Twice-Baked Potatoes

Crispy russet potatoes baked twice and stuffed with a creamy mixture of potato flesh, sour cream, butter, and fresh herbs. These indulgent potatoes can be customized with toppings like bacon, cheddar cheese, and chili.

4 servings
1 hr 45 min

Ingredients

  • 4 whole large russet potatoes
  • 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
  • ½ cup sour cream
  • ¼ cup unsalted butter
  • ¼ cup finely chopped fresh chives
  • 1 tablespoon finely chopped fresh tarragon
  • 1 to taste Salt
  • 1 to taste Pepper
  • 2 tablespoons Chives
  • 4 slices bacon
  • 1 cup cheddar
  • 1 to taste chili

Cooking Instructions

  1. 1.

    Place a rack in middle of oven; preheat to 425°. Poke 4 large russet potatoes all over with a fork; rub with 2 tablespoons vegetable oil. Bake directly on oven rack until very soft when squeezed and skins are crisp, 50-60 minutes. Let cool just until you can hold them.

    60 min

  2. 2.

    Using a serrated knife, slice potatoes in half lengthwise and scoop flesh into a medium bowl. Add 1/2 cup sour cream, 1/4 cup unsalted butter, 1/4 cup finely chopped fresh chives, and 1 tablespoon finely chopped fresh tarragon (if desired); season generously with salt and pepper.

    10 min

  3. 3.

    Divide among 4 potato skin halves, piling gloriously high-don't pack too tightly. (And what about the leftover skins? We say add butter and salt and snack on them.)

    5 min

  4. 4.

    Increase oven temperature to 450°. Bake potatoes on a rimmed baking sheet until filling is puffed and browned in spots, 20-25 minutes.

    25 min

  5. 5.

    No need to stop at chives. Add bacon, cheddar, chili-why hold back now?

    5 min