Twice Baked Potato Casserole Recipe

Introduction

Did you know that according to a recent survey, potatoes are the most consumed vegetable in American households, with the average person eating over 100 pounds per year? With that kind of popularity, it’s no wonder we’re always looking for new, crowd-pleasing ways to serve them. That’s where this ultimate Twice Baked Potato Casserole comes in—a dish that transforms the beloved flavors of a classic loaded baked potato into a shareable, indulgent masterpiece perfect for feeding a group.

Imagine all the creamy, cheesy, bacon-studded goodness of your favorite side, but in a convenient, scoopable casserole form. This recipe is the hero of potlucks, holiday feasts, and cozy family dinners alike. It takes the familiar comfort of mashed potatoes and elevates it with sharp cheddar, tangy sour cream, savory bacon, and a pop of fresh green onion. The result is a rich, flavorful, and utterly satisfying dish that promises to be the star of your table. Let’s dive into how to create this guaranteed crowd-pleaser.

Ingredients List

Gather these simple ingredients to build layers of incredible flavor and texture. For best results, use full-fat dairy for maximum creaminess.

• 3 lbs Russet Potatoes (about 6 medium): The starchy king of potatoes, Russets yield a fluffy, light texture perfect for mashing. Substitution: Yukon Gold potatoes for a slightly waxier, buttery mash.
• 1 cup Sour Cream: Adds essential tang and luxurious moisture. Substitution: Plain Greek yogurt for a protein boost with a similar zing.
• 1/2 cup Mayonnaise: The secret weapon for richness and helps create a golden-brown top. Substitution: Additional sour cream or full-fat Greek yogurt.
• 1/2 cup Whole Milk or Heavy Cream: For mashing and achieving the perfect creamy consistency. Heavy cream makes it extra decadent.
• 4 tbsp Unsalted Butter, softened: For richness and flavor. Always use unsalted to control the seasoning.
• 2 1/2 cups Sharp Cheddar Cheese, shredded & divided: Sharp cheddar provides a bold, tangy punch that stands up to the other flavors. Pre-shredded bags contain anti-caking agents; block cheese you shred yourself melts smoother.
• 1 lb Bacon, cooked crispy and crumbled & divided: Provides salty, smoky, crunchy bites throughout. Reserve 1/4 cup for the topping.
• 1 bunch Green Onions, thinly sliced & divided: Offers a fresh, mild onion flavor and vibrant color. Reserve 2 tablespoons for garnish.
• 1 tsp Garlic Powder: For a subtle, savory depth.
• Salt and Freshly Ground Black Pepper to taste: Season in layers—don’t be shy!

Timing

While the total time is just under two hours, a significant portion is hands-off baking time. Compared to making individual twice-baked potatoes, which can take over 2 hours due to scooping and refilling each shell, this casserole method is a 30% time-saver with all the same incredible flavor payoff. You can also prep the potatoes a day ahead to cut active time in half on serving day.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Potatoes

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Scrub the potatoes clean and pat them dry. Prick each potato several times with a fork—this is crucial to allow steam to escape and prevent them from bursting in the oven. Place them directly on the oven rack or on a baking sheet. Bake for 50-60 minutes, or until they are very tender when pierced with a fork. Let them cool just until you can handle them. Slice each potato in half lengthwise and scoop the fluffy flesh into a large mixing bowl, leaving a thin layer attached to the skin. Discard the skins (or save them for another use, like crispy potato skins!).

Step 2: Make the Creamy Filling

To the bowl of warm potato flesh, add the softened butter, milk (or cream), sour cream, and mayonnaise. Using a potato masher or a hand mixer on low speed, mash until your desired consistency is reached—some small lumps are perfectly fine and add texture. Be careful not to over-mix, as this can make the potatoes gluey. Stir in 2 cups of the shredded cheddar cheese, most of the crumbled bacon (reserving 1/4 cup), and most of the sliced green onions (reserving 2 tbsp). Add the garlic powder, and season generously with salt and pepper. Taste and adjust seasoning—remember, potatoes need a good amount of salt!

