Twice Baked Mashed Potatoes: Creamy, Dreamy Comfort Food!

Twice baked mashed potatoes are the ultimate comfort food side dish! They’re creamy, cheesy, and packed with flavor, making them perfect for holidays, special occasions, or even a cozy weeknight dinner. This recipe takes classic mashed potatoes to the next level by baking them twice, creating a delightful crispy exterior and a luxuriously smooth and flavorful interior. Get ready to impress your family and friends with this crowd-pleasing recipe!

Why Twice Baked Mashed Potatoes?

You might be wondering, why bake mashed potatoes twice? Here’s why it’s worth the extra effort:

• Enhanced Flavor: The second bake allows the flavors to meld together and deepen, resulting in a richer, more complex taste.
• Crispy Exterior: The oven’s heat creates a slightly crispy and golden-brown crust, adding a delightful textural contrast to the creamy interior.
• Make-Ahead Friendly: You can prepare the mashed potatoes ahead of time and bake them just before serving, making them perfect for entertaining.
• Perfect for Leftovers: This recipe is a fantastic way to use leftover mashed potatoes, transforming them into something new and exciting.
• Customizable: Easily adapt the recipe to your preferences by adding different cheeses, herbs, or toppings.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s what you’ll need to make these delicious twice baked mashed potatoes:

• Potatoes: Russet potatoes are the best choice for mashed potatoes due to their high starch content, which results in a fluffy texture. Yukon Gold potatoes can also be used, but they will produce a slightly denser mash. About 5 pounds of potatoes works perfectly.
• Butter: Adds richness and flavor to the mashed potatoes. Use unsalted butter so you can control the amount of salt in the dish. One cup (2 sticks) is the right quantity.
• Milk or Cream: Provides moisture and creaminess. Whole milk or heavy cream will create the most decadent mashed potatoes. About 1 cup will be needed.
• Sour Cream or Cream Cheese: Adds tanginess and creaminess. Either option works well, depending on your preference. Half a cup will be sufficient.
• Cheese: Shredded cheddar cheese is a classic choice, but you can also use other cheeses like Gruyere, Parmesan, or Monterey Jack. 2 cups (shredded) are ideal.
• Bacon (Optional): Crispy bacon adds a smoky and savory flavor. Cook and crumble about 6 slices of bacon.
• Green Onions (Optional): Adds a fresh and mild onion flavor. Chop about 2-3 green onions.
• Garlic Powder: Adds a savory depth. 1 teaspoon will suffice.
• Salt and Pepper: To taste.
• Optional Toppings: Additional cheese, bacon, green onions, chives, sour cream, or gravy.

Equipment You’ll Need

• Large pot
• Potato masher or electric mixer
• Baking sheet
• Mixing bowls
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Oven

Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these easy steps to create perfect twice baked mashed potatoes:

Step 1: Prepare the Potatoes

1. Wash and Peel: Thoroughly wash the potatoes and peel them. You can leave the skins on for a more rustic mashed potato, if desired.
2. Cut into Even Pieces: Cut the potatoes into roughly equal-sized chunks (about 1-2 inches). This will ensure they cook evenly.
3. Boil the Potatoes: Place the potato chunks in a large pot and cover them with cold water. Add about 1 tablespoon of salt to the water. Bring the water to a boil over high heat, then reduce the heat to medium and simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until the potatoes are fork-tender. A fork should easily pierce through the potatoes without resistance.

Step 2: Drain and Mash

1. Drain the Potatoes: Carefully drain the potatoes in a colander. Return the drained potatoes to the pot.
2. Dry the Potatoes (Important!): Place the pot back on the burner over LOW heat. Let the potatoes steam, shaking or stirring constantly, until the excess moisture has evaporated, about 1-2 minutes. This is crucial for fluffy potatoes.
3. Mash the Potatoes: Use a potato masher or an electric mixer to mash the potatoes until smooth. If using an electric mixer, be careful not to overmix, as this can result in gluey potatoes.

Step 3: Add the Flavor

1. Melt the Butter: Add the butter to the mashed potatoes and mix until melted and incorporated.
2. Add Milk/Cream and Sour Cream/Cream Cheese: Gradually add the milk or cream, mixing until the potatoes reach your desired consistency. Stir in the sour cream or cream cheese.
3. Add Cheese, Garlic Powder, Salt, and Pepper: Add the shredded cheese, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mix until the cheese is melted and everything is well combined.
4. Add Bacon and Green Onions (Optional): If using, stir in the cooked and crumbled bacon and chopped green onions.
5. Taste and Adjust: Taste the mashed potatoes and adjust the seasoning as needed. Add more salt, pepper, cheese, or other ingredients to your liking.

