If you love comfort food that feels like a warm hug on a plate, this Twice Baked Potato Casserole Recipe is going to become your new best friend. Creamy mashed potatoes loaded with melted cheese, crispy bacon, and a touch of fresh green onions baked to perfection create a dish that’s irresistibly satisfying. It’s like all the best parts of a twice baked potato, but easier to make and perfect for sharing with a crowd. Whether for a family dinner or a festive gathering, this casserole brings rich flavors and cozy vibes in every serving.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Each ingredient in this Twice Baked Potato Casserole Recipe has its own special role, making the dish rich, creamy, and full of flavor. These are simple pantry staples that come together to create something extraordinary, so get ready to gather some delicious essentials.
- 8 medium russet potatoes: The hearty base that bakes up fluffy and perfect for mashing.
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter: Adds creamy richness without overpowering the other flavors.
- â…” cup sour cream: Introduces a tangy creaminess to balance the potatoes.
- â…“ cup heavy cream: Makes the casserole silky and smooth, with extra cream added for texture if needed.
- 1 teaspoon salt: Enhances all the flavors naturally.
- ½ teaspoon ground black pepper: Adds just the right hint of warmth and spice.
- 2 cups shredded Colby Jack cheese: Divided for mixing and topping, it melts beautifully with a mild, creamy flavor.
- 8 slices bacon: Cooked and crumbled, providing crispy bits that bring savory depth.
- 5 green onions: Chopped and divided, they offer fresh brightness and a mild onion crunch.
How to Make Twice Baked Potato Casserole Recipe
Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Dish
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F. While it’s warming up, grab a 1 ½-quart baking dish and give it a light spray with nonstick spray to make sure nothing sticks during baking. This little prep makes cleanup a total breeze.
Step 2: Scoop and Mash the Potatoes
Slice your warm baked russet potatoes in half lengthwise, then carefully scoop out the soft flesh into a large mixing bowl. Add the room temperature butter, and grab your potato masher—now it’s time to mash everything into a smooth, creamy base that’s the foundation of this casserole.
Step 3: Mix in the Creamy Essentials
Next, stir in the sour cream, heavy cream, salt, and black pepper for a luscious blend. If you want your casserole extra creamy, don’t hesitate to add a little more heavy cream here. This mixture is what transforms plain potatoes into a velvety dream.
Step 4: Add Cheese, Bacon, and Green Onions
Mix in half the shredded Colby Jack cheese, half of the crispy crumbled bacon, and half of the chopped green onions. This combination will infuse your casserole with cheesy gooeyness plus bursts of smoky and fresh flavors in every bite.
Step 5: Assemble the Casserole
Transfer your sumptuous potato mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly to form a nice flat surface. Sprinkle the remaining cheese and bacon evenly over the top to create a golden, bubbly crust when baked.
Step 6: Bake Covered
Cover the casserole with aluminum foil and bake for 20 minutes. Covering helps the casserole stay moist and allows the flavors to meld while gently warming everything through.
Step 7: Bake Uncovered and Garnish
Remove the foil and bake for another 10 minutes to melt the cheese perfectly and crisp up the topping. When it’s done, sprinkle the remaining green onions for a fresh, colorful finish before serving.
How to Serve Twice Baked Potato Casserole Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of fresh chopped green onions or chives adds a lovely pop of color and a subtle onion bite that complements the creamy casserole beautifully. You can also add a dollop of sour cream or a few extra crumbles of cooked bacon for a garnished masterpiece.
Side Dishes
This Twice Baked Potato Casserole Recipe pairs wonderfully with a crisp green salad or steamed vegetables to balance out its richness. For heartier meals, serve alongside roasted chicken or grilled steak for a complete, crowd-pleasing feast.
Creative Ways to Present
For a festive touch, serve the casserole in individual ramekins topped with personalized garnishes. You can also layer it as part of a comforting buffet or holiday spread, inviting everyone to dig into a cheesy, bacon-filled delight.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once your Twice Baked Potato Casserole Recipe is cooled, cover it tightly with plastic wrap or foil and store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. It makes a perfect next-day side or snack that reheats just like fresh.
Freezing
This casserole freezes beautifully—wrap it well in foil and place in an airtight container or freezer bag. It can be frozen for up to 2 months. When you’re ready, thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat covered in a 350°F oven until warmed through, about 20-25 minutes, or microwave individual portions for a quick fix. Adding a little extra shredded cheese on top before reheating keeps it extra melty and delicious.
FAQs
Can I use sweet potatoes instead of russet potatoes?
Absolutely! Sweet potatoes add a lovely natural sweetness and vibrant color, giving this Twice Baked Potato Casserole Recipe a different but equally delicious twist.
Is it possible to make this dish vegetarian?
Yes! Simply omit the bacon and consider adding sautéed mushrooms or caramelized onions to keep the casserole flavorful and hearty.
Can I prepare the casserole ahead of time without baking?
Yes, you can prepare everything up to the baking stage, cover, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. This makes your meal prep quick and easy on the day of serving.
What type of cheese works best for this casserole?
Colby Jack is perfect for its mild flavor and great melting qualities, but feel free to experiment with cheddar or Monterey Jack if you want a sharper or creamier taste.
How can I make the casserole extra creamy?
Adding a bit more heavy cream or sour cream to your mashed potatoes will give you that extra luscious texture that makes this Twice Baked Potato Casserole Recipe truly indulgent.
Final Thoughts
This Twice Baked Potato Casserole Recipe is a comforting, crowd-pleasing dish that’s easy to make and even easier to love. Whether you’re feeding a family or bringing a flavorful side to your next gathering, it’s guaranteed to delight with its creamy potatoes, crispy bacon, and melty cheese. Don’t wait to give it a try and watch it become a staple in your recipe rotation—comfort food heaven is just a bake away!
