The sun peeks through the kitchen window as I fumble through my pantry in search of inspiration. That’s when I spot those lonely russet potatoes, and a lightbulb goes off. What if I transformed them into something incredible? Enter my Twice-Baked Loaded Breakfast Potatoes—a glorious, hearty breakfast option that’s here to save your morning.
Imagine crispy skins cradling a creamy filling that’s generously stuffed with rich mashed potatoes, gooey cheddar, and smoky bacon, all topped with an egg that cooks to perfection. Not only are these breakfast beauties gluten-free, but they’re also ideal for meal prep, making them just right for busy weekdays or leisurely weekend brunches. Perfect for impressing guests or simply treating yourself, they’re bound to spark joy in your kitchen. Let’s dive into this warmth-filled experience that will make those fast food cravings seem like a distant memory!
Why Will You Love These Twice Baked Loaded Breakfast Potatoes?
Hearty and Wholesome: Each potato is packed with rich flavors and textures, making it a fulfilling meal to kickstart your day.
Gluten-Free Delight: Perfect for those with dietary restrictions, allowing everyone to indulge in this comfort food without worry.
Meal Prep Friendly: Make them in advance for busy mornings, ensuring you have a delicious breakfast ready to go!
Customizable: Feel free to swap out ingredients to fit your taste or what you have on hand, like different cheeses or proteins.
Impressive Yet Easy: You’ll wow family and friends with this gourmet-looking dish that’s surprisingly simple to make.
Twice Baked Loaded Breakfast Potatoes Ingredients
For the Potatoes
• Russet Potatoes – The perfect base that bakes fluffy and crispy; opt for larger ones to fit a whole egg!
• Avocado Oil – Coats potatoes for that extra crisp; olive oil works well as a substitute.
For the Filling
• Unsalted Butter – Adds a rich creaminess to the mashed potatoes; dairy-free butter is great for vegan options.
• Hot Milk – Ensures your mashed potatoes are moist and creamy; any milk variety you prefer will do!
• Salt & Black Pepper – Key for seasoning; don’t hesitate to adjust according to your taste.
• Beef Bacon – This provides a delectable smoky flavor; consider turkey bacon or sausage for a lighter choice.
• Cheddar Cheese – Melts beautifully into the filling, creating that gooey goodness; feel free to swap for gouda or mozzarella.
For the Topping
• Large Eggs – Baked right in the potato halves; they add a protein punch! Medium eggs can work too if that’s all you have.
Feel free to explore flavors and make substitutions to create your own version of these Twice Baked Loaded Breakfast Potatoes!
How to Make Twice Baked Loaded Breakfast Potatoes
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Prep Potatoes: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Give the russet potatoes a good wash, poke a few holes in them with a fork, and coat with avocado oil, salt, and pepper for a flavorful kick.
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Roast Potatoes: Place the seasoned potatoes directly on the oven rack and bake for 50–60 minutes. They should be fork-tender when done. Let them cool for about 10 minutes before handling.
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Scoop & Mash: Slice the cooled potatoes in half lengthwise and carefully scoop out the insides, leaving about a quarter inch of potato around the edges for structure. Mash the insides with hot milk and butter until creamy, seasoning with salt and pepper to taste.
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Fill Potatoes: Spoon the delicious mashed filling back into the potato skins, creating a little well in the center. Layer in the beef bacon and cheddar cheese, then crack an egg on top, filling each potato generously.
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Final Bake: Reduce the oven temperature to 375°F (190°C) and bake your loaded potatoes for 15–20 minutes. You want the egg whites to be set while keeping the yolks delightfully runny.
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Cool & Serve: Allow the potatoes to cool for a couple of minutes before serving. This gives you the perfect time to appreciate their golden, cheesy top.
Optional: Garnish with fresh herbs like chives or parsley for a burst of color and flavor.
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
Twice Baked Loaded Breakfast Potatoes Variations
Customize your Twice Baked Loaded Breakfast Potatoes for a fresh twist that will excite your taste buds!
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Dairy-Free: Use dairy-free butter and almond milk for a delicious vegan option, keeping the creamy texture intact.
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Spicy Kick: Add a dash of hot sauce or sprinkle red pepper flakes into the filling for a zing that complements the creamy potatoes.
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Herb Infusion: Mix in fresh chopped herbs, like chives or dill, right into the mashed filling for a burst of freshness that brightens up each bite.
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Smoky Flavor: Swap out beef bacon for smoked turkey bacon or sautéed shiitake mushrooms for a savory, smoky flavor that’s equally satisfying.
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Cheesy Delight: Try pepper jack or gouda instead of cheddar for a unique spin, offering a flavor-packed twist that elevates the dish.
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Loaded with Veggies: Add diced bell peppers, spinach, or green onions to the filling before baking for a delightful veggie-packed breakfast that’s both colorful and nutritious.
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Breakfast Sausage: Substitute beef bacon with crumbled breakfast sausage for a heartier version that will keep you full until lunchtime.
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Texture Twist: Top with crispy fried onions or crushed tortilla chips before the final bake for an extra crunch, adding texture to the soft and creamy filling.
What to Serve with Twice-Baked Breakfast Potatoes?
Pair these delightful potatoes with comforting sides and drinks that enhance their hearty flavors.
