspoon: $0.01

    TOTAL COST: $4.66 or $1.17/serving (Based on San Diego grocery stores 2023)

    Note that this is not the recipe; it's simply to show the cost breakdown of ingredients. Be sure to scroll down to the full recipe to see the specific ingredients and directions.

    four photo collage with yellow bowl full of cheeses and potatoes surrounded by potato skins, potato skins on baking sheet next to bowl of mashed potato and cheese, baking sheet with twice baked potatoes before baking, baking sheet with twice baked potatoes after baking

    How to Make Twice-Baked Potatoes in Oven

    Making twice baked potatoes with cottage cheese is simple, and while it does take a tiny bit of effort, totally worth it! Here's how:

    1. Scoop out potato flesh and put into a bowl with cheeses and spices.

      Mash mixture and stir well.

    2. Stir in green onions, and fill potato skins with the mixture.

    3. Put filled potatoes on a baking sheet and transfer to the oven.

    4. Remove from oven, and enjoy!

      twice baked potatoes on a baking sheet

    Recipe Tips

    *Scooping out the potato flesh can be a little challenging if your potatoes are cold.

    Use a spoon and start by scooping out small sections. Once you've gotten about half out, it's easier to scoop.

    Also, don't stress if a potato skin rips a little bit. It might not hold together as well but it'll still taste delicious.

    four double baked potatoes with bacon and green onions on a plate next to potatoes, green onions, and a baking sheet

    Variations

    Ingredient Options

    Cheddar: Mozzarella, parmesan, gruyere, Monterey jack, or whatever cheese you like best will work. Simply use about 4 ounces (which is around 1 cup shredded).

    Green onions: Fresh chives, dried onion flakes or onion powder can be used. Use about ยผ cup chives, ยผ teaspoon dried onion flakes, or โ…› teaspoon onion powder.

    Spices: Add โ…› teaspoon of cayenne pepper, crushed red pepper, or black pepper; ยฝ teaspoon dried parsley; or if you aren't using green onions, add ยผ teaspoon of dried onion flakes or โ…› teaspoon onion powder. Taste and add additional seasoning if needed.

    Flavor Substitutions

    You can add different spices like

    • ยผ teaspoon cumin + ยฝ teaspoon chili powder
    • ยผ teaspoon dried dill + ยฝ teaspoon dried parsley
    • ยผ teaspoon dried rosemary + ยผ teaspoon dried thyme

    Or use whatever spices and herbs you enjoy. Be sure to taste the filling mixture and adjust the seasonings as needed before baking.

    Alternative Prep & Cooking

    You can use leftover baked potatoes. Or "bake" your potatoes in the microwave:

    Pierce a washed potato all over with a fork. Microwave for 3 minutes then flip over and microwave another 3 minutes. Microwave in 30 seconds increments until it slices in half easily.

    square plate with four twice baked potatoes topped with bacon and dried parsley next to a block of cheese and raw potatoes

    How to Make Allergy-Friendly

    These are already gluten-free, egg-free, nut-free, and soy-free. The cheddar and cottage cheeses mean they have dairy, but you can look for non-dairy alternatives to those if needed.

    Twice-baked potatoes are also vegetarian as long as you don't add a topping like bacon.

    How to Fix a Mistake

    Mixture is too bland: Add extra seasoning in ยผ teaspoon increments until it reaches your desired taste.

    Too salty: Remember that the mixture is going to be seasoning the peel of the potato as well so if it's minimally too salty, then it should be ok. However, if it is very salty, add an additional baked potato and do not add any extra seasoning. Also, skip the cheddar on top since that has salt.

    baking sheet and plate with twice baked potatoes

    Make-Ahead Twice Baked Potatoes

    Twice Baked Potatoes are very freezer friendly.

    Simply prepare as directed, but stop before covering the stuffed potato skins with cheese. If possible, wrap each potato half individually in parchment, freezer paper, waxed paper, or foil. Put in an airtight bag or container, and freeze for up to 6 weeks.

    When ready to bake, unwrap, sprinkle with cheese, and bake for 30 minutes until warmed through.

