If you love breakfast foods that bring a little bit of everything to the table, then the Twice Baked Loaded Breakfast Potatoes Recipe is about to become your new best friend. This dish takes humble potatoes and transforms them into a gooey, crispy, cheesy masterpiece that’s packed with all the flavors you crave in the morning. Imagine golden baked potato shells filled with a creamy mixture infused with bacon, cheese, and fresh herbs—which you then pop back in the oven to achieve that perfect golden top. It’s an irresistible combination that’s easy enough for a cozy weekend brunch yet impressive enough for sharing with friends and family.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting the ingredients right is key to nailing the texture and flavor of this Twice Baked Loaded Breakfast Potatoes Recipe. Each component plays a vital role, whether it’s adding richness, crunch, or color to the finished dish.
- Russet potatoes: Starchy and perfect for baking, these potatoes give you that fluffy interior after baking.
- Bacon: Crispy, smoky bites that elevate the flavor to the next level.
- Cheddar cheese: Sharp and melty, it adds creamy richness and helps bind everything together.
- Green onions: Fresh and slightly pungent, they bring brightness and a pop of color.
- Sour cream: Adds tanginess and silkiness, balancing all the flavors beautifully.
- Butter: For smoothness and extra indulgent taste.
- Salt and pepper: Simple seasonings that enhance every other ingredient.
- Garlic powder: A little hint of savory depth without overpowering the dish.
How to Make Twice Baked Loaded Breakfast Potatoes Recipe
Step 1: Bake the Potatoes
Start by scrubbing your russet potatoes clean and prick them a few times with a fork. Pop them in a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) for about 45-60 minutes until they’re tender through and through. This initial bake ensures that the insides are perfectly soft and fluffy, which is crucial for a great twice-baked texture.
Step 2: Prepare the Filling
Once the potatoes are cool enough to handle, slice them in half lengthwise and carefully scoop out the flesh into a bowl, leaving a sturdy skin for stuffing. Mix the scooped potato with crispy bacon bits, shredded cheddar cheese, sour cream, butter, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. This creamy, flavorful filling is the heart of the Twice Baked Loaded Breakfast Potatoes Recipe and sets the dish apart.
Step 3: Stuff and Bake Again
Spoon the luscious potato mixture back into the skins, piling it up generously. Sprinkle additional cheddar cheese on top for that melty, golden crust. Return the filled potatoes to the oven for about 20 minutes or until the cheese has melted and the tops are beautifully browned and bubbly.
Step 4: Garnish and Serve
After baking, sprinkle chopped green onions over the hot potatoes. This simple finishing touch adds fresh flavor and eye-catching color to your Twice Baked Loaded Breakfast Potatoes Recipe.
How to Serve Twice Baked Loaded Breakfast Potatoes Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh herbs like parsley or chives make wonderful garnishes, adding a fresh, herbaceous note. A dollop of sour cream on top also complements the richness, while a dash of hot sauce can bring a welcoming kick for those who love a bit of spice.
Side Dishes
Since these potatoes are loaded with so much flavor and substance, light sides work best. Serve them with a crisp green salad, fresh fruit, or steamed vegetables to create a balanced plate. They also pair wonderfully with eggs any style or some crispy breakfast sausage for a hearty brunch spread.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, try mini twice-baked potatoes using smaller baby potatoes; these make fantastic bite-sized appetizers or party snacks. Alternatively, present your potatoes on a platter with an assortment of toppings to let guests customize their own loaded breakfast potatoes experience.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
You can store any leftover twice-baked potatoes covered tightly in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Just keep them in an airtight container to preserve their freshness and prevent them from drying out.
Freezing
Because of their creamy texture, these loaded potatoes freeze best before the second bake. Prepare and fill the potato skins, then wrap them individually and freeze for up to 2 months. When ready, bake them directly from frozen, adding extra time to ensure they’re heated through and golden on top.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers in an oven preheated to 350°F (175°C) for about 20 minutes or until warmed through. This method helps maintain the crispy edges and melty cheese much better than microwaving, which can make them soggy.
