Twice Baked Potato Casserole Recipe
If you love comfort food that feels like a big, warm hug, then this Twice Baked Potato Casserole Recipe is an absolute must-try. Imagine creamy mashed potatoes blended with rich cream cheese and sour cream, folded with crispy bacon and sharp cheddar, then baked to bubbly perfection in a hearty casserole dish. It’s the ultimate side that steals the show at every family dinner or holiday gathering. Whether you’re a potato lover or just craving something cozy and indulgent, this recipe hits every note with sensational flavor and an irresistible texture.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are wonderfully simple but oh-so-essential to achieving that creamy, cheesy, and savory goodness. Each element plays its own part, from the fluffy russet potatoes providing the base to the bacon packing in smoky crunch, while the cheddar adds a bright, melty finish that makes this casserole unforgettable.
- 5 large russet potatoes: The perfect starchy potato for creamy, fluffy mash that holds everything together beautifully.
- 1 cup sour cream: Adds tanginess and a velvety texture to the potato mixture.
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened: Brings luxurious creaminess that makes the casserole irresistibly rich.
- 1/2 cup whole milk: Lightens the texture just enough for smooth and creamy potatoes.
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted: Infuses the dish with a rich, buttery flavor that enhances every bite.
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided: Sharp and melty, cheddar creates that classic twice baked cheesy topping and cheesy pockets inside.
- 6 slices cooked bacon, crumbled: Adds smoky, salty crunch to contrast the softness of the potatoes.
- 1/4 cup chopped green onions: Freshness and mild onion bite to brighten the flavors and add color.
- Salt and pepper, to taste: Essential for seasoning and bringing all the flavors together perfectly.
How to Make Twice Baked Potato Casserole Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Potatoes
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and greasing a 9×13-inch baking dish to ensure your casserole won’t stick. Then, scrub those russet potatoes clean and bake them at 400°F (200°C) for about an hour until they’re tender and easy to pierce with a fork. Let them cool just enough to handle before peeling and mashing — this step is key for creamy, lump-free potatoes that form the perfect base.
Step 2: Mix the Creamy Potato Filling
In a large mixing bowl, combine the mashed potatoes with sour cream, softened cream cheese, whole milk, and melted butter. This blend creates an irresistibly silky texture. Then, stir in one cup of shredded cheddar cheese, along with salt and pepper to taste. This mixture will be rich, tangy, and full of comforting cheesy flavor.
Step 3: Add Bacon and Green Onions
Carefully fold in half the crumbled cooked bacon and half the chopped green onions. These ingredients add layers of smoky, savory, and fresh notes that make each forkful exciting. Mixing them gently ensures the textures are balanced through the casserole instead of clumping together.
Step 4: Assemble the Casserole
Spoon your creamy potato mixture into the prepared baking dish and smooth the top evenly. This helps everything bake uniformly and makes for a beautiful presentation once it’s done.
Step 5: Add the Cheesy, Bacon Topping
Sprinkle the remaining shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top, followed by the rest of the crumbled bacon. This step guarantees a golden, bubbly, and flavorful crust that everyone will love.
Step 6: Bake to Perfection
Pop the casserole into the oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes until it’s hot, bubbling, and the cheese has melted to a glorious golden brown. The aroma will fill your kitchen and make it impossible to wait before digging in.
Step 7: Final Garnish and Serve
Before serving, sprinkle the remaining green onions on top to add a pop of color and fresh flavor — a simple finishing touch that elevates the dish beautifully.
How to Serve Twice Baked Potato Casserole Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh green onions are the classic go-to, lending a crisp, vibrant touch that contrasts the richness perfectly. For an extra wow factor, you can add a dollop of sour cream or a sprinkle of paprika for a subtle smoky color.
Side Dishes
Because this casserole is packed with flavor and richness, it pairs beautifully with lighter sides like steamed green beans, a crisp garden salad, or roasted asparagus. If you want to keep the meal hearty, serve it alongside grilled chicken or a juicy steak for a full, satisfying feast.
Creative Ways to Present
You can serve this Twice Baked Potato Casserole Recipe in individual ramekins for a charming, personalized presentation or in a rustic Dutch oven for family-style serving. Consider topping each portion with extra bacon crumbles and fresh herbs like chives or parsley to impress your guests visually and flavor-wise.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
This casserole stores wonderfully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Just reheat portions gently in the microwave or oven to enjoy the comforting flavors again without losing any of the creamy texture.
