Description
This Twice Baked Potato Casserole is a comforting and cheesy side dish perfect for family dinners. Made with tender baked potatoes, crispy bacon, melted cheddar cheese, and seasoned sour cream, this recipe delivers creamy, flavorful layers baked to perfection. Ideal for gatherings or a cozy meal, it offers a rich, savory twist on classic baked potatoes.
Ingredients
Scale
Potatoes
- 2 large baking potatoes
Bacon & Cheese
- ½ pound lean bacon
- 1 ½ cups shredded mild Cheddar cheese (divided)
Dairy and Fats
- ½ cup sour cream
- ¼ cup milk
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter (melted)
Seasonings
- 1 teaspoon dried chives
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (205°C) to prepare for baking the potatoes.
- Prepare Dairy Ingredients: Set out the butter, sour cream, and milk to allow them to come to room temperature for optimal mixing.
- Bake Potatoes: Scrub the potatoes clean, dry them thoroughly, then rub each with canola oil to promote crisp skins. Place them on a baking sheet and bake for 40 minutes or until they are tender when pierced with a fork.
- Cook Bacon: While the potatoes bake, cook the bacon over low heat until crispy. Once cooked, drain the bacon on paper towels and let it cool.
- Prepare Potatoes for Mashing: Lower the oven temperature to 350°F (175°C). Peel the skins off all but two of the potatoes, then cut the peeled potatoes into thirds and place them into a mixing bowl.
- Mash the Potato Mixture: Crumble the bacon, reserving some pieces for topping. Mash the cut potatoes with the melted butter, sour cream, half of the cheddar cheese, and the dried chives, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper.
- Add Milk: Gradually add the milk to the mashed potatoes while continuing to mash until the mixture is creamy and smooth.
- Assemble Casserole: Spread the creamy mashed potato mixture evenly into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Top with the reserved bacon pieces and the remaining shredded cheddar cheese.
- Bake Until Golden: Bake the casserole in the preheated 350°F oven for 20-25 minutes until heated through and the cheese is melted and slightly golden.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove from the oven and garnish with chopped green onions before serving for an added fresh flavor and color.
Notes
- Use baking potatoes like Russets for the best texture and flavor.
- Allowing dairy ingredients to come to room temperature helps achieve a smoother mash.
- For extra crisp bacon, cook over low heat slowly rather than high heat quickly.
- You can substitute sour cream with Greek yogurt for a tangier taste and healthier option.
- Optional garnish with chopped green onions adds a nice fresh bite.
- This casserole is great for meal prepping and reheats well.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: twice baked potato, potato casserole, bacon and cheese potatoes, creamy potato bake, comfort food side dish
