Twice Baked Potato Casserole Recipe

The Ultimate Twice Baked Potato Casserole Recipe Everyone Loves

Comfort food reaches new heights with this creamy twice baked potato casserole that melts hearts and satisfies hunger.

Cheesy, indulgent layers promise a delightful dining experience for everyone at the table.

Potatoes get transformed into a rich, velvety dish packed with flavor and warmth.

Crispy bacon bits and green onions add a perfect crunch to the smooth potato base.

Sharp cheddar cheese creates a golden, irresistible topping that beckons you to dig in.

This hearty casserole brings classic comfort straight to your dinner plate.

Essential Ingredients for Twice Baked Potato Casserole

Main Ingredients:
  • Potatoes: Hearty base that provides a creamy and filling foundation for the casserole.
  • Cheddar Cheese: Sharp and melty cheese that adds rich flavor and creamy texture.
  • Bacon: Crispy, savory meat that brings a smoky and salty element to the dish.
Dairy and Creamy Components:
  • Mayonnaise, Sour Cream: Smooth ingredients that create a rich and tangy base for the potato mixture.
Seasoning and Garnish:
  • Kosher Salt, Black Pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance the overall flavor profile.
  • Green Onions: Fresh herbs that provide a mild, sharp accent to the creamy casserole.
Cooking Oils:
  • Olive Oil: Helps create a crispy exterior and adds a subtle flavor to the potatoes.

Stepwise Instructions for Baking Twice Baked Potato Casserole

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Set your oven to a toasty 400°F and get ready for a potato adventure.

Step 2: Prepare Potato Massage

Gently rub each potato with olive oil and sprinkle with a generous pinch of kosher salt, creating a delicious outer coating.

Step 3: Bake Potato Transformation

Place potatoes directly on the oven rack and let them bake for 45-60 minutes until they’re soft and tender all the way through.

Step 4: Create Potato Vessel

Allow potatoes to cool slightly, then carefully slice them in half.

Scoop out the fluffy inner potato, leaving a thin shell behind.

Step 5: Mix Creamy Potato Goodness

In a large mixing bowl, mash the potato insides with these delightful ingredients:
  • Mayonnaise
  • Sour cream
  • Salt
  • Black pepper

Step 6: Add Flavor Boosters

Gently fold in these tasty mix-ins:
  • Crispy cooked bacon
  • Shredded cheddar cheese
  • Sliced green onions

Step 7: Reassemble Potato Magic

Spoon the creamy potato mixture back into the potato shells or spread evenly in a baking dish.

Step 8: Final Bake and Melt

Pop the dish into the oven at 350°F and bake for 20 minutes until everything is heated through and the cheese becomes wonderfully melted.

Tips for Extra Fluffy, Cheesy Potato Layers

  • Choose starchy russet potatoes for the fluffiest, most creamy texture in your casserole.
  • Cook bacon until extra crispy to add a satisfying crunch and intense smoky taste throughout the dish.
  • Pat potato shells dry after scooping to ensure a crisp exterior and prevent unwanted moisture.
  • Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes after baking to allow cheese to set and flavors to meld beautifully.
  • Prepare the casserole in advance and refrigerate, then bake when ready to serve for maximum convenience.

Twice Baked Potato Casserole – Fun Mix-In Variations

  • Veggie Lovers' Potato Casserole: Replace bacon with roasted bell peppers, sautéed mushrooms, and spinach for a vegetarian version packed with colorful vegetables and nutrients.
  • Dairy-Free Potato Bake: Swap sour cream and mayonnaise with coconut yogurt and nutritional yeast, using dairy-free cheese alternative for lactose-intolerant individuals.
  • Mediterranean-Style Potato Casserole: Incorporate crumbled feta cheese, chopped kalamata olives, and fresh herbs like oregano and parsley for a Greek-inspired flavor profile.
  • Low-Carb Cauliflower Swap: Substitute potatoes with cauliflower florets, maintaining the same creamy texture and cheesy toppings for a lower-carbohydrate option.

Serving Suggestions for Twice Baked Potato Casserole

  • Cozy Game Night Companion: Serve this hearty casserole alongside buffalo wings or crispy chicken tenders for a delightful game day spread that keeps everyone munching.
  • Brunch Superstar Sidekick: Pair with a fresh spinach salad and scrambled eggs to create a satisfying weekend brunch that impresses family and friends with minimal effort.
  • Protein-Packed Dinner Partner: Complement the casserole with grilled chicken breast or a lean steak to balance the rich potato dish and create a complete, filling meal that satisfies hungry appetites.
  • Veggie Lover's Dream: Add roasted asparagus or steamed broccoli on the side to introduce some green nutrition and provide a fresh contrast to the creamy, cheesy potato goodness.

Storage Advice for Twice Baked Potato Casserole

  • Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days. Seal tightly to prevent moisture and odors from affecting the flavor.
  • Wrap individual portions in plastic wrap, then place in freezer-safe containers. Freeze for maximum 1 month to maintain best quality and texture.
  • Preheat oven to 350°F. Place casserole in a baking dish, cover with foil to prevent drying. Warm for 15-20 minutes until heated completely through.
  • Reheat individual servings on medium power for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway to ensure even heating. Add a splash of milk to restore creamy consistency if needed.

