Stuffed Potato Jackets, also known as twice-baked potatoes or loaded potato skins, are a hearty and fulfilling dish that combines the comforting flavor of baked potatoes with the richness of cheese, butter, and your preferred savory ingredients. They can be used as a main course, a side dish, or a party appetizer. This recipe will show you how to make the best stuffed potato jackets with a crispy skin, creamy interior, and flavorful toppings.
Ingredients: (Serves 4) For Potato Jackets:
4 large baking potatoes (such as russets or Maris Piper)
One tablespoon of olive oil
Salt (used to rub the skin)
For the filling
3 Tbsp unsalted butter
1/4 cup Greek yogurt or sour cream.
1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese (or mix of cheeses)
(Optional) ¼ cup cooked bacon or ham.
¼ cup minced spring onion or chives
salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Optional: ¼ teaspoon garlic powder.
¼ teaspoon paprika (optional)
For topping (optional, but recommended):
Extra grated cheese to sprinkle.
Chopped fresh herbs (parsley, chives, green onions)
Sour cream or ranch dressing?
Extra bacon pieces
Step-by-step instructions:
Step 1: Choosing the Right Potatoes
Begin with the right type of potato. Russet potatoes are great for this recipe due to their high starch content and thick skins. The starch makes the inside fluffy, and the thick exterior crisps delightfully when baked.
Step 2: Prepare and Bake the Potatoes
Preheat the oven to 400 °F (200 °C).
Scrub the potatoes thoroughly with cold water to eliminate any dirt.
Dry them with a cloth.
Prick each potato several times with a fork to let steam out during baking.
Rub the skins with olive oil and season with salt. This allows the skins to become crisp and delicious.
Place the potatoes directly onto the oven rack or a baking sheet.
Bake for 50-60 minutes, or until the skins are crisp and a knife slides easily through the meat.
Step three: preparing the filling.
Once roasted, take the potatoes from the oven and allow to cool for 10-15 minutes, just enough time to handle them.
Cut the potatoes in half lengthwise. Scoop out the meat into a mixing bowl, leaving a thin layer of potato adhering to the skin (approximately ¼ inch) for structure.
Mash the potato flesh with a fork or potato masher. Add the butter, sour cream (or Greek yogurt), cheese, spring onions, and bacon, if using.
Season the mixture with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika, to taste. Mix until creamy and thoroughly blended.
Step 4: Refill and Second Bake
Spoon the mashed filling back into each potato shell, piled high. For a more organized presentation, use a piping bag.
Arrange the filled potato jackets on a baking tray.
Sprinkle more cheese on top of each for a gooey, golden finish.
Return to the oven and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the tops are golden and the cheese is melted and bubbling.
Tips for Perfectly Stuffed Potato Jackets:
Crispier Skins: To achieve ultra-crispy skins, return the hollowed-out potato shells back in the oven for 10 minutes before stuffing them. This helps to dry them and crisp the edges.
Make-Ahead Option: You can bake the potatoes and prepare the filling ahead of time. Keep everything in the refrigerator and only bake when you’re ready to serve.
Custom Fillings: The filling is quite adjustable. For a vegetarian variation, try sautéed mushrooms, caramelized onions, cooked chicken, or a spicy bean mixture.
Dairy-Free Option: Replace the dairy with plant-based butter, nondairy yogurt or sour cream, and vegan cheese.
Serving Suggestions:
Stuffed potato jackets are quite flexible. You can enjoy them in a variety of ways.
As a main dish:
Serve them with a crisp green salad or roasted veggies for a complete supper.
As a side dish:
They go wonderfully with grilled meats, fish, and barbecued foods. The steak and potato combination is a tried-and-true classic.
As a party appetizer:
Make smaller versions using baby potatoes or by quartering ordinary potatoes. Serve with dips such as sour cream, guacamole, and spicy sauce.
Flavor Variations:
If you want to mix things up, try these delicious variations:
1. Tex-Mex-Style
Combine jalapeños, black beans, corn, and taco spice. Top with salsa and sour cream.
2. Italian Inspired
Stir in sun-dried tomatoes, chopped olives, grated Parmesan, and fresh basil. Drizzle with pesto right before serving.
3. Breakfast Potato Jackets
Add scrambled eggs, breakfast sausage, and a sprinkle of cheese. Finish with a dab of spicy sauce.
4. Vegan delight
Use mashed avocado or hummus as the basis, then add chopped bell peppers, black olives, and nutritional yeast.
Nutrition Facts (approximate per serving)
Calories: 350–450 kcal
Protein: 10-15 grams.
Carbohydrates: 40-50 grams
Fat: 18-25g
Fiber: 4-6 grams.
Nutrition varies depending on filling selection and serving size.
Final Thoughts:
Stuffed Potato Jackets are the perfect comfort food—warm, comforting, and infinitely adaptable. They are popular with both children and adults due to their golden crispy shells and creamy, cheesy insides. Whether you’re cooking them for a quick weekday dinner or a show-stopping party appetizer, this recipe always delivers.
Feel free to be creative with the fillings. Consider the basic recipe to be a blank canvas for any ingredients you have on hand or what is in season. With some preparation and inspiration, you may create a cuisine that will impress and satisfy.
Enjoy your handmade stuffed potato jackets hot from the oven with your favorite toppings and a big smile—they’re comfort food at its best!
