The Ultimate Twice Baked Potato Casserole: Cheesy, Creamy, and Irresistibly Loaded
Prepare to elevate your side dish game with this incredible Twice Baked Potato Casserole recipe. It’s a symphony of creamy, fluffy potatoes, generously studded with savory crumbled bacon, bright sliced green onions, and an abundance of melty cheese. This isn’t just a side; it’s a comforting, flavor-packed experience that embodies everything you adore about classic twice-baked potatoes, reimagined for easy entertaining and sharing. Get ready to impress your family and friends with this decadent casserole!
Why This Cheesy Bacon Potato Casserole is a Must-Try
This twice baked potato casserole effortlessly brings together all the beloved components of traditional individual twice baked potatoes and transforms them into a magnificent, shareable side dish. Imagine velvety mashed potatoes, infused with rich cream cheese and tangy sour cream, then loaded with crispy crumbled bacon, savory garlic, and two types of cheddar cheese. It’s a hearty, flavorful dish designed to be scooped and savored by everyone at the table.
What truly makes this potato casserole shine is its perfect balance of textures and flavors. The initial baking of the potatoes ensures a fluffy interior, which is then mashed with a luxurious blend of dairy and seasonings to create an incredibly smooth and creamy base. The addition of bacon, green onions, and cheese throughout, and as a topping, creates layers of savory goodness in every spoonful. It’s the ultimate comfort food, presented in a convenient casserole format, making it ideal for any gathering. Whether you’re hosting a holiday feast, attending a potluck, or simply craving a satisfying family dinner, this dish promises to be a standout. Its rich consistency and familiar, crowd-pleasing flavors will quickly make it a cherished staple in your recipe collection. Don’t just take our word for it – prepare to fall in love with this extraordinary potato creation!
Gather Your Ingredients for This Decadent Potato Bake
Crafting this phenomenal twice baked potato casserole requires a selection of fresh, high-quality ingredients that work together to create its irresistible flavor and texture. Below is a comprehensive list of what you’ll need. For precise measurements and detailed instructions, refer to the printable recipe card available at the conclusion of this post. Investing in good ingredients will truly elevate the final taste of your casserole, making every bite a memorable one.
Ingredient Deep Dive & Smart Substitutions for Your Perfect Casserole
Understanding each ingredient’s role is key to mastering this creamy potato casserole. Here’s a closer look at the components and some helpful substitution suggestions to tailor the dish to your preference or what you have on hand:
POTATOES – Just like our individual twice baked potatoes, we begin with russet potatoes. These starchy potatoes are perfect because they become wonderfully fluffy and absorbent when baked, creating that signature creamy texture we all love. For best results, choose firm, unblemished russets. If russets aren’t available, other starchy varieties like Idaho potatoes are excellent alternatives. Yukon Golds can also work, offering a slightly naturally buttery flavor and denser texture, though they might require a bit less mashing to maintain some structure.
CHEESE – The foundation of creaminess in this casserole relies on softened cream cheese and butter. Ensuring these are at room temperature before mixing is crucial for achieving a smooth, lump-free potato base that easily combines with other ingredients. We opted for sharp cheddar cheese for its classic, robust flavor that perfectly complements potatoes and bacon. However, feel free to experiment with a blend of cheeses! A combination of mild cheddar and mozzarella can offer a milder taste with fantastic melt. Pepper Jack will introduce a delightful spicy kick, while Gruyere can add a sophisticated, nutty complexity. Choose your favorite melty cheese or a custom blend to truly make this dish your own.
DAIRY & ADDITIONS – For an undeniably rich and smooth consistency, full-fat sour cream and whole milk are highly recommended. The higher fat content contributes significantly to the luxurious mouthfeel and creamy texture of the mashed potato mixture. While low-fat alternatives can be used, they may result in a slightly less decadent finish. Don’t forget the essential seasonings: garlic powder adds a warm, aromatic depth, while ground pepper enhances all the flavors. And of course, the bacon! Opt for thick-cut bacon cooked to a perfect crispness and crumbled. The salty crunch of bacon bits is indispensable, and we use them both mixed in and generously sprinkled on top for maximum flavor and texture contrast. Sliced green onions provide a fresh, mild oniony bite that cuts through the richness and adds a vibrant color.
Step-by-Step Guide: Crafting Your Ultimate Twice Baked Potato Casserole
These step-by-step photos and instructions are designed to guide you visually through the process of making this incredibly delicious recipe. For a convenient printable version, complete with all measurements and instructions, simply jump to the recipe card at the bottom of this page.
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). This ensures your potatoes will bake evenly and develop a tender interior.
- Carefully wash your russet potatoes to remove any dirt. Using a fork, poke several holes into each potato. This allows steam to escape during baking, preventing them from bursting and ensuring a consistently cooked interior. Place the prepared potatoes on a baking sheet and bake for approximately 60-75 minutes, or until a fork can easily pierce through the center with minimal resistance. If you prefer, you can boil the potatoes until tender, which can sometimes be a quicker method. Ensure they are fully cooked but not waterlogged.