Step 4: First Bake (Optional – But Recommended)

1. Preheat Oven to 350°F (175°C): While mixing the potatoes, preheat the oven.
2. Spread into a Baking Dish: Grease a large baking dish. Spread the mashed potatoes evenly into the dish.
3. Bake: Bake for 20-25 minutes. This step helps to dry out the potatoes slightly and meld the flavors even more.
4. Cool Slightly: Let the potatoes cool slightly before proceeding to the next step. This makes them easier to handle.

Step 5: Second Bake (The Magic Happens!)

1. Preheat Oven to 400°F (200°C): Preheat the oven to a slightly higher temperature for the second bake.
2. Portion the Potatoes (Optional, but recommended for Individual Servings):
   • Option 1 (Individual Portions): Use a large spoon or ice cream scoop to scoop out portions of the mashed potatoes and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
   • Option 2 (Bake in the Baking Dish): Leave the mashed potatoes in the baking dish from the first bake.
3. Add More Cheese (Optional, but recommended): Sprinkle additional shredded cheese on top of the mashed potatoes.
4. Bake: Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the tops of the potatoes are golden brown.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy!

1. Garnish (Optional): Garnish with additional toppings such as green onions, chives, bacon, sour cream, or gravy.
2. Serve: Serve the twice baked mashed potatoes immediately. They are best served hot.
3. Enjoy: Savor the creamy, cheesy, and flavorful goodness!

Tips for the Best Twice Baked Mashed Potatoes

• Don’t Overmix: Overmixing the potatoes can result in a gluey texture. Use a potato masher or mix on low speed if using an electric mixer.
• Use Warm Milk/Cream: Warming the milk or cream before adding it to the potatoes will help them absorb it more easily and prevent them from cooling down too quickly.
• Don’t Overcrowd the Baking Sheet: If baking individual portions, make sure to leave enough space between them on the baking sheet so they can brown evenly.
• Add Some Heat: If you like a little spice, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or some chopped jalapenos to the mashed potatoes.
• Use High-Quality Ingredients: The better the ingredients, the better the flavor of the mashed potatoes. Use good quality butter, cheese, and other ingredients.
• Make Ahead: The mashed potatoes can be prepared up to 2 days in advance. Store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. When ready to bake, add a splash of milk or cream if they seem dry.
• Freezing: While possible, freezing twice baked mashed potatoes isn’t ideal as the texture can change slightly. If you do freeze them, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and then in foil. Thaw them completely in the refrigerator before reheating.

Variations and Add-Ins

Get creative with your twice baked mashed potatoes! Here are some variations and add-ins to try:

• Loaded Twice Baked Mashed Potatoes: Add bacon, cheddar cheese, sour cream, and green onions for a classic loaded potato flavor.
• Garlic Parmesan Twice Baked Mashed Potatoes: Add roasted garlic and Parmesan cheese for an Italian-inspired twist.
• Jalapeno Cheddar Twice Baked Mashed Potatoes: Add chopped jalapenos and cheddar cheese for a spicy and cheesy kick.
• Spinach Artichoke Twice Baked Mashed Potatoes: Add chopped spinach and artichoke hearts for a flavorful and healthy twist.
• Sweet Potato Twice Baked Mashed Potatoes: Use sweet potatoes instead of russet potatoes for a sweeter and more colorful dish.
• Broccoli Cheddar Twice Baked Mashed Potatoes: Add steamed broccoli florets and cheddar cheese for a kid-friendly option.
• Bacon Ranch Twice Baked Mashed Potatoes: Add bacon and ranch seasoning for a flavorful and tangy twist.
• Mushroom and Swiss Twice Baked Mashed Potatoes: Add sautéed mushrooms and Swiss cheese for a savory and earthy flavor.

Serving Suggestions

Twice baked mashed potatoes are a versatile side dish that pairs well with a variety of main courses. Here are some serving suggestions:

• Roasted Chicken or Turkey: A classic pairing for holiday meals.
• Steak or Prime Rib: A hearty and satisfying combination.
• Pork Tenderloin: A flavorful and elegant pairing.
• Salmon or Other Fish: A lighter option that complements the richness of the potatoes.
• Vegetarian Main Courses: Serve alongside lentil loaf, stuffed bell peppers, or other vegetarian dishes.

Nutrition Information (Approximate)

(Per serving, based on a recipe using 6 servings and standard ingredients):

• Calories: 350-450
• Fat: 20-30g
• Saturated Fat: 12-18g
• Cholesterol: 80-100mg
• Sodium: 400-600mg
• Carbohydrates: 30-40g
• Fiber: 2-4g
• Sugar: 3-5g
• Protein: 8-10g

Please note that the nutritional information is an estimate and can vary depending on the specific ingredients used and portion sizes.

Enjoy Your Delicious Twice Baked Mashed Potatoes!

With their creamy texture, cheesy flavor, and crispy exterior, these twice baked mashed potatoes are sure to be a hit with everyone. Whether you’re serving them for a holiday dinner or a weeknight meal, they’re a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. So, gather your ingredients, follow the simple steps, and get ready to enjoy the ultimate comfort food side dish!

Bon appétit!