Step 3: Combine and Assemble

Reduce the oven temperature to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish with butter or non-stick spray. Transfer the creamy potato mixture to the prepared dish and spread it into an even layer. This is your creamy, flavorful canvas.

Step 4: Bake to Perfection

Sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup of cheddar cheese evenly over the top. Bake, uncovered, for 25-30 minutes, or until the casserole is heated through and the cheese on top is beautifully melted and bubbly. For an extra-golden, crispy top, you can broil for the last 1-2 minutes, but watch it closely! Remove from the oven and immediately garnish with the reserved bacon and green onions. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes before serving—this allows it to set slightly for perfect scooping.

Nutritional Information

(Approximate values per serving, based on 10 servings)

• Calories: 420 kcal
• Total Fat: 32g
• Saturated Fat: 14g
• Cholesterol: 75mg
• Sodium: 580mg
• Total Carbohydrates: 18g
• Dietary Fiber: 2g
• Sugars: 2g
• Protein: 16g

Healthier Alternatives

You can lighten up this dish without sacrificing its soul-satisfying flavor. Here are smart swaps that preserve the delicious experience:

• Potatoes & Dairy: Use Yukon Gold potatoes (they are naturally creamier, requiring less butter) and swap the sour cream and mayo for low-fat plain Greek yogurt. The tang is similar, and you’ll add a protein boost.
• Cheese: Opt for a strongly flavored, reduced-fat sharp cheddar. You’ll use less because the flavor is more potent, cutting down on fat and calories.
• Bacon: Use turkey bacon or center-cut bacon, which is leaner. You can also reduce the quantity by half and supplement with sautéed mushrooms for a savory, umami depth.
• Topping Boost: Add an extra 1/4 cup of sliced green onions on top for freshness and color, making the dish appear and taste even more vibrant.

Serving Suggestions

This casserole is incredibly versatile. Here’s how to make it the star of any meal:

• Classic Holiday Spread: Pair it with a Herb-Roasted Turkey or Glazed Ham, green bean casserole, and cranberry sauce.
• Weeknight Comfort: Serve alongside Juicy Meatloaf, Pan-Seared Steak, or Simple Roasted Chicken with a side of steamed broccoli.
• Brunch Hero: It’s fantastic with Scrambled Eggs, Breakfast Sausage, and fresh fruit.
• Garnish Ideas: A dollop of extra sour cream, a drizzle of hot sauce, or a sprinkle of fresh chives or diced jalapeños can add a fun twist.

Common Mistakes

• Over-mixing the Potatoes: Using a food processor or over-beating with a mixer releases too much starch, resulting in a gummy, glue-like texture. Use a hand masher or mixer on low for just a few seconds.
• Using Cold Dairy: Adding cold sour cream, milk, or butter to hot potatoes can make the mixture seize and become less creamy. Let dairy ingredients sit at room temperature for 20-30 minutes before using.
• Underseasoning: Potatoes are a blank canvas and require generous seasoning. Taste the mixture before it goes into the baking dish and don’t be afraid to add more salt and pepper.
• Skipping the Rest Time: Serving immediately from the oven can result in a soupy casserole. Letting it rest for 5-10 minutes allows it to set, making serving much cleaner.

Storing Tips

• Refrigeration: Cool completely, cover tightly with plastic wrap or transfer to an airtight container. It will keep in the fridge for 3-4 days.
• Freezing: This casserole freezes beautifully. Assemble it in a freezer-safe dish, but do not bake. Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and then foil. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before baking as directed, adding a few extra minutes if needed.
• Reheating: Reheat individual portions in the microwave. For larger amounts, cover with foil and reheat in a 350°F oven for 20-25 minutes, or until hot throughout. Add a splash of milk if it seems dry.

Conclusion

This Twice Baked Potato Casserole is more than just a side dish; it’s a celebration of comfort food at its finest. It captures every beloved element of a loaded baked potato—the creaminess, the cheesiness, the savory bacon, and the fresh bite of onion—and delivers it in a convenient