- Once the potatoes are cool enough to handle (they should still be warm to facilitate mashing), carefully cut each potato in half lengthwise. Scoop out the fluffy interior into a large mixing bowl, leaving a thin shell if desired, though for casserole form, there’s no need to retain the skins. Reduce your oven heat to 375°F (190°C) for the second bake.
- To the scooped potatoes, add the softened cream cheese, sour cream, whole milk, softened salted butter, garlic powder, and ground pepper. Mix thoroughly until all ingredients are well combined and the mixture is smooth and creamy. You can achieve this by hand with a sturdy potato masher for a slightly rustic texture, or for ultimate smoothness, use a hand mixer on medium speed. Avoid over-mixing if using a mixer, as this can lead to gummy potatoes.
- Now, it’s time to add the delicious mix-ins! Stir in half of the shredded cheddar cheese, three-quarters of the cooked and crumbled bacon bits, and half of the sliced green onions into the potato mixture. Gently fold these ingredients in until evenly distributed. Remember to reserve the remaining cheese, bacon, and green onions for a glorious topping and garnish later.
- Lightly spray a 9×13-inch casserole dish with non-stick cooking spray. Evenly spread the potato mixture into the prepared dish. Once the potato base is smooth, generously sprinkle the remaining cheddar cheese over the entire top of the casserole. This cheese will melt beautifully, forming a delicious, golden crust.
- Bake at 375°F (190°C) for approximately 20-25 minutes. The casserole is ready when the cheese on top is beautifully melted, bubbly, and the filling is heated through. For an extra golden-brown, crispy cheese topping, you can switch your oven to broil for 1-2 minutes at the very end. Keep a close eye on it to prevent burning!
- Once out of the oven, allow the casserole to rest for a few minutes before garnishing. Sprinkle with the reserved crumbled bacon and freshly sliced green onions for a final flourish of flavor and visual appeal. Serve warm and enjoy!
Pro Tips & Frequently Asked Questions for Perfect Potato Casserole
Absolutely! This casserole is a fantastic make-ahead dish, perfect for busy holidays or entertaining. You can fully prepare the casserole, up to the point of the final bake, a day in advance. Once assembled, cover the dish tightly with plastic wrap or an air-tight lid and store it in the refrigerator. When you’re ready to bake, remove the dish from the refrigerator and let it rest at room temperature for about 20-25 minutes. This step is particularly important if you are using a glass baking dish, as it helps prevent thermal shock and ensures even heating. Then, proceed with baking as directed.
Yes, this potato casserole freezes beautifully! After baking, allow the casserole to cool completely to room temperature. This prevents ice crystals from forming. Once cooled, wrap it tightly in a few layers of plastic wrap, followed by a layer of heavy-duty aluminum foil. This double-layer protection helps prevent freezer burn. You can freeze the casserole for up to 2 months. To reheat, thaw the frozen casserole overnight in the refrigerator. Once thawed, you can reheat it in a 350°F (175°C) oven until warmed through, usually about 30-45 minutes, or in the microwave for individual servings.
Store any leftover twice baked potato casserole in an air-tight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Proper storage ensures freshness and prevents spoilage. When reheating, you can choose between a conventional oven or a microwave. For best results and to retain some crispiness on the cheese topping, reheat in a 350°F (175°C) oven until hot. If you’re short on time, individual servings can be quickly reheated in the microwave, though the texture of the topping may be softer.
For the best flavor and texture, we recommend using thick-cut smoked bacon. The robust flavor of smoked bacon truly stands out, and the thick-cut variety ensures you get satisfyingly crispy crumbles that hold up well in the creamy potato mixture. If you prefer, a good quality unsmoked bacon will also work, but consider adding a pinch of smoked paprika to the potatoes to enhance the savory depth.
Absolutely! This casserole is quite versatile. While the classic combination is irresistible, you can easily customize it with other vegetables. Consider adding finely diced sautéed bell peppers (red or green) for color and a hint of sweetness, or a handful of cooked, drained corn kernels. Caramelized onions would also be a fantastic addition, bringing a deep, sweet, and savory note. Just ensure any added vegetables are cooked and drained of excess moisture before mixing them into the potato base to avoid making the casserole watery.
Perfect Pairings: What to Serve with This Loaded Potato Casserole
This twice baked potato casserole isn’t just a side dish; it’s a statement! Its rich, creamy, and savory profile makes it an incredibly versatile accompaniment that pairs beautifully with a wide array of main courses. Think of it as the ultimate comfort food side, ready to complement anything from a weeknight family meal to a festive holiday spread. It’s truly fantastic alongside grilled favorites such as juicy steak, perfectly seared chicken, or tender pork chops. It also makes a wonderful partner to classic dishes like hearty meatloaf, succulent roast chicken, or a delicate pork tenderloin. Essentially, anything you would typically serve with mashed potatoes will be elevated by this loaded casserole.
We particularly love bringing this impressive dish to potlucks and holiday parties. It’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that consistently disappears from the table quickly! For an extra touch of freshness and flavor, remember to garnish each serving with a sprinkle of additional crumbled bacon and thinly sliced green onions just before serving. The vibrant colors and textures make for a stunning presentation. Prepare for rave reviews and empty casserole dishes!
