If you are craving a comforting, cheesy, and irresistibly fluffy side dish, the Instant Pot Twice Baked Potatoes Recipe is about to become your new go-to favorite. This recipe takes traditional twice baked potatoes and speeds things up with the magic of the Instant Pot, delivering tender, perfectly cooked spuds in no time. Then, loaded with creamy sour cream, buttery richness, and a generous topping of melty Colby cheese, each bite is a warm hug for your taste buds. Whether for a weeknight dinner or a special gathering, this dish combines ease and indulgence that everyone will adore.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are straightforward and familiar, yet each one plays a crucial role in building the creamy texture and savory flavor that make these twice baked potatoes so special.
- 4 medium Russet potatoes: The classic choice for baking, offering a fluffy interior perfect for mashing.
- ½ cup sour cream (room temperature): Adds tangy creaminess that enhances the overall richness.
- ¼ cup unsalted butter (room temperature): Brings silky smooth texture and a buttery depth.
- ¼ cup milk (room temperature): Helps loosen the potato filling for an ultra-creamy consistency.
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt: Elevates the flavors beautifully without overpowering.
- ½ teaspoon ground black pepper: A gentle kick of warmth to balance the richness.
- 1 cup freshly shredded Colby cheese: Melts perfectly, adding gooey, cheesy goodness on top.
- Sour cream, bacon crumbles, chopped fresh chives (for garnish): Optional but highly recommended to create layers of flavor and color.
How to Make Instant Pot Twice Baked Potatoes Recipe
Step 1: Prep Your Potatoes
Start by thoroughly scrubbing, washing, and drying your Russet potatoes to remove any dirt since they’ll be cooked with the skin on. Then, poke each potato a few times with a fork to allow steam to escape during cooking, which helps them cook evenly and prevents bursting.
Step 2: Pressure Cook the Potatoes
Pour 1 cup of water into the bottom of your 6-quart Instant Pot and place the trivet inside. Carefully stack the potatoes on the trivet, ensuring they are not submerged in water. Secure the lid and close the pressure valve, then cook on Manual High Pressure for 15 minutes. After the cooking time, let the pressure release naturally for 10 minutes before performing a quick release—this helps keep the potatoes tender and perfectly cooked.
Step 3: Cool and Hollow Potatoes
Use tongs to carefully transfer the cooked potatoes out of the Instant Pot and set them aside to cool until they are safe to handle. Preheat your oven’s broiler while you wait. Next, slice off the top third of each potato lengthwise and scoop out the fluffy insides into a large mixing bowl, leaving the skins intact for stuffing.
Step 4: Make the Creamy Filling
Add the sour cream, butter, milk, kosher salt, and black pepper to the potato insides. Using a potato masher or a hand mixer, blend everything until creamy and smooth. This mixture is what transforms these potatoes from simple spuds into a dreamy, melt-in-your-mouth treat.
Step 5: Stuff, Top, and Broil
Spoon the creamy potato mixture back into the hollowed skins, gently mounding it high. Sprinkle a generous cup of shredded Colby cheese over the top. Place the potatoes on a foil-lined baking sheet and broil for 2 to 3 minutes, watching closely until the cheese bubbles and turns golden brown. This finishing touch creates an irresistible cheesy crust that’s hard to resist.
How to Serve Instant Pot Twice Baked Potatoes Recipe
Garnishes
Garnishing is where you can really make this dish shine. A dollop of sour cream adds tanginess and creaminess, crisp bacon crumbles bring savory crunch, and freshly chopped chives offer a pop of color and a subtle oniony bite. These garnishes don’t just add flavor — they make the dish look as delicious as it tastes.
Side Dishes
Instant Pot Twice Baked Potatoes are hearty enough to stand on their own but pair beautifully with grilled chicken, steak, or roasted vegetables. Consider serving alongside a fresh green salad or steamed broccoli to balance out the richness and add a refreshing contrast in texture and flavor.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, try cutting the potatoes into smaller rounds after stuffing and bake them as mini twice baked bites, perfect for parties. Another idea is to mix in cooked bacon or herbs directly into the potato filling. Regardless of the presentation style, these potatoes always impress!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover twice baked potatoes can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keep in mind that the cheese topping might lose some of its crispness but the flavors will remain delicious.
Freezing
You can freeze the stuffed potatoes after assembling but before broiling. Wrap each potato tightly in plastic wrap and place in a freezer bag or container. They will keep well for up to 2 months. When ready to enjoy, bake or broil them straight from frozen, just add extra cooking time.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers in the oven or under the broiler to revive the cheesy topping’s melt and slight crunch. Avoid microwaving if possible, as it can make the potatoes soggy. A quick 10 minutes in a 350°F oven works wonderfully to warm through evenly.
FAQs
Can I use sweet potatoes instead of Russet potatoes?
Absolutely! Sweet potatoes bring a naturally sweet flavor and creamy texture that’s delightful when twice baked. Just adjust cooking times as sweet potatoes may cook slightly faster.
What if I don’t have Colby cheese? Can I substitute?
You can use any melty cheese you like, such as cheddar, Monterey Jack, or mozzarella. Each will give your potatoes a different flavor profile but all will be delicious when broiled on top.
Is it necessary to use an Instant Pot for this recipe?
The Instant Pot speeds up the cooking process dramatically, but if you don’t have one, you can bake the potatoes in a conventional oven until tender, then proceed with the rest of the recipe as written.
Can I make these potatoes dairy-free?
Yes, just swap the sour cream and butter for dairy-free alternatives such as coconut yogurt and vegan butter, and use a plant-based milk. Use a dairy-free cheese or omit the cheese topping if preferred.
How do I know when the potatoes are fully cooked in the Instant Pot?
After releasing the pressure, the potatoes should be easily pierced with a fork or skewer. If they feel firm or resistant, you can reseal the lid and cook for an additional few minutes under pressure.
Final Thoughts
You really can’t go wrong with the Instant Pot Twice Baked Potatoes Recipe — it hits all the right notes with creamy, cheesy, and comforting goodness that’s easy to prepare. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just want the perfect side dish to elevate your dinner, this recipe is a true winner. Give it a try, and I promise it’ll quickly become a beloved classic in your kitchen.
