If there’s one thing we know about Pumbaa, it’s that he loves to indulge – and honestly, same. That’s exactly why these Pumbaa’s Twice Baked Potatoes were the perfect addition to my Lion King dinner and a movie night – you can see the full menu 👉 Right here . They’re cheesy, fluffy, bacon-loaded, and basically the holy grail of comfort food.

I’ve been making this recipe since my early twenties, and let me tell you…it’s legendary. I originally learned it from my cousin, but over the years, I’ve refined and perfected it. It got to the point where friends and family demanded I bring these to every barbecue or get together. You think you’re showing up to spend quality time, but no – they just want me for my potatoes.

And once you take a bite, you’ll understand why.

Why Pumbaa Would Love These

If Pumbaa had these cheesy, bacon-loaded masterpieces in front of him, he would 100% break into song. He’d never be able to go back to eating Grubs — You think Hakuna Matata was catchy? Just wait until he gets his hooves on these.

Why? Because:
🥔 Potatoes = the ultimate comfort food
🧀 Cheese = life
🥓 Bacon = no explanation needed

This recipe is all about indulgence – just like our favorite warthog. If you’re watching The Lion King and need a side dish worthy of the savanna, this is it.

What Makes These the BEST Twice Baked Potatoes?

I don’t say this lightly, but this is the best recipe I’ve ever created. Why?

✔ Perfectly balanced flavors – Not too rich, not too bland. Just cheesy, bacon-y perfection.
✔ Fluffy, not dry – Some twice-baked potatoes turn into sad, grainy mashed potatoes. Not these.
✔ Tried-and-true recipe – I’ve made them for years, refined them, and now they’re unstoppable.

And here’s the #1 mistake people make when baking these:
🚨 Overcooking on the second bake. 🚨 Don’t do it! They don’t need as long as you think. You want melty, gooey, not dried out and sad.

Can You Customize These?

Oh, absolutely. You’re in charge here.

• Cheese Swap? Try Gruyère, Monterey Jack, or a mix of both. (My grandmother used to make them with Monterey Jack and green onions, and they were chef’s kiss.)
• No Bacon? No problem. Skip it, or add crispy onions for a little crunch.
• Make-Ahead Friendly? You can prep them in advance, but bake them fresh for that gooey, melty perfection.

How to Serve Them (Because You’ll Want More Than One)

The best way? On a big platter, right next to a juicy steak (Wild Wildebeest Ribeye) and some Heart of the Pridelands Veggies. And when they come fresh out of the oven, don’t forget to garnish with chives or green onions—that final touch makes all the difference.

And the first bite? Oh, you won’t even realize what’s happening. One second, you’re taking a bite. Next thing you know, you’ve inhaled four, and you’re eyeing the last one like a lion sizing up its prey.

How to Make the Best Twice Baked Potatoes

Making these Pumbaa-approved twice-baked potatoes is easier than you think. First, bake your russet potatoes until they’re fork-tender (no shortcuts—this is where the magic starts). Once they’re cool enough to handle, slice them in half and scoop out the insides, leaving just enough potato on the skin to keep them sturdy.

Now comes the good part – mix the fluffy insides with butter, sour cream, milk, shredded cheddar (or Gruyère if you’re feeling fancy), crispy bacon, and chopped green onions. Mash it all together until smooth and creamy. Then, pile the filling back into the potato shells like you’re stuffing a baked potato to the max.

Top them with more cheese (because there’s no such thing as too much cheese), and pop them back in the oven just long enough to melt everything into gooey perfection. Finish with a sprinkle of green onions, serve them up hot, and watch them vanish off the plate faster than Timon and Pumbaa running from a hyena.

Trust me, these potatoes will change your life – or at the very least, your next movie night.

The potatoes are the perfect addition to our Lion King Movie Night – You can grab the full printable menu and all the menus CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD.

Final Thoughts – AKA, Why You Need These in Your Life

Listen, if you’re making The Lion King dinner and a movie night and skip these potatoes, Pumbaa will be disappointed. And honestly, so will you.

These Pumbaa’s Twice Baked Potatoes are hands-down the best thing I make. They’re fluffy, cheesy, indulgent, and guaranteed to be a crowd favorite. Make them once, and you’ll understand why my friends and family refuse to let me show up to a barbecue without them.

So, what are you waiting for?
Make these. Devour them. Then make them again.

👉 Want the full Lion King feast? Grab the complete movie night menu in my Disney Dinner & a Movie Cookbook!

Pumbaa’s Twice Baked Potatoes Recipe

These Pumbaa-approved Twice Baked Potatoes are the ultimate comfort food! Fluffy, cheesy, and loaded with crispy bacon, they’re the perfect side dish for steak, BBQs, or your next Lion King movie night. Easy to make and absolutely irresistible!

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time:15 minutes mins

Cook Time:1 hour hr 15 minutes mins

Cooling and Scooping Time:10 minutes mins

Total Time:1 hour hr 40 minutes mins

Course: Appetizer, side

Cuisine: American

Keyword: bbq side dish, best twice baked potatoes, cheesy twice baked potatoes, comfort food recipes, crowd pleasing side dish, easy twice baked potatoes, how to make twice baked potatoes, party side dish, perfect potatoes recipe, twice baked potato, twice baked potatoes for steak dinner

Servings: 8

Calories: 300kcal

Ingredients

• 4 large russet potatoes
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese or a mix of cheddar & Gruyère
• ½ cup sour cream
• ¼ cup butter softened
• ¼ cup milk
• 4 strips bacon cooked and crumbled
• 2 green onions chopped (plus extra for garnish)
• Salt & pepper to taste

Instructions

• Preheat oven to 400°F. Scrub potatoes clean, poke holes with a fork, and bake for 50-60 minutes until tender.
• Let them cool slightly (so you don’t burn your fingertips off), then slice each potato in half and scoop out the inside, leaving a little potato on the skin for structure.
• In a bowl, mash the scooped-out potato with butter, sour cream, milk, cheese, salt, and pepper until creamy. Stir in bacon & green onions.
• Spoon the filling back into the potato skins, top with extra cheese, and bake for 15 minutes—just until melty and golden.
• Garnish with chopped green onions, serve hot, and watch them disappear.

Notes

✔ Cheese Swap: While cheddar is classic, a mix of cheddar and Gruyère adds even more flavor. Monterey Jack also works great!

✔ Make-Ahead Tip: You can prep these up to 24 hours in advance—just fill the potato shells, cover, and refrigerate. When ready, bake as directed!

✔ Don’t Overbake! The second bake is just to melt the cheese and warm them through. Too long, and they’ll dry out.

✔ Serving Idea: These pair perfectly with steak, BBQ, or any hearty meal—or just eat them straight off the pan (no judgment).