Freezing
If you want to save time for future meals, this casserole freezes well. Cool completely before wrapping tightly with plastic wrap and foil, then freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating for best results.
Reheating
To reheat, cover the casserole to prevent drying and warm it in a 350°F (175°C) oven until heated through, about 20 minutes. This keeps the cheese melty and the potatoes creamy, just like freshly baked. Microwaving smaller portions is quick and effective too, especially on busy days.
FAQs
Can I use different types of potatoes for this Twice Baked Potato Casserole Recipe?
While russet potatoes work best because of their starchy texture, you can experiment with Yukon Golds for a slightly buttery flavor and creamier texture. Just be mindful that waxy potatoes might not mash as fluffy.
Is it possible to make this recipe vegetarian?
Absolutely! Simply omit the bacon and consider adding sautéed mushrooms or caramelized onions for a smoky depth without sacrificing flavor. You can also sprinkle extra cheese or add some roasted veggies for more texture.
Can I prepare this casserole ahead of time and bake it later?
Yes, you can assemble the casserole up to a day in advance, cover it tightly, and refrigerate. Bake it fresh when you’re ready—just add a few extra minutes to the baking time if it comes straight from the fridge.
What can I substitute for sour cream in the recipe?
If you don’t have sour cream on hand, plain Greek yogurt is a fantastic alternative that adds tang and a creamy texture with a protein boost.
How do I get the cheese topping extra crispy?
For a golden, crispy cheese crust, you can broil the casserole for 2–3 minutes at the end of baking—just watch closely to prevent burning. This step adds a delightfully crunchy finish.
Final Thoughts
This Twice Baked Potato Casserole Recipe is pure comfort food magic, combining luscious potatoes, bold cheese, and smoky bacon in a crowd-pleasing dish that’s incredibly easy to make. Whether it’s a weeknight dinner or a holiday celebration, this casserole never fails to bring smiles and satisfied appetites. Give it a try, and you’ll soon find it becoming one of your all-time favorite recipes to share with family and friends!
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Twice Baked Potato Casserole Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour 55 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
Description
This Twice Baked Potato Casserole is a comforting, cheesy dish perfect for family dinners or gatherings. Creamy mashed potatoes are mixed with sour cream, cream cheese, milk, and butter, then folded with crispy bacon and green onions. Topped with cheddar cheese and baked until golden and bubbly, it’s a hearty and delicious side that everyone will love.
Ingredients
Potatoes
- 5 large russet potatoes
Dairy
- 1 cup sour cream
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup whole milk
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided
Meat
- 6 slices cooked bacon, crumbled
Produce
- 1/4 cup chopped green onions
Seasoning
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prepare it for the casserole.
- Bake the Potatoes: Scrub the russet potatoes thoroughly and place them directly on the oven rack or baking sheet. Bake at 400°F (200°C) for about 1 hour, or until the potatoes are fork-tender. Remove from oven and let them cool slightly before peeling and mashing.
- Prepare the Potato Mixture: In a large mixing bowl, combine the mashed potatoes with sour cream, softened cream cheese, whole milk, melted butter, and 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese. Season the mixture with salt and pepper to taste and mix well until creamy and smooth.
- Add Bacon and Green Onions: Fold half of the crumbled cooked bacon and half of the chopped green onions gently into the potato mixture to evenly distribute the flavors.
- Assemble the Casserole: Transfer the potato mixture into the greased baking dish, spreading it evenly and smoothing the top with a spatula.
- Add Toppings: Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese and the rest of the crumbled bacon evenly over the top of the casserole.
- Bake the Casserole: Place the casserole in the oven and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 25–30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and golden brown.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove the casserole from the oven, garnish with the remaining chopped green onions, and serve warm for the best taste and texture.
Notes
- You can prepare the potatoes ahead and store the mashed mixture in the fridge before baking the casserole.
- Use sharp cheddar cheese for a bolder flavor or substitute with a cheese blend if desired.
- For a vegetarian option, omit the bacon or use a bacon substitute.
- Ensure the potatoes are fully cooled before mixing to prevent a watery texture.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 40 minutes
- Category: Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
