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October 27, 2024
Twice baked potatoes are a delicious and satisfying dish that can be made easily using store-bought ingredients. Whether you are short on time or just looking for a quick and easy meal, this recipe is perfect for you. With a crispy outer shell and a creamy, cheesy filling, these potatoes are sure to be a hit at your next dinner party or family gathering.
To get started, gather your ingredients. You will need store-bought baked potatoes, butter, sour cream, shredded cheese, green onions, and your choice of toppings such as bacon bits or chives. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Next, carefully slice the baked potatoes in half lengthwise and scoop out the flesh, leaving a thin shell. Place the potato flesh in a mixing bowl and add butter, sour cream, shredded cheese, and chopped green onions. For added flavor, you can also season with salt, pepper, and any other herbs and spices you prefer. Mash the mixture together until well combined and creamy.
Once the filling is ready, carefully spoon it back into the potato shells, filling them generously. Place the filled potatoes on the prepared baking sheet and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the tops are golden brown and the filling is heated through. Remove from the oven and let cool for a few minutes before serving.
Twice baked potatoes are a versatile dish that can be customized to suit your taste. Feel free to experiment with different fillings, such as adding cooked bacon, cooked vegetables, or different types of cheese. Whether served as a side dish or a main course, these twice baked potatoes are sure to impress!
Twice Baked Potatoes from Store: A Step-by-Step Guide
If you have a craving for indulgent, cheesy twice baked potatoes but don’t have the time or energy to make them completely from scratch, fear not! You can still enjoy this delicious dish by using store-bought baked potatoes as a shortcut. With just a few additional ingredients and a bit of baking time, you can create a mouthwatering side dish that will impress your family and friends. Follow this step-by-step guide to learn how to make twice baked potatoes from store-bought baked potatoes.
What You’ll Need:
– Store-bought baked potatoes (as many as desired)
– 1/2 cup of sour cream
– 1/2 cup of shredded cheddar cheese
– 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter
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– Salt and pepper to taste
– Optional toppings: cooked bacon bits, chopped green onions
Step 1: Preparing the Baked Potatoes
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C) to ensure it’s ready when you’re finished filling the potatoes.
Take the store-bought baked potatoes and slice them in half lengthwise. Use a spoon to carefully scoop out the potato flesh, leaving a thin layer attached to the skin to create a potato shell. Place the potato flesh in a mixing bowl and set the potato shells aside.
Step 2: Mixing the Fillings
In the mixing bowl with the potato flesh, add the sour cream, shredded cheddar cheese, and unsalted butter. Season with salt and pepper according to your taste preferences. Mix everything together until well combined, ensuring the filling is smooth and creamy.
Step 3: Stuffing the Potato Shells
Now it’s time to fill the potato shells with the delicious filling! Take spoonfuls of the mixture and evenly distribute it among the potato shells. Gently press down the filling to ensure it’s tightly packed into each shell.
Step 4: Baking the Twice Baked Potatoes
Transfer the filled potato shells to a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or aluminum foil. Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for about 20-25 minutes, or until the tops of the potatoes turn golden brown and the filling is heated through.
Step 5: Adding Toppings (Optional)
If desired, you can take your twice baked potatoes to the next level by adding toppings. Immediately after removing the potatoes from the oven, sprinkle cooked bacon bits and chopped green onions over the tops of the potatoes. This will add extra flavor and a beautiful presentation to your dish.
Step 6: Serving and Enjoying
Allow the twice baked potatoes to cool slightly before serving, as the filling will be extremely hot. Once cooled, plate the potatoes and serve them as a delightful side dish alongside your main meal. Each bite will be packed with creamy, cheesy goodness, making this store-bought shortcut a definite winner!
Preparing the Potatoes
To prepare the store-bought twice baked potatoes, you will need to first preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This will ensure that your potatoes cook evenly and thoroughly.
1. Thaw the Potatoes
If your potatoes are frozen, it is important to thaw them before cooking. You can thaw them by leaving them in the refrigerator overnight or by microwaving them on a defrost setting. Thawing the potatoes will ensure that they cook properly and evenly in the oven.
2. Slice the Potatoes in Half
Once the potatoes are thawed, carefully slice them in half lengthwise. Use a sharp knife to make a clean cut. Be cautious not to cut yourself while handling the potatoes.
Tip: Use a spoon to scoop out the flesh of the potatoes if you prefer a larger cavity for filling.
3. Remove the Fillings
Using a spoon, carefully remove the fillings from the potato halves. Place the fillings in a bowl and set them aside for later. Be sure to leave a thin layer of potato flesh around the skin to maintain the structure of the twice baked potatoes.