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Fresh Green Salad: Adds a crisp and refreshing contrast to the creamy, warm potatoes, balancing out the richness beautifully. It’s a perfect match for a light brunch or dinner.
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Sautéed Spinach: Quickly cooked with garlic, sautéed spinach makes a vibrant, nutritious side that adds a lovely earthiness to your meal.
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Scrambled Eggs: While you already have an egg on top, a side of fluffy scrambled eggs provides added protein, creating a breakfast feast for the whole family.
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Honey-Glazed Carrots: Their natural sweetness complements the savory flavors of the potatoes while adding a splash of colors to your plate. The contrast is delightful!
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Fruit Salad: A medley of seasonal fruits offers a light, refreshing finish to the meal, helping balance out the richness of the potatoes. Think berries, melons, and citrus for a burst of flavor.
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Sparkling Water with Lime: This refreshing drink cleanses the palate between bites and adds a touch of elegance to your brunch experience.
How to Store and Freeze Twice Baked Loaded Breakfast Potatoes
Fridge: Store any leftover Twice Baked Loaded Breakfast Potatoes in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Keep them fresh and ready for a quick breakfast!
Freezer: These delightful breakfast potatoes can be frozen for up to 2 months. Wrap each potato tightly in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer bag to prevent freezer burn.
Reheating: To reheat, place frozen potatoes in the fridge overnight to thaw, then pop them in a 350°F (175°C) oven for about 20 minutes until warmed through. For a quick microwave option, heat them in 30-second intervals until hot.
Storage Tip: If you plan to make a large batch, prepare only the potato filling and freeze it. Fill and bake them fresh for an even more satisfying breakfast experience!
Make Ahead Options
These Twice Baked Loaded Breakfast Potatoes are perfect for meal prep enthusiasts! You can prepare the potato filling—mashed with hot milk, butter, and your choice of proteins—up to 24 hours in advance. Simply store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator to keep it fresh and prevent browning. You can also bake the potatoes and scoop out the insides in advance, then fill them with the mix and refrigerate them for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to serve, just crack the eggs on top and bake at 375°F (190°C) for about 20 minutes until the eggs are set. This way, you’ll have a hearty breakfast with minimal effort on busy mornings!
Expert Tips for Twice Baked Loaded Breakfast Potatoes
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Prevent Bursting: Poke several holes in your russet potatoes before roasting to allow steam to escape and prevent bursting.
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Cool to Handle: Let the potatoes cool for about 10 minutes after roasting to ensure you can handle them without burning your fingers.
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Fluffy Filling: For a lighter and fluffier potato filling, consider using a hand mixer when mashing the insides of the baked potatoes.
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Perfect Egg Texture: If you prefer firmer egg yolks, extend the baking time in the final step until they reach your desired doneness.
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Mind Your Seasoning: Taste as you go when seasoning the mashed potato mixture; balance is essential for those classic comfort food flavors in your Twice Baked Loaded Breakfast Potatoes.
Twice Baked Loaded Breakfast Potatoes Recipe FAQs
What type of potatoes should I use for Twice Baked Loaded Breakfast Potatoes?
Absolutely! Russet potatoes are the best choice since they bake up fluffy on the inside while developing a deliciously crisp skin. When selecting, opt for larger potatoes to comfortably hold a whole egg.
How should I store leftover Twice Baked Loaded Breakfast Potatoes?
Store your leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When storing, make sure they are completely cooled to prevent condensation. This way, you’ll be ready to dive into another serving whenever hunger strikes!
Can I freeze Twice Baked Loaded Breakfast Potatoes?
Very! These potatoes can be frozen for up to 2 months. First, wrap each cooked potato tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer bag. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw them in the fridge overnight, and reheat in a 350°F (175°C) oven for about 20 minutes. This keeps them nice and crisp.
What if I want to customize the ingredients?
Feel free to get creative! Substituting beef bacon with turkey bacon or sausage is an easy swap. Additionally, experimenting with different cheeses like gouda or pepper jack can elevate the flavor. Just remember to adjust for seasoning as you go to maintain that comforting taste!
Can my pets enjoy this recipe too?
It’s important to keep your furry friends in mind! While the ingredients like potatoes and cheese are generally safe in moderation, be cautious with items like bacon and eggs. Always check with your vet before sharing human food with pets to ensure it’s appropriate for their diet.
What should I do if the eggs don’t cook to my desired doneness?
If you prefer firmer egg yolks, don’t worry! Simply extend the final baking time in 1-2 minute increments, checking periodically to avoid overcooking. The key is to achieve that perfect set without losing the creamy texture of the yolk, so keep a close eye on them!
Twice Baked Loaded Breakfast Potatoes for Cozy Mornings
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Wash the russet potatoes, poke holes with a fork, and coat with avocado oil, salt, and pepper.
- Place seasoned potatoes directly on the oven rack and bake for 50–60 minutes until fork-tender. Cool for 10 minutes.
- Slice cooled potatoes in half lengthwise and scoop out insides, keeping a quarter inch for structure. Mash with hot milk and butter, seasoning to taste.
- Spoon the mashed filling into the potato skins, create a well in the center, layer beef bacon and cheddar cheese, then crack an egg on top.
- Reduce oven temperature to 375°F (190°C) and bake for 15–20 minutes until egg whites are set and yolks are runny.
- Let cool for a couple of minutes before serving and garnish with fresh herbs if desired.