If you’re anything like me and love comfort food with a little extra flair, then you’re going to adore this Twice Baked Potatoes with Cheddar and Green Onions Recipe. Seriously, it’s like taking a humble baked potato and turning it into a rich, cheesy dream with crispy edges and a creamy, garlicky filling. When I first tried this, I couldn’t believe how easy it was to make yet tasted so indulgent — my family goes crazy for it every time! Stick around, and I’ll walk you through every step so you get perfect, mouthwatering twice baked potatoes every single time.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Incredibly Flavorful: The sharp cheddar and fresh green onions bring a fresh, savory punch that’s impossible to resist.
- Perfect Texture Contrast: Crispy skins paired with creamy, buttery mashed potato filling hit all the right notes.
- Great Crowd-Pleaser: Whether it’s a weeknight meal or a holiday gathering, people always ask for seconds.
- Simple Ingredients: You likely have everything you need already, making it a quick and satisfying recipe.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Let’s talk about the ingredients that make this Twice Baked Potatoes with Cheddar and Green Onions Recipe so irresistible. You want russet potatoes for that perfect starchy texture, and the combination of milk, sour cream, and butter creates the creamiest mash. Plus, the garlic, salt, and pepper work their magic to boost flavor without overpowering the cheese and green onions.
- Russet potatoes: These are the gold standard for baking – their high starch content means fluffy insides and sturdy skins for stuffing.
- Extra-virgin olive oil: A light coating adds crispiness to the skin and a subtle richness.
- Milk: Helps smooth out the mashed filling—whole milk works best for creaminess.
- Sour cream: Adds tang and creaminess, making the filling luscious and tender.
- Unsalted butter: Use real butter for that rich, buttery flavor that everything else builds upon.
- Garlic cloves: Fresh garlic grated in makes all the difference; no garlic powder needed here!
- Sea salt: Essential for seasoning; a little sprinkled on the skins as well enhances that savory depth.
- Freshly ground black pepper: Adds a subtle kick without overwhelming the other flavors.
- Grated cheddar cheese: Sharp or mild cheddar works, but sharp cheddar gives you that wonderful tang.
- Chopped green onions: For freshness and a pop of color right before serving.
Variations
One of the reasons I love this Twice Baked Potatoes with Cheddar and Green Onions Recipe so much is how easy it is to customize. It’s your canvas, really! Over time, I’ve tweaked it based on who I’m feeding or what I have in the fridge — and you can too.
- Add Bacon Bits: My family loves a little crispy bacon mixed into the cheesy filling—adds a smoky crunch that’s irresistible.
- Spicy Kick: When I want a little heat, I toss in some diced jalapeño or sprinkle with smoked paprika for a smoky depth.
- Dairy-Free Version: Swap out the milk and sour cream with coconut cream or a plant-based alternative—it’s surprisingly good!
- Cheese Swap: I sometimes use pepper jack or mozzarella for a milder, gooier texture if cheddar feels too sharp.
How to Make Twice Baked Potatoes with Cheddar and Green Onions Recipe
Step 1: Baking the Potatoes to Perfection
First things first, preheat your oven to 425°F (that high heat really crisps up the skins). While that’s heating, grab your russet potatoes, pierce them a few times with a fork to let steam escape, then rub them thoroughly with olive oil—this is what gives those skins that beautiful crispy finish. I like to line my baking sheet with parchment paper for an easy cleanup. Pop them in the oven for 60 to 70 minutes until you can easily stick a fork through the center. Patience here really pays off—don’t rush the bake or the insides won’t mash up fluffy like you want!
Step 2: Scooping and Mixing the Filling
After your potatoes are baked and cool enough to handle, slice each in half lengthwise. Carefully scoop out the flesh, but leave about a ¼-inch border so the skins stay sturdy. Transfer the scooped-out potato to a mixing bowl. Now here’s where it gets fun: mash in the milk, sour cream, butter, freshly grated garlic, sea salt, and black pepper. I find using a potato masher works best for a creamy, lump-free texture without making it gluey. Keep tasting and adjusting salt and pepper until the filling tastes rich and balanced—you’ll know when it’s perfect.
Step 3: Stuffing and Baking Again
Place the hollowed-out potato skins cut side up back on the baking sheet. Give the skins a little sprinkle of salt, then pile on that buttery, garlicky filling—it’s okay to heap it high because this is the best part! Top each potato with a good handful of sharp cheddar cheese. Bake for 15 to 25 minutes until the cheese is melted and just starting to brown. That golden cheese crust on top really elevates the whole dish.
Step 4: Garnishing for the Final Touch
Right when they come out of the oven, sprinkle with plenty of fresh chopped green onions. The onions add the perfect pop of color and a mild sharpness that balances the richness beautifully. Season with a little extra salt and pepper if needed—then dig in!
Pro Tips for Making Twice Baked Potatoes with Cheddar and Green Onions Recipe
- Use Uniformly Sized Potatoes: This ensures they bake evenly so you don’t end up with some under or overcooked skins.
- Don’t Overmix the Filling: Mash until creamy but avoid overworking, which can make it gluey instead of fluffy.
- Layer the Cheese for Best Results: Add about half the cheese to the filling mix, then sprinkle the rest on top before baking for nice melt and crust.
- Cool Potatoes Slightly Before Scooping: Handling hot potatoes can burn you, plus cooling firms the insides for easier scooping without breaking skins.