FAQs
Can I use sweet potatoes instead of russet potatoes?
Absolutely! Sweet potatoes add a lovely natural sweetness and creamy texture, giving a delicious twist to the Twice Baked Loaded Breakfast Potatoes Recipe. Just bake them a bit longer as they tend to take more time to soften.
Is there a vegetarian version of this recipe?
Yes, simply omit the bacon and consider adding sautéed mushrooms or caramelized onions for a similar depth of flavor. You could also use smoked paprika to introduce a smoky element that mimics the bacon’s savoriness.
How do I make the dish less rich?
To lighten things up, use low-fat sour cream or Greek yogurt and reduce the amount of butter and cheese. Adding extra green onions or herbs can help keep the flavors bright and satisfying without feeling too heavy.
Can I prepare this dish ahead of time for a party?
Definitely! Prepare and fill the potato skins the day before, store them covered in the fridge, and bake them fresh on the day of your party. This saves you time and keeps everything tasting freshly baked and perfect.
What’s the best cheese to use?
Sharp cheddar is classic and reliable for the richest flavor and best melt, but you can also mix it up with Monterey Jack, pepper jack for a little spice, or even a smoky gouda for something unique.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for a dish that combines comfort, flavor, and a little bit of wow factor, the Twice Baked Loaded Breakfast Potatoes Recipe fits the bill perfectly. It’s a wonderful side or main that will quickly become a go-to for brunches, weekend breakfasts, or even dinner. Once you try this recipe, you’ll see why it’s such a beloved twist on traditional potatoes, delivering warmth and happiness in every cheesy, crispy bite.
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Twice Baked Loaded Breakfast Potatoes Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour 35 minutes
- Yield: 8 potato halves (serves 4)
Description
Twice Baked Loaded Breakfast Potatoes are a hearty and flavorful morning dish featuring tender baked potatoes scooped and filled with a creamy mixture of cheese, bacon, sour cream, and green onions, then baked again to golden perfection. This savory recipe is perfect for a satisfying breakfast or brunch treat.
Ingredients
Potatoes
- 4 large russet potatoes
Filling
- 6 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/4 cup milk
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 3 green onions, sliced
- Salt, to taste
- Pepper, to taste
Topping
- Extra shredded cheddar cheese for topping
- Extra sliced green onions for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare the Potatoes: Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Scrub the russet potatoes clean and prick them a few times with a fork. Place the potatoes directly on the oven rack and bake for about 45-60 minutes until the skins are crisp and the potatoes are tender when pierced with a fork.
- Cook the Bacon: While the potatoes are baking, cook the bacon in a skillet over medium heat until crispy. Drain on paper towels and crumble once cool.
- Scoop the Potatoes: When the potatoes are cool enough to handle, slice each one in half lengthwise. Carefully scoop out the flesh into a large bowl, leaving a thin layer of potato to maintain the skins’ shape. Set the potato skins aside on a baking sheet.
- Mix the Filling: To the bowl with the potato flesh, add the butter, sour cream, milk, cheddar cheese, crumbled bacon, and sliced green onions. Season with salt and pepper. Mix thoroughly until creamy and well combined.
- Fill the Potato Skins: Spoon the potato mixture back into the reserved potato skins, piling it generously. Sprinkle additional shredded cheddar on top of each filled potato half.
- Bake Again: Return the loaded potato halves to the oven and bake at 375°F (190°C) for about 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese on top is melted and golden brown.
- Serve: Garnish with extra green onions if desired, and serve warm for a delicious, loaded breakfast treat.
Notes
- You can substitute cheddar cheese with your favorite cheese such as Monterey Jack or mozzarella for a different flavor.
- For a vegetarian version, omit bacon and add sautéed mushrooms or diced bell peppers.
- Make sure not to scoop out too much potato flesh to keep the skins sturdy for filling.
- Leftover potatoes can be refrigerated for up to 2 days and reheated in the oven for best texture.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