FAQs

  • Can I use a different type of cheese?

Yes, you can substitute cheddar with monterey jack, gruyere, or gouda for different flavor profiles.

  • Are russet potatoes the best choice?

Russet potatoes work best because they’re starchy and create a fluffy interior when baked, making them ideal for this casserole.

  • How can I make this dish vegetarian?

Skip the bacon and add roasted vegetables like bell peppers or mushrooms for extra flavor and protein.

  • Do I need any special equipment to make this recipe?

No, just a standard baking sheet, mixing bowl, and oven are sufficient for creating this delicious casserole.

Twice Baked Potato Casserole for Creamy, Cheesy Indulgence

  • Customize with Ease: Swap ingredients like different cheeses or add extra toppings to make this recipe uniquely yours, perfect for personal taste preferences.
  • Crowd-Pleasing Comfort: Packed with rich, creamy flavors and hearty ingredients that everyone from kids to adults will absolutely love, making it ideal for family gatherings.
  • Quick Preparation Magic: Minimal ingredients and straightforward steps mean you can whip up this delicious casserole without spending hours in the kitchen, great for busy weeknights or last-minute meals.
  • Versatile Serving Potential: Works brilliantly as a side dish for barbecues, potlucks, holiday dinners, or can be transformed into a main course with a simple green salad alongside.
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Twice Baked Potato Casserole Recipe

Twice Baked Potato Casserole Recipe


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4.7 from 22 reviews

  • Total Time: 1 hour 45 minutes
  • Yield: 8 1x

Description

Hearty Twice Baked Potato Casserole brings classic comfort to your dinner table with creamy, cheesy goodness. Packed with crispy bacon, green onions, and a rich blend of sour cream and cheddar, this dish promises pure satisfaction for hungry families.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 8 medium potatoes
  • 0.5 pound bacon, cooked and chopped
  • 6 ounces sharp cheddar cheese, shredded

Dairy and Creamy Ingredients:

  • 0.75 cup mayonnaise
  • 0.75 cup sour cream
  • 4 green onions, sliced

Seasoning Ingredients:

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon kosher salt
  • Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. Heat oven to 400°F and prepare a baking sheet with a light coating of oil.
  2. Thoroughly cleanse potatoes and massage with olive oil, generously sprinkling kosher salt across entire surface.
  3. Roast potatoes directly on oven rack for 45-60 minutes, ensuring they become fork-tender with slightly crispy exterior.
  4. Remove potatoes and allow them to cool for 10-15 minutes until comfortable to handle.
  5. Slice potatoes lengthwise and carefully excavate inner flesh, maintaining a thin protective potato shell.
  6. Transfer potato flesh to a spacious mixing bowl and mash until smooth and creamy.
  7. Incorporate mayonnaise, sour cream, salt, and pepper, blending until mixture reaches a consistent texture.
  8. Gently fold crispy bacon pieces, sharp cheddar cheese, and freshly chopped green onions into potato mixture.
  9. Redistribute potato mixture either back into original potato skins or transfer to a prepared baking dish.
  10. Reduce oven temperature to 350°F and bake casserole for 20 minutes, monitoring until cheese melts and edges turn golden brown.

Notes

  • Cut potatoes to medium-size for even cooking and consistent texture throughout the casserole.
  • Ensure potato shells remain sturdy by leaving a thin layer when scooping out the insides, preventing them from breaking during refilling.
  • Choose thick-cut bacon for more robust flavor and satisfying crunch, crumbling it into smaller pieces for better distribution.
  • Keep sour cream and mayonnaise at room temperature to blend more smoothly with mashed potatoes, creating a creamier consistency.
  • Try different cheese varieties like sharp white cheddar or gruyère for unique flavor profiles.
  • Reduce calories by substituting Greek yogurt for sour cream and using turkey bacon as a leaner protein option.
  • Add extra herbs like chives or fresh thyme for enhanced aromatic dimensions and sophisticated taste.
  • Prep Time: 25 minutes
  • Cook Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
  • Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer, Snacks
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 8
  • Calories: 391 kcal
  • Sugar: 1 g
  • Sodium: 515 mg
  • Fat: 33 g
  • Saturated Fat: 10 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 21 g
  • Trans Fat: 0.3 g
  • Carbohydrates: 19 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Protein: 11 g
  • Cholesterol: 55 mg
Michael Reyes

Michael Reyes

Founder & Lead Recipe Developer

Expertise

  • Southwestern and Latin American cuisine
  • Developing easy single-serving recipes
  • Food styling and food photography

Education

Santa Fe Community College

  • Program: Culinary Arts Certificate
  • Focus: Practical, hands-on learning in essential kitchen skills, including food safety, hygiene, knife techniques, and kitchen organization.

Michael’s love for cooking runs deep, rooted in the bold, colorful flavors of his New Mexico upbringing.
After earning his Culinary Arts Certificate from Santa Fe Community College, he spent years sharpening his skills in kitchens that celebrated traditional Southwestern and Latin American dishes.
He believes cooking should feel approachable and fun, never complicated. When he’s not stirring up new recipe ideas, Michael’s out hiking scenic trails, chatting with farmers at local markets, or chasing the perfect sunset shot for inspiration.

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