Twice Baked Potato Casserole Recipe

Golden Twice Baked Potato Casserole Recipe: Comfort in Every Bite

Crafting a delectable twice baked potato casserole brings pure comfort to any dinner table.

Creamy potatoes merge with melted cheese in a dish that promises pure satisfaction.

Crispy bacon bits add a delightful crunch to each savory bite.

Home cooks adore this crowd-pleasing recipe that feels both indulgent and familiar.

Layers of rich ingredients create a harmonious blend of textures and flavors.

Rich and hearty, this casserole delivers warmth and nostalgia in every spoonful.

Creamy Potatoes with a Golden, Twice-Baked Finish

  • Quick Family Feast: Transforms classic twice-baked potatoes into an easy, shareable casserole perfect for gatherings.
  • Customizable Comfort Food: Easily swap ingredients like switching bacon for ham or using different cheese types to match family preferences.
  • Time-Saving Technique: Reduces individual potato preparation by converting the recipe into a convenient one-dish meal that cuts cooking and serving time significantly.

What You Use For Twice Baked Potato Casserole

Main Ingredients:
  • Potatoes: Hearty base of the casserole, providing creamy texture and substantial foundation. Russet or Yukon Gold work best for a smooth, rich result.
  • Olive Oil: Helps create crispy potato exterior and adds subtle flavor. Extra virgin recommended for best taste.
  • Salt: Enhances overall flavor profile. Kosher or sea salt preferred for more robust seasoning.
  • Bacon: Adds smoky, salty flavor and crispy texture. Thick-cut bacon provides more robust taste.
  • Cheddar Cheese: Sharp variety brings tangy, rich cheese flavor. Freshly shredded cheese melts more smoothly.
Creamy Ingredients:
  • Mayonnaise: Creates smooth, rich consistency and adds subtle tang. Full-fat version recommended.
  • Sour Cream: Contributes creamy texture and slight acidic note. Full-fat variety provides best results.
  • Green Onions: Adds fresh, mild onion flavor and bright color. Both white and green parts can be used.
Topping Ingredients:
  • Bacon: Provides crispy, crunchy texture on top. Extra layer of smoky flavor.
  • Cheddar Cheese: Additional sharp cheese layer for extra richness. Freshly grated recommended.
  • Green Onions: Fresh garnish with mild onion flavor. Adds color and brightness to final dish.

Twice Baked Potato Casserole Method

Step 1: Prepare Potatoes for Baking

Gently massage olive oil all over the potatoes and sprinkle with kosher salt.

Arrange potatoes on a baking sheet and slide into a preheated oven at 400°F.

Bake until potatoes are fork-tender and golden, about 45-50 minutes.

Step 2: Hollow Out Potato Treasures

Allow potatoes to cool just enough to handle comfortably.

Slice each potato in half and carefully scoop out the soft interior into a spacious mixing bowl.

Keep a thin layer of potato clinging to the skin for extra texture.

Step 3: Create Creamy Potato Filling

Mash the potato insides until smooth.

Fold in the following delicious ingredients:
  • Crispy crumbled bacon
  • Sharp cheddar cheese
  • Creamy mayonnaise
  • Tangy sour cream
  • Chopped green onions

Season the mixture with salt and pepper to enhance the flavors.

Step 4: Assemble the Casserole

Transfer the luscious potato mixture into a baking dish.

If desired, you can stuff the filling back into the potato skins or spread evenly in a casserole dish.

Step 5: Add Irresistible Topping

Generously sprinkle additional cheese and bacon bits over the potato mixture.

Step 6: Final Bake

Return the casserole to the oven and bake for 15-20 minutes until the cheese melts into a bubbly, golden blanket.

Step 7: Serve and Enjoy

Garnish with extra green onions for a pop of color and freshness.

Serve piping hot and watch everyone dive in with excitement.

Expert Tips for Twice Baked Potato Casserole

  • Choose starchy russet potatoes for the creamiest, most flavorful casserole texture.
  • Mix different cheeses like sharp cheddar and mild monterey jack for a more complex flavor profile.
  • Cook bacon until extra crispy and drain on paper towels to prevent soggy texture in the casserole.
  • Warm milk or cream before mixing into potato filling for smoother, more even consistency.
  • Assemble the casserole up to 24 hours in advance and refrigerate, then bake when ready to serve for convenient meal planning.

Twice Baked Potato Casserole – Easy Reheat Instructions

  • Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days in the refrigerator, ensuring freshness and preventing bacterial growth.
  • Wrap individual portions tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, then freeze for up to 1 month to preserve flavor and texture.
  • Preheat oven to 350°F, place casserole in a baking dish, cover with foil, and warm for 15-20 minutes until heated through, maintaining crispy top.
  • Quick option for reheating individual servings, heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway to ensure even warming and prevent dryness.

Ideas to Eat with Twice Baked Potato Casserole

  • Elevate Wine Pairing: Select a crisp Chardonnay or Sauvignon Blanc to complement the rich, creamy potato casserole, cutting through its decadent texture with bright acidity.
  • Craft Beer Match: Grab a robust amber ale or hoppy IPA, whose malty undertones and carbonation will balance the dish's heaviness and enhance its savory bacon notes.
  • Perfect Side Salad: Toss a light arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette, providing a zesty, fresh contrast to the dense, cheesy potato casserole and adding a clean, peppery counterpoint.
  • Protein Partner: Serve alongside grilled chicken or roasted pork tenderloin, creating a hearty meal where the lean proteins complement the rich, indulgent potato base.