How to Serve Twice Baked Potatoes with Cheddar and Green Onions Recipe

Garnishes
I always serve these potatoes with a little extra handful of chopped green onions on top for freshness, plus a dollop of sour cream if I have extra. Sometimes a sprinkle of crispy bacon or fresh chives adds a little something special without overwhelming the flavors.
Side Dishes
This Twice Baked Potatoes with Cheddar and Green Onions Recipe pairs wonderfully with a simple green salad or roasted veggies to balance the richness. When I entertain, I love serving it alongside grilled steak or roasted chicken for a complete meal that feels indulgent but approachable.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist at holiday dinners, I like to serve these in a mini muffin tin, scooping smaller portions so they become bite-sized appetizers. Another time, I sprinkled smoked paprika on top for a pop of color and smoky flavor that guests really enjoyed!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover twice baked potatoes keep well in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. I like to store the entire potato halves so they’re ready to reheat in one piece rather than scooped out filling alone, which can dry out.
Freezing
If you want to freeze leftovers, wrap each potato tightly in plastic wrap and then foil to prevent freezer burn. They’ll keep for up to 2 months. When you’re ready, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
To reheat, I pop the potatoes into a 350°F oven for about 20 minutes until heated through and the cheese topping refreshes its crust. Microwave reheating works in a pinch but can make them a bit soggy—oven heat really preserves the textures.
FAQs
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Can I use other types of potatoes for this recipe?
While russet potatoes are best because of their fluffy interior and sturdy skin, you can experiment with Yukon Golds for a creamier texture. Just keep in mind that waxier potatoes might yield a denser filling and skins that are less crispy.
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How can I make these twice baked potatoes ahead of time?
You can prepare the potato skins and filling up to the stuffing step, then refrigerate everything separately for up to a day before baking and serving. This is great for saving time on a busy day.
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What’s the secret to crispy potato skins?
Rubbing the skins with olive oil before baking and baking them at a high temperature (425°F) for about an hour really helps achieve that golden, crispy exterior.
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Can I add other toppings to these twice baked potatoes?
Absolutely! Crispy bacon, sautéed mushrooms, diced bell peppers, or even a sprinkle of hot sauce can add exciting layers of flavor if you want to switch things up.
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Is it necessary to use fresh green onions?
Fresh green onions add a bright, mild onion flavor that complements the rich, cheesy filling beautifully. If you don’t have them, chives or finely diced mild red onion work as suitable substitutes.
Final Thoughts
I absolutely love how this Twice Baked Potatoes with Cheddar and Green Onions Recipe turns out every time — it’s comfort food you feel good about serving! From its crispy skins to that cheesy, garlicky filling with a fresh onion kick, this recipe always brings smiles around my table. Give it a try and watch how quickly these become a favorite side dish for you and yours, too. Trust me, once you make them, you’ll be hooked!
Print
Twice Baked Potatoes with Cheddar and Green Onions Recipe
- Prep Time: 30 min
- Cook Time: 75 min
- Total Time: 1 hr 45 min
- Yield: 4 servings (4 potatoes, split into 8 halves)
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Twice Baked Potatoes are a comforting and delicious side dish combining crispy baked potato skins filled with creamy, flavorful mashed potato mixture topped with melted cheddar cheese and green onions. Perfect for a family meal or holiday dinner, this recipe delivers a satisfying blend of textures and classic flavors.
Ingredients
Potatoes
- 4 large russet potatoes
- Extra-virgin olive oil (for rubbing)
Mashed Potato Filling
- ½ cup milk
- ½ cup sour cream
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 garlic cloves, grated
- 1 teaspoon sea salt, plus more for sprinkling
- ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
Topping
- 1 cup grated cheddar cheese
- ½ cup chopped green onions
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Potatoes: Preheat the oven to 425°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Use a fork to poke a few holes in each potato to allow steam to escape during baking.
- Bake Potatoes: Place the potatoes on the prepared baking sheet and rub each with olive oil to help crisp the skin. Bake in the preheated oven for 60 to 70 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender when pierced with a fork.
- Cool and Scoop: Remove the potatoes from the oven and let them cool just enough to handle safely. Slice each potato in half lengthwise, then carefully scoop out the flesh, leaving about a ¼-inch border of potato intact around the skins to maintain structure.
- Make Filling: Transfer the scooped potato flesh to a large mixing bowl. Add milk, sour cream, butter, grated garlic, salt, and pepper. Mash the mixture until smooth and creamy for a rich, flavorful filling.
- Fill and Top: Arrange the potato skins cut side up on the baking sheet. Sprinkle them lightly with salt, then fill each skin with the creamy potato mixture. Top with grated cheddar cheese evenly across each filled potato half.
- Second Bake: Return the filled potatoes to the oven and bake for an additional 15 to 25 minutes until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and starting to brown.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove from oven and garnish with chopped green onions. Adjust seasoning to taste and serve warm as a delicious side dish.
Notes
- These twice baked potatoes provide a delightful mix of crispy skin and creamy mashed potato filling, making them a perfect side dish for many meals.
- For extra flavor, consider adding bacon bits or chives to the mashed filling.
- You can make these ahead of time and reheat before serving; just cover with foil to avoid over-browning.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 potato half
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 450mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 7g
- Cholesterol: 35mg
