Twice Baked Potato Casserole: A Comfort Food Favorite

Twice Baked Potato Casserole takes the classic twice-baked potato and turns it into a rich, creamy, and cheesy casserole that’s perfect for feeding a crowd. With all the delicious flavors of the traditional dish, but made easier and with more flavor in every bite, this casserole is an instant family favorite. The creamy mashed potatoes, sharp cheddar cheese, crispy bacon, and fresh green onions create a perfect balance of savory goodness that’s sure to satisfy your cravings.

This dish is incredibly versatile too. Whether you’re serving it for a holiday dinner, a potluck, or as a side to a casual weeknight meal, it’s the ultimate comfort food that’s guaranteed to be a hit. Plus, it can be made ahead of time, so all you have to do is pop it in the oven when you’re ready. Creamy, cheesy, and full of flavor—what’s not to love?

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. Rich and Creamy

This casserole has the perfect creamy texture, thanks to the sour cream, milk, and melted butter, which make each bite indulgent and satisfying.

2. Loaded with Flavor

With ingredients like sharp cheddar cheese, crispy bacon, and green onions, this casserole packs a punch of savory flavors in every spoonful.

3. Easy to Make

Rather than stuffing potatoes and baking them twice, this casserole allows you to create all the delicious flavors in one easy-to-make dish.

4. Perfect for Meal Prep

You can make this casserole ahead of time, refrigerate it, and then simply bake it when you’re ready to serve. It’s the ultimate convenience dish for busy days.

5. Great for Sharing

This recipe serves a crowd, making it an excellent choice for family gatherings, holidays, or potlucks where you want to impress with minimal effort.

Ingredients

• Russet potatoes, peeled and cubed
• Sour cream
• Whole milk
• Unsalted butter, melted
• Shredded cheddar cheese
• Cooked bacon, crumbled
• Green onions, chopped
• Garlic powder
• Salt
• Black pepper

Variations

• Add More Cheese: Try using a blend of cheeses like mozzarella or pepper jack for an extra cheesy flavor.
• Make It Spicy: Add some chopped jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce to bring a spicy kick to the casserole.
• Herb Infusion: Add fresh or dried herbs like thyme, rosemary, or parsley to elevate the flavor.
• Healthier Option: Use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream for a lighter version while still keeping the creaminess.

How to Make the Recipe

Step 1: Boil the Potatoes

Peel and cube the russet potatoes. Place them in a large pot, cover with water, and bring to a boil. Cook for about 15-20 minutes, or until the potatoes are fork-tender. Drain and return the potatoes to the pot.

Step 2: Mash the Potatoes

Mash the cooked potatoes until smooth. You can use a potato masher or hand mixer to get a smooth texture.

Step 3: Add the Creamy Ingredients

To the mashed potatoes, add the sour cream, whole milk, and melted butter. Mix until fully incorporated and creamy.

Step 4: Stir in the Flavors

Add 1½ cups of shredded cheddar cheese, crumbled bacon, chopped green onions, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Stir everything together until well combined. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.

Step 5: Transfer to a Baking Dish

Transfer the mashed potato mixture into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish and spread it evenly.

Step 6: Bake the Casserole

Top the casserole with the remaining ½ cup of shredded cheddar cheese. Bake in a preheated 350°F (175°C) oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Step 7: Garnish and Serve

Remove from the oven and garnish with the remaining crumbled bacon and chopped green onions. Serve hot and enjoy!

Tips for Making the Recipe

• Make Sure Potatoes Are Soft: Make sure the potatoes are fully cooked before mashing them to ensure a smooth, creamy texture.
• Customize Your Toppings: You can add extra toppings like sour cream, more cheese, or fresh herbs when serving.
• Don’t Overmix: When adding the milk and sour cream, be careful not to overmix the potatoes to keep them from becoming too dense.
• For Extra Crispiness: To make the top extra crispy, broil the casserole for the last 2-3 minutes of baking. Just keep an eye on it so it doesn’t burn.

How to Serve

Twice Baked Potato Casserole is the perfect side dish for a variety of meals. It pairs beautifully with grilled meats like steak, chicken, or pork chops. You can also serve it alongside a fresh green salad or roasted vegetables for a complete meal. If you’re looking for a hearty dish, it works great as a main course with a slice of crusty bread.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15 minutes, or microwave for individual servings.

Freezing

This casserole can be frozen for up to 2 months. To freeze, cover the casserole tightly with plastic wrap and foil before placing it in the freezer. When ready to bake, thaw in the fridge overnight and then bake according to the recipe instructions.

Reheating

To reheat, place the casserole in a preheated 350°F (175°C) oven for about 15-20 minutes, or until hot and bubbly. You can also reheat individual portions in the microwave.

FAQs

1. Can I use a different type of potato?

While russet potatoes are ideal for this casserole due to their starchy nature, you can use other types like Yukon Gold potatoes for a creamier texture.

2. Can I make this casserole without bacon?

Yes, you can omit the bacon or replace it with cooked sausage or even veggies like mushrooms for a different flavor profile.

3. Can I use low-fat sour cream or milk?

Yes, you can substitute low-fat sour cream or milk if you prefer a lighter version, but it may affect the creaminess slightly.

4. Can I prepare this casserole ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can make the casserole in advance and store it in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Just bake it when you’re ready to serve.

5. Can I make this casserole in a smaller size?

Yes, you can halve the recipe and bake it in an 8×8-inch dish. Adjust the cooking time accordingly, as it may take less time to bake.

6. Can I use frozen potatoes?

Frozen potatoes can be used, but fresh potatoes provide the best texture. If using frozen potatoes, be sure to thaw them first and cook until tender before mashing.

7. How do I prevent the casserole from being too runny?

Ensure that you drain the potatoes well before mashing and avoid adding too much milk. You can also use less milk if you prefer a thicker consistency.

8. Can I add other vegetables?

Yes, you can add vegetables like broccoli, cauliflower, or bell peppers to the casserole for extra flavor and nutrition.

9. How many servings does this recipe make?

This recipe typically serves 8-10 people, depending on portion sizes.

10. Can I make this casserole in a slow cooker?

Yes, you can make this in a slow cooker. Simply assemble the casserole in the crockpot and cook on low for 3-4 hours, or until heated through and bubbly.

Conclusion

Twice Baked Potato Casserole is the ultimate comfort food that’s guaranteed to impress. With its creamy, cheesy, and savory goodness, it’s perfect for everything from casual weeknight dinners to special holiday meals. With the combination of mashed potatoes, cheese, bacon, and green onions, this casserole is a crowd-pleaser that you’ll want to make again and again. Make it ahead, freeze it for later, or enjoy it fresh—either way, it’s a dish everyone will love!

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