Explore More Irresistible Potato Recipes
If you love the comforting versatility of potatoes as much as we do, you’re in for a treat! Here are some other fantastic potato-centric recipes that are sure to become new favorites:
- Creamy and Cheesy Funeral Potatoes
- Rich and Flavorful Garlic Mashed Potatoes
- Indulgent Bacon Three Cheese Potatoes
- Hearty Loaded Mashed Potato Casserole
I absolutely adore spending time in the kitchen, crafting delicious recipes, and sharing my culinary adventures with all of you! Remembering to revisit my blog every day for new creations can be a challenge, which is why I’ve made it easy for you. I offer a convenient newsletter that delivers a brand new recipe directly to your inbox every time I post. Simply subscribe today and start receiving your free daily recipes to inspire your next meal!
Twice Baked Potato Casserole
IMPORTANT – There are often Frequently Asked Questions within the blog post that you may find helpful. Simply scroll back up to read them!
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Ingredients
- 5 pounds russet potatoes (8-10 potatoes)
- 4 ounces cream cheese (softened at room temperature)
- 1 cup sour cream (full fat recommended)
- 1 cup whole milk
- ¼ cup salted butter (softened)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon ground pepper
- 4 cups shredded cheddar cheese (divided)
- 12 slices bacon (cooked and crumbled, divided)
- 6 green onions (sliced, divided)
Things You’ll Need
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Baking sheet
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Large mixing bowl
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Potato Masher or hand mixer
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13×9 baking dish
Before You Begin: Essential Tips for Success
- For the ultimate creamy texture, we highly recommend using starchy russet potatoes. However, Idaho or even Yukon Gold potatoes are also great choices that will yield delicious results.
- Always ensure your cream cheese and butter are softened to room temperature before beginning. This simple step is vital for achieving a smooth, well-combined potato mixture without any lumps.
- While classic sharp cheddar cheese offers a fantastic flavor, feel free to experiment! A blend of mozzarella and cheddar, or even pepper jack, can add exciting twists to the flavor profile of your casserole.
- To achieve the richest and most luxurious consistency, opt for full-fat sour cream and whole milk. These ingredients significantly contribute to the decadent mouthfeel of the casserole.
- Crispy, flavorful bacon is key! Cook your bacon until it’s perfectly crisp, then crumble it for incorporation into the potatoes and as a garnish.
- Don’t forget the fresh green onions for a pop of color and a mild, savory lift that balances the richness of the dairy and cheese.
Instructions
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Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
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Wash potatoes and poke holes into each with a fork. Place the potatoes on a baking sheet and bake for about 60-75 minutes, or until easily pierced with a fork. Alternatively, boil the potatoes until tender.
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Once cool enough to handle (but still warm), cut the potatoes in half lengthwise, scoop out the flesh into a large mixing bowl (discarding skins). Reduce oven heat to 375°F (190°C).
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Add cream cheese, sour cream, milk, salted butter, garlic powder, and ground pepper to the potatoes. Mix well using a potato masher or hand mixer until creamy.
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Mix in half of the cheddar cheese, ¾ of the crumbled bacon bits, and half of the sliced green onions, reserving the rest for topping and garnish.
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Lightly spray a 9×13 casserole dish and transfer the mixture into it. Top evenly with the remaining cheddar cheese.
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Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly. For a golden top, broil for a couple of minutes if desired (watch closely!).
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Garnish with the reserved bacon and green onions, then serve warm.
Expert Tips & FAQs
- Make Ahead – This casserole is perfect for preparing in advance! Assemble it a day ahead, cover tightly with plastic wrap or an air-tight lid, and refrigerate. Before baking, allow it to sit at room temperature for 20-25 minutes (especially with glass dishes) to ensure even heating.
- Storing Leftovers – Store any leftover casserole in an air-tight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat in a 350°F (175°C) oven until warmed through, or use the microwave for quick individual servings.
- Freezing – Yes, you can freeze this delicious casserole! Once baked and completely cooled, wrap it in several layers of plastic wrap and then a layer of aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
- Bacon Choice – For the best flavor and texture, opt for thick-cut smoked bacon, cooked to a perfect crisp. It adds an unbeatable savory depth and satisfying crunch.
- Customization – Don’t hesitate to add other cooked and drained vegetables like finely diced bell peppers or corn for extra color and flavor.
Nutrition
The recipes on this blog are tested with a conventional gas oven and gas stovetop. It’s important to note that some ovens, especially as they age, can cook and bake inconsistently. Using an inexpensive oven thermometer can assure you that your oven is truly heating to the proper temperature. If you use a toaster oven or countertop oven, please keep in mind that they may not distribute heat the same as a conventional full sized oven and you may need to adjust your cooking/baking times. In the case of recipes made with a pressure cooker, air fryer, slow cooker, or other appliance, a link to the appliances we use is listed within each respective recipe. For baking recipes where measurements are given by weight, please note that results may not be the same if cups are used instead, and we can’t guarantee success with that method.