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
Scale
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
