Twice Baked Potato Casserole Recipe
Need a divine and tasty twice baked potato casserole recipe? Get the ingredients and recipe instructions below!
Twice Baked Potato Casserole is the ultimate comfort dish, combining the creamy, savory flavors of twice baked potatoes with the ease of a shareable casserole.
Perfect for holidays, potlucks, or a cozy family dinner, this casserole is guaranteed to impress.
Let’s dive into the details of how to make this hearty dish.
What is Twice Baked Potato Casserole?
This casserole is a deconstructed version of the classic twice baked potato. Instead of individually preparing potatoes, everything is mixed into one creamy, cheesy dish, then baked until golden and bubbly. With crispy bacon, melted cheese, and a tangy sour cream base, it’s a versatile side dish that pairs with just about anything.
Ingredients for Twice Baked Potato Casserole
Main Ingredients
- 8 medium potatoes: Scrubbed and dried for a hearty base.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil: Helps crisp up the potato skins.
- 1 tablespoon kosher salt: Enhances the potato flavor.
- ½ pound bacon: Cooked and chopped for smoky flavor.
- 6 ounces sharp cheddar cheese: Shredded for richness.
- ¾ cup mayonnaise: Adds creaminess.
- ¾ cup sour cream: Provides tangy richness.
- 4 green onions: Sliced for freshness.
- Salt and pepper to taste
Topping Ingredients
- ¼ pound bacon: Cooked and chopped for crunch.
- 2 ounces sharp cheddar cheese: Shredded to create a melty topping.
- 2 green onions: Sliced for garnish.
Substitutions and Variations
- Potatoes: Swap russet potatoes for Yukon Gold for a creamier texture.
- Cheese: Try Monterey Jack, Gruyère, or a spicy pepper jack.
- Bacon: Use turkey bacon for a lighter option or omit for a vegetarian version.
- Mayo & Sour Cream: Replace with Greek yogurt for a healthier twist.
- Add-ins: Incorporate steamed broccoli, sautéed mushrooms, or diced ham for extra flavor.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Bake the Potatoes
- Preheat Oven: Set your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Prepare Potatoes: Rub potatoes with olive oil and salt, then place on a baking sheet.
- Bake: Bake for 45-60 minutes, flipping halfway through, until tender.
- Cool: Allow potatoes to cool for 15 minutes to handle easily.
Step 2: Assemble the Casserole
- Reduce Oven Temp: Lower to 350°F (175°C).
- Prep Dish: Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Cut Potatoes: Cut cooled potatoes into chunks or mash slightly for texture.
- Mix Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine potatoes, bacon, cheddar cheese, mayonnaise, sour cream, green onions, salt, and pepper.
- Transfer: Spread mixture evenly in the prepared baking dish.
Step 3: Add Toppings and Bake
- Top: Sprinkle bacon, cheese, and green onions over the potato mixture.
- Bake: Cover with foil and bake for 30 minutes. Remove foil and bake another 10 minutes for a golden, bubbly top.
- Garnish: Sprinkle with extra green onions before serving.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Undercooked Potatoes: Ensure potatoes are fully tender before cutting.
- Overmixing: Avoid mashing too much for a gummy texture.
- Skipping Foil: Covering with foil helps heat evenly without burning the cheese.
- Lack of Seasoning: Don’t skimp on salt and pepper to enhance flavors.
Serving and Presentation
Pairing Suggestions
- Proteins: Grilled chicken, steak, or barbecue ribs.
- Vegetables: Serve with roasted green beans or a crisp side salad.
- Bread: Warm dinner rolls for a complete comfort meal.
Presentation Tips
- Garnish Generously: Add extra green onions or a sprinkle of paprika.
- Use Ramekins: For individual portions, bake in ramekins for an elegant touch.
- Serve Warm: Ensure the casserole is hot for the best flavor and texture.
Recipe Tips
- Make Ahead: Assemble the casserole a day before and refrigerate. Bring to room temperature before baking.
- Freezing: Freeze before baking. Thaw overnight in the fridge, then bake as directed.
- Customizable Toppings: Add extra cheese, crispy onions, or parsley to elevate the dish.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I make this without bacon?
Yes, omit the bacon and consider adding sautéed mushrooms or roasted veggies for extra flavor.
Q: How do I store leftovers?
Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave until warmed through.
Q: Can I use sweet potatoes?
Absolutely! Sweet potatoes add a natural sweetness that pairs well with the savory toppings.
Q: Can I freeze this casserole?
Yes, assemble and freeze before baking. Thaw overnight, then bake as directed.
Twice Baked Potato Casserole Recipe
Ingredients
- 8 medium potatoes: Scrubbed and dried
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp kosher salt
- ½ lb bacon, cooked and chopped
- 6 oz sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- ¾ cup mayonnaise
- ¾ cup sour cream
- 4 green onions, sliced
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Topping: ¼ lb bacon, 2 oz cheddar cheese, 2 green onions
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Bake potatoes for 45-60 minutes until tender. Cool slightly.
- Lower oven temp to 350°F (175°C). Grease a baking dish.
- Cut potatoes into chunks. Mix with bacon, cheese, mayo, sour cream, green onions, salt, and pepper.
- Spread mixture in the baking dish. Top with bacon, cheese, and green onions.
- Cover with foil and bake for 30 minutes. Remove foil and bake another 10 minutes.
Conclusion
Twice Baked Potato Casserole is the ultimate side dish for any occasion.
With its creamy, cheesy, and savory flavors, it’s sure to be a hit at family dinners, potlucks, or holiday gatherings.
Customize it with your favorite toppings and enjoy the comfort of this classic dish.
Give it a try—you won’t be disappointed!