    Reheating Twice Baked Potatoes

    From frozen

    In oven: When ready to bake, unwrap, put on a baking sheet, sprinkle each with cheese, and bake for 30 minutes until warmed through.

    In microwave: Let thaw in the fridge overnight. Put one to two halves of a microwave-safe plate. Cook on 50% power for 3 minutes. Cook for 1 minute on 100% power. Sprinkle with cheese, and cook for another 30 to 90 seconds on 100% powder until warmed through.

    From the fridge

    In oven: Bake on a baking sheet for 10-15 minutes until warmed through.

    In microwave: Put one or two potato halves on a microwave-safe plate. Microwave for 30 seconds, rotate (or cut in half), and microwave for another 30 seconds until warmed through.

    Storage Suggestions

    Keep in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days.

    For freezing, wrap individually (if possible) in parchment paper, waxed paper, or foil. Freeze in an airtight container or bag for up to 6 weeks.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Can I bake potatoes ahead of time and reheat?

    Yes! In fact, it's a great way to use up any leftover baked potatoes. You can also bake extra potatoes in advance, so you can make twice baked potatoes.
    Simple skip the step of baking the potatoes and go straight to cutting open the potato.

    Can you freeze twice baked potatoes?

    Yes, you can freeze twice baked potatoes. They freeze really well either before you top them with cheese and bake, or you can bake already double-baked ones.

    Should you freeze twice-baked potatoes before or after the second bake?

    Preferably, freeze after you've filled the potatoes but before covering them in cheese and baking. However, it's fine to freeze and reheat already double-baked potatoes.

    twice baked potatoes on a foil-lined baking sheet before being covered with cheese and baked

    Nutrition Benefits

    Each twice baked potato half has 8 grams of protein, 2 grams of fiber, 12% RDA of potassium, 22% Vitamin C, 14% calcium, and 6% iron.

    Double that if you're eating two halves, and you'll see how you get a nice dose of potassium, Vitamin C, calcium, and iron in your taste twice bakes.

    Plus, potatoes are considered one of the most satisfying foods, so you will feel satiated after enjoy this comfort food classic side dish.

    Note that the nutrition facts below are for one half of a potato. If you're enjoying for a meal, I recommend eating at least two halves.

    four twice baked potatoes on a plate

    What to Serve with Healthy Twice-Baked Potatoes

    The twice-baked potato can be a delicious side dish with something like steak with blue cheese mushroom sauce or bacon-wrapped chicken and a side of veggies.

    You can even eat them for lunch or dinner - yay for a budget-friendly meal. Add a side salad or bowl of soup for extra satisfaction.

    Make these loaded twice-baked potatoes by covering them in your favorite toppings like bacon, fresh parsley, chives, sour cream, or plain yogurt.

    plate with a chicken thigh, roasted Brussels sprouts and pecans, twice baked potato next to a blue napkin

    Final thoughts:

    It's extremely easy to double, triple, or whatever if you need to feed more people. And you might even want to make extras because they keep well in the freezer.

    They're also fun to bring to new parents who need things in the freezer that don't take a lot of effort but will keep them full and satisfied.

    MORE POTATO SIDE DISHES YOU'LL LOVE:

    • Smashed Potatoes
    • Instant Pot Mashed Potatoes
    • Hot Cheesy Potatoes
    • Crockpot Mashed Potatoes
    • Potato Salad
    a baking sheet lined with foil with twice baked potatoes after baking

    Twice Baked Potatoes

    Nutritious twice-baked potatoes will satisfy your craving for comfort food with double the cheese for a high-protein side dish or main meal.
    5 from 1 vote
    Print Rate
    Prep Time: 10 minutes
    Cook Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
    Total Time: 1 hour 25 minutes
    Servings: 8
    Author: Meme
    Total Cost: $4.66 or $1.17/serving

    Ingredients

    • 4 medium potatoes
    • 1 cup cottage cheese
    • 1 cup cheddar cheese divided
    • 4 green onions sliced
    • ยฝ teaspoon garlic powder
    • ยฝ teaspoon paprika
    • โ…œ teaspoon salt
    US Customary - Metric