Twice Baked Potato Casserole Recipe Ideas to Switch Things Up

  • Vegetarian Delight: Replace bacon with sautéed mushrooms or roasted vegetable medley for a meat-free version that maintains rich flavor and texture.
  • Dairy-Free Alternative: Swap cheese and sour cream with nutritional yeast, coconut cream, and dairy-free cheese alternatives to accommodate lactose-intolerant diners.
  • Low-Carb Option: Substitute potatoes with cauliflower or zucchini, maintaining the creamy texture and cheesy topping while reducing carbohydrate content.
  • Gluten-Free Adaptation: Ensure all ingredients are certified gluten-free and use gluten-free bacon or turkey bacon to create a safe meal for those with gluten sensitivities.

FAQs

  • Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the potato mixture in advance and refrigerate it. When ready to serve, sprinkle the topping and bake for 20-25 minutes until heated through and cheese is melted.

  • Is it possible to make this dish vegetarian?

Absolutely! Simply omit the bacon or replace it with vegetarian bacon bits or chopped mushrooms for a similar savory flavor.

  • What type of potatoes work best for this recipe?

Russet potatoes are ideal due to their starchy texture and ability to create a creamy, fluffy interior when baked. They also hold their shape well during the twice-baking process.

  • How can I make this casserole healthier?

Use low-fat cheese, greek yogurt instead of sour cream, and reduce the amount of bacon. You can also add more green onions or include other vegetables like diced bell peppers for extra nutrition.

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Twice Baked Potato Casserole Recipe

Twice Baked Potato Casserole Recipe


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4.7 from 40 reviews

  • Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
  • Yield: 8 1x

Description

Creamy twice baked potato casserole delivers ultimate comfort with layers of cheesy, crispy goodness. Hearty potatoes blended with sour cream, cheese, and bacon create a crowd-pleasing side dish you’ll crave at every gathering.


Ingredients

Scale

Potatoes and Protein:

  • 8 medium-sized potatoes, scrubbed and dried
  • 12 ounces (340 grams) bacon, cooked and chopped
  • 4 green onions, sliced

Dairy and Creamy Components:

  • 6 ounces (170 grams) sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
  • 3/4 cup mayonnaise
  • 3/4 cup sour cream

Seasonings:

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

Topping:

  • 4 ounces (115 grams) bacon, cooked and chopped
  • 2 ounces (57 grams) sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
  • 2 green onions, sliced

Instructions

  1. Prepare a hot oven environment at 400°F (200°C) for potato roasting.
  2. Massage whole potatoes with olive oil and generously coat with kosher salt, then arrange on a baking sheet for initial roasting.
  3. Roast potatoes for approximately 45-50 minutes until they reach a tender, soft consistency with a crispy exterior.
  4. Allow potatoes to cool momentarily, then slice each potato in half and carefully excavate the inner potato flesh into a spacious mixing bowl, maintaining a delicate potato skin shell.
  5. Transform the extracted potato flesh into a creamy mixture by thoroughly mashing and incorporating crispy bacon pieces, sharp cheddar cheese, smooth mayonnaise, tangy sour cream, and freshly chopped green onions.
  6. Season the potato mixture with salt and pepper, ensuring a balanced and robust flavor profile.
  7. Carefully redistribute the enriched potato mixture back into the original potato skins or transfer to a casserole dish for a more family-style presentation.
  8. Sprinkle additional cheese, bacon bits, and green onions across the potato surface to create a tempting, textured topping.
  9. Return the prepared dish to the oven and bake for 15-20 minutes until the cheese melts into a golden, bubbly layer.
  10. Remove from oven, garnish with extra green onions for a fresh burst of color, and serve immediately while piping hot.

Notes

  • Customize the casserole’s richness by adjusting the amount of cheese and sour cream to suit personal taste preferences.
  • Swap bacon for crispy turkey bacon or omit entirely to create a vegetarian version that’s equally delicious.
  • Boost nutrition by adding roasted vegetables like broccoli or cauliflower into the potato mixture for extra flavor and vitamins.
  • Make ahead and store the assembled casserole in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours, allowing the flavors to meld and creating an easy make-ahead meal option.
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 1 hour
  • Category: Dinner, Lunch, Appetizer
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 8
  • Calories: 350
  • Sugar: 2 g
  • Sodium: 800 mg
  • Fat: 22 g
  • Saturated Fat: 9 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 30 g
  • Fiber: 3 g
  • Protein: 10 g
  • Cholesterol: 35 mg
Emily Harper

Emily Harper

Nutrition Consultant & Recipe Analyst

Expertise

Healthy Recipe Modification, Nutritional Analysis & Meal Planning, Global Cuisine & Dietary Adaptations​

Education

School: French Pastry School, Chicago, IL

Program: L’Art de la Pâtisserie

Focus: Intensive training in traditional French pastry techniques, baking theory, and confectionery arts. ​


Emily’s journey started in a pastry kitchen but took a detour into the world of health and flavor science.
Graduating from the French Pastry School and studying nutrition opened her eyes to a new mission: making healthy food taste like something you’d actually crave.
At Dining At Home, Emily’s the go-to for smart, feel-good recipes that don’t trade flavor for nutrition.
She’s all about adding a fresh spin on old favorites and finding small ways to make everyday meals a little brighter.
Outside of the kitchen, Emily is most at home walking forest trails, testing plant-based recipes, or sharing a picnic under a wide-open sky.

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