4. Prepare the Potato Skins
Take a baking sheet and line it with aluminum foil. Place the hollowed-out potato skins on the baking sheet, making sure they are evenly spaced apart. The aluminum foil will prevent the skins from sticking to the baking sheet and make cleanup easier.
Tip: Lightly brush the inside of the potato skins with olive oil or melted butter for added flavor and to ensure a crispy texture.
Now that your potatoes are prepared, you can move on to the next step – filling the potato skins with the delicious fillings!
Gathering the Ingredients
The first step in making twice baked potatoes is to gather all the necessary ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need:
- 4 large baking potatoes
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/4 cup butter, softened
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 4 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
- 2 green onions, chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
Make sure to choose large baking potatoes that are uniform in size, as this will help with even cooking. Fresh ingredients like sour cream, butter, milk, and green onions will provide the best flavor. You can also customize the toppings by adding additional ingredients like cooked broccoli, diced ham, or chopped jalapenos to suit your taste.
Once you have gathered all the ingredients, you’re ready to move on to the next step of the recipe.
Scooping Out the Flesh
Once the potatoes are cooked and cooled, use a sharp knife to carefully slice off the top third of each potato. Set the tops aside.
Next, use a spoon to carefully scoop out the insides of the potatoes, leaving a thin layer of potato flesh attached to the skins. Be sure to scoop out as much of the flesh as possible without tearing the skins.
Place the scooped-out potato flesh in a bowl and set the skins aside. Use a fork or potato masher to mash the potato flesh until smooth and creamy. For extra flavor, add in butter, milk, grated cheese, sour cream, chives, and any desired seasonings. Mix well to combine.
Once the potato mixture is well combined, carefully spoon it back into the potato skins, mounding the mixture on top.
For a decorative touch, use a fork to create a crisscross pattern on the top of each filled potato. This will help the potatoes brown and crisp up in the oven.
Once all the potatoes are filled, place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
Cook the filled potatoes in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 20-25 minutes, or until the tops are golden brown and the filling is heated through. Serve hot and enjoy!
Mixing the Fillings
Once the baked potatoes have cooled enough to handle, it’s time to prepare the filling. First, carefully cut each potato in half lengthwise. Use a spoon to scoop out the flesh, leaving a thin layer of potato on the skin. Place the scooped-out potato flesh into a mixing bowl.
Add desired ingredients to the mixing bowl with the potato flesh. This is where you can get creative and customize the fillings to your liking. Some popular options include shredded cheese, sour cream, cooked bacon bits, chopped green onions, and minced garlic. Season with salt, black pepper, and any other herbs or spices you prefer.
Gently mix all the ingredients together until well combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can result in a gluey texture. Taste the mixture and adjust the seasonings if needed. Remember, the filling should be flavorful to compensate for the blandness of the potato skins.
Optional: Add-ins and Variations
If you want to take your twice baked potatoes to the next level, consider adding some add-ins and variations to the filling. Here are a few ideas:
| Add-ins | Variations |
|---|---|
| Chopped cooked ham | Twice Baked Sweet Potatoes: Substitute regular potatoes with sweet potatoes |
| Sautéed mushrooms | Loaded Twice Baked Potatoes: Top with additional cheese, bacon, and green onions before baking |
| Steamed broccoli florets | Buffalo Chicken Twice Baked Potatoes: Add cooked shredded chicken and hot sauce to the filling |
Feel free to experiment with different combinations and flavors to create your own signature twice baked potatoes.
Q&A
What ingredients do I need to cook twice baked potatoes from store?
To cook twice baked potatoes from store, you will need the following ingredients:
How long does it take to cook twice baked potatoes from store?
The cooking time may vary, but on average it takes about 1 hour and 15 minutes to cook twice baked potatoes from store.
Can I use any type of potatoes for twice baked potatoes?
Yes, you can use any type of potatoes for twice baked potatoes. Russet potatoes are commonly used, but you can also use Yukon Gold or red potatoes.
What can I serve with twice baked potatoes?
Twice baked potatoes can be served as a side dish with a variety of main courses such as steak, chicken, or fish. They also go well with a salad or roasted vegetables.
Can I freeze twice baked potatoes?
Yes, you can freeze twice baked potatoes. After they are baked, let them cool completely, then wrap them tightly in foil or place them in an airtight container. Freeze for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and then bake in the oven until heated through.
How do I prepare the potatoes before baking?
To prepare the potatoes before baking, start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). Scrub the potatoes thoroughly under running water to remove any dirt or debris. Pat them dry with a paper towel. Prick each potato several times with a fork to allow steam to escape during baking. Place the potatoes on a baking sheet and bake for about 1 hour, or until they are tender when pierced with a fork. Remove the potatoes from the oven and let them cool slightly before handling.