    Instructions

    • Preheat oven to 400°F. Prick the potatoes with a fork a couple of times. Bake in the preheated oven for 1 hour.
    • When cool enough to handle, slice the potato in half.
    • Scoop insides of the potatoes out and transfer into a bowl. Make sure to leave a ยผ inch border around the potato skin. Set potato skins aside.
    • Mash the scooped-out potato with a potato masher or a fork. Stir in cottage cheese, ยฝ cup cheddar cheese, green onion, garlic powder, paprika, and salt. Taste and add any seasoning if needed.
    • Put mixture back into potato shells, and top with remaining ยฝ cup of cheddar.
    • Bake for 10-15 minutes until heated through and cheese is bubbly and lightly browned.
    • Sprinkle with optional toppings if using. Enjoy!

    Notes

    *A medium potato is about 6 ounces.
    *Great way to use up leftover baked potatoes. Skip step one if you're using already baked potatoes.
    * To freeze:
    • Prepare as directed but stop before covering the stuffed potato skins with cheese.
    • If possible, wrap each potato half individually in parchment, freezer paper, waxed paper, or foil.
    • Put in an airtight bag or container, and freeze for up to 6 weeks.
    • When ready to bake, unwrap, sprinkle with cheese, and bake for 30 minutes until warmed through.

    What to Use in This Recipe

    silver baking sheet
    Baking Sheet
    Did you try this recipe?Be sure to leave a comment & recipe rating below. Bonus points for tagging @memeinge & #livingwellkitchen on Instagram! THANK YOU! xo

    Meme

    This post was originally published on September 25, 2012. Text, recipe, and photos have been updated.


    Healthy Twice-Baked Potatoes Nutrition Facts

    Nutrition Facts
    Twice Baked Potatoes
    Serving Size
     
    1 half
    Amount per Serving
    Calories
    152
    % Daily Value*
    Fat
     
    6
    g
    9
    %
    Saturated Fat
     
    3
    g
    19
    %
    Polyunsaturated Fat
     
    0.3
    g
    Monounsaturated Fat
     
    1
    g
    Cholesterol
     
    19
    mg
    6
    %
    Sodium
     
    290
    mg
    13
    %
    Potassium
     
    418
    mg
    12
    %
    Carbohydrates
     
    17
    g
    6
    %
    Fiber
     
    2
    g
    8
    %
    Sugar
     
    2
    g
    2
    %
    Protein
     
    8
    g
    16
    %
    Vitamin A
     
    301
    IU
    6
    %
    Vitamin C
     
    18
    mg
    22
    %
    Calcium
     
    137
    mg
    14
    %
    Iron
     
    1
    mg
    6
    %
    * Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.

    *Nutrition facts calculated based on using 6-ounce potatoes and do not include bacon, parsley, or yogurt.

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    Comments

    1. Carole says

      September 26, 2012 at 3:22 pm

      Comment

      Reply
    2. Michelle says

      September 27, 2012 at 8:58 pm

      Meme,
      These look amazing! We are definitely potato lovers around here. I'm going to try your trick next week and eat more winter friendly foods to bring on the Fall! I love it in the mornings too because it's been in the low 50's at night so it's crisp and cool in the morning, then BAM! the sun turns up the temp and it's NOW going to be in the high 90's again next week and 100 on Monday, YUK!

      Thanks so much for linking up to Creative Thursday. Can't wait to see what you share next week. Have a great weekend.
      Michelle

      Reply
      • memeinge says

        September 27, 2012 at 10:22 pm

        Thanks! Unfortunately, my eat more fall food trick isn't working all that well here either. I just have to remember to enjoy the great weather in the morning ๐Ÿ™‚
        Have a nice weekend!

        Reply

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    Meme (a brunette female) is holding umbrella and spinning around in front of the Eiffel Tower wearing a denim jacket, skirt, and blue shoesHi, I'm Meme, a thirty-something registered dietitian nutritionist from Alabama living in San Diego. Here to help you enjoy food, feel better in your body at any size, and live free of diets & shame.
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