I absolutely love making Twice Baked Potato Casserole! It’s a comforting and hearty dish that is packed with flavor. The creamy mashed potatoes mixed with cheese, bacon, and green onions create a deliciously indulgent filling. And the best part? The crispy golden topping that forms when the casserole bakes in the oven.
It’s the ultimate side dish for any occasion, whether it’s a weeknight dinner or a special holiday gathering. Plus, it’s super easy to make – just bake, scoop, mix, and bake again! Trust me, once you try this casserole, you’ll be hooked.
Ingredients Needed for This Recipe
- 6 medium baked potatoes or boiled potatoes (see below)
- ¼ cup butter
- 4 oz cream cheese softened
- ⅔ cup sour cream
- ½ cup milk or cream (add more or less to taste)
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley chopped
- 2 cups cheddar cheese shredded
- 2 green onions thinly sliced
- 10 slices bacon cooked & crumbled
- salt & pepper to taste
Toppings:
- 1 green onion sliced
- 2 slices bacon cooked & crumbled
- ½ cup cheddar cheese
Instructions for Making Twice Baked Potato Casserole
- Preheat oven to 375°F.
- To make creamy mashed potatoes, use a potato masher to mash either warm baked or boiled potatoes. Then, mix in butter, cream cheese, and sour cream. Continue mashing while gradually adding milk or cream until you achieve a smooth and creamy texture.
- Incorporate the rest of the ingredients (excluding the toppings) and evenly distribute them in a casserole dish that can hold 2 quarts.
- Add toppings to the dish and cook in the oven for 25-30 minutes until the cheese has melted and the potatoes are heated through.
Tips for Perfecting the Recipe
Choose the Right Potatoes: For a casserole that’s creamy on the inside with just the right amount of crisp on the top, selecting the right type of potato is crucial. Russet potatoes are ideal for this recipe due to their high starch content, which lends to a fluffier texture when mashed.
Cooking the Potatoes: Whether you choose to bake or boil your potatoes, ensure they are cooked thoroughly but not overdone. Overcooked potatoes can become waterlogged, affecting the final texture of your casserole. If boiling, start them in cold water to cook evenly.
Achieving Creamy Consistency: The combination of butter, cream cheese, and sour cream is key to creating a rich and creamy texture. Adjust the milk or cream gradually to avoid making the mixture too runny. Room temperature ingredients blend more smoothly, so consider taking them out of the fridge ahead of time.
Seasoning: Don’t underestimate the power of seasoning. Salt and pepper are essentials, but garlic powder and fresh parsley can elevate the flavor profile. Taste as you go to ensure the seasoning is just right.
Cheese Matters: Using a good quality cheddar cheese makes a difference. For the best melt and flavor, grate your own cheese rather than buying pre-shredded, which often contains anti-caking agents that can affect the texture.
Crispy Bacon: For bacon that stays crispy, cook it until it’s just shy of your desired crispness before adding it to the casserole. It will continue to cook slightly in the oven.
Layering Flavors: Consider layering your ingredients for added texture and flavor. A layer of cheese in the middle as well as on top ensures every bite is cheesy and delicious.
Baking to Perfection: Bake the casserole until it’s heated through and the cheese is bubbly and golden brown. If the top starts to brown too quickly, cover it loosely with aluminum foil.
Serving Suggestions
Complementary Sides: This hearty casserole pairs well with lighter sides to balance the meal. Consider serving it with a crisp green salad, steamed vegetables, or a simple tomato soup for a comforting and rounded meal.
For Breakfast or Brunch: Transform the casserole into a breakfast dish by serving it with scrambled eggs, avocado slices, and a side of fruit. It’s a versatile dish that fits seamlessly into any meal of the day.
Customize Your Toppings: Offer a variety of toppings on the side, such as extra shredded cheese, sour cream, chopped chives, or hot sauce, allowing guests to customize their servings according to their preferences.
Pairing with Proteins: This casserole can stand as a side dish to main proteins. Serve it alongside grilled chicken, steak, or fish. The richness of the casserole complements these proteins beautifully.
Storage Tips
Cooling Down: Allow the casserole to cool to room temperature before storing to prevent condensation inside the container, which could make the potatoes soggy.
Refrigerating: Store the casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To maintain the best texture, cover the surface with plastic wrap before sealing the container lid.
Freezing: This casserole freezes well. Wrap it tightly with both plastic wrap and aluminum foil, or transfer it to a freezer-safe container. It can be frozen for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
Reheating: Reheat the casserole in the oven at 350°F until it’s heated through. If it seems dry, add a splash of milk or cream before reheating to bring back some of the creaminess.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this casserole ahead of time? Yes, you can assemble the casserole a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Add an extra 5-10 minutes to the baking time since you’ll be starting from a cold state.
Can I use other types of cheese? Absolutely. While cheddar is traditional, feel free to experiment with other types of cheese like Gouda, Monterey Jack, or a blend of your favorites for different flavors.
Is it possible to make this recipe lighter? For a lighter version, substitute Greek yogurt for sour cream, use low-fat milk, and reduce the amount of cheese and bacon. You can also add more vegetables like spinach or broccoli for added nutrients.
Can I add other vegetables to the casserole? Yes, adding vegetables like broccoli, bell peppers, or mushrooms can increase the nutritional value and add color and texture to the dish. Just make sure to cook any vegetables before adding them to the casserole to ensure they are tender.
What if I don’t have an oven? If you don’t have an oven, you can still enjoy a similar dish by making a mashed potato mixture with the same ingredients and serving it without the baked topping. While you won’t get the crispy cheese top, the flavors will still be delicious.
Twice Baked Potato Casserole
INGREDIENTS
- 6 medium baked potatoes or boiled potatoes see below
- ¼ cup butter
- 4 oz cream cheese softened
- ⅔ cup sour cream
- ½ cup milk or cream add more or less to taste
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley chopped
- 2 cups cheddar cheese shredded
- 2 green onions thinly sliced
- 10 slices bacon cooked & crumbled
- salt & pepper to taste
Toppings:
- 1 green onion sliced
- 2 slices bacon cooked & crumbled
- ½ cup cheddar cheese
INSTRUCTIONS
- Preheat oven to 375°F.
- To make creamy mashed potatoes, use a potato masher to mash either warm baked or boiled potatoes. Then, mix in butter, cream cheese, and sour cream. Continue mashing while gradually adding milk or cream until you achieve a smooth and creamy texture.
- Incorporate the rest of the ingredients (excluding the toppings) and evenly distribute them in a casserole dish that can hold 2 quarts.
- Add toppings to the dish and cook in the oven for 25-30 minutes until the cheese has melted and the potatoes are heated through.
