Twice Baked Potato Casserole Recipe

Craving the ultimate comfort food that brings together all your favorite potato flavors in one incredible dish? This Twice Baked Potato Casserole recipe is your answer to cozy weeknight dinners and impressive holiday sides alike.

Imagine fluffy, creamy potatoes loaded with cheese, bacon, and all the classic twice-baked potato toppings, but served family-style in a convenient casserole format. This recipe transforms the beloved individual twice-baked potato into a crowd-pleasing dish that’s perfect for feeding a group while delivering that same irresistible taste we all love.

What is “Twice Baked Potato Casserole”?

Twice Baked Potato Casserole takes all the beloved elements of traditional twice-baked potatoes and transforms them into an easy-to-serve casserole dish. Instead of individually stuffing potato skins, this recipe combines fluffy baked potato flesh with rich ingredients like sour cream, butter, cheese, and bacon in a single baking dish.

The “twice baked” element comes from first baking the potatoes until tender, then mixing the flesh with creamy ingredients and baking the mixture again until golden and bubbly. This method creates an incredibly creamy interior with a slightly crispy, cheese-topped exterior that’s absolutely irresistible.

This casserole version makes it perfect for potlucks, family gatherings, or any time you want that classic twice-baked potato flavor without the individual preparation work.

Ingredients List for Twice Baked Potato Casserole

For the Potatoes:

• 3 pounds russet potatoes (about 6-8 medium potatoes)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon salt

For the Casserole Mixture:

• ½ cup butter, softened
• ¾ cup sour cream
• ¼ cup cream cheese, softened
• ½ cup whole milk
• 1½ cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded (divided)
• 6 strips bacon, cooked and crumbled
• 3 green onions, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• ¼ teaspoon paprika

For Topping:

• ½ cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
• 2 strips bacon, cooked and crumbled
• 2 tablespoons fresh chives, chopped

How to Cook Twice Baked Potato Casserole: A Step-by-Step Guide

Creating the perfect Twice Baked Potato Casserole involves several key steps that build layers of flavor and texture. Here’s my detailed guide to ensure your casserole turns out creamy, cheesy, and absolutely delicious:

1. Prepare and Bake the Potatoes:

• Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
• Wash and scrub the russet potatoes thoroughly, then pierce each potato several times with a fork.
• Rub the potatoes with olive oil and sprinkle with salt for extra flavor and crispy skin.
• Place directly on the oven rack and bake for 45-60 minutes, until tender when pierced with a fork.

2. Cool and Scoop the Potatoes:

• Allow the potatoes to cool for about 10 minutes until they’re safe to handle.
• Cut each potato in half lengthwise and carefully scoop out the flesh, leaving about ¼ inch of potato attached to the skin.
• Place the potato flesh in a large mixing bowl and set aside. You can save the skins for another use or discard them.

3. Prepare the Bacon and Aromatics:

• While the potatoes are cooling, cook the bacon in a large skillet until crispy.
• Remove the bacon and drain on paper towels, then crumble into small pieces.
• Finely chop the green onions and mince the garlic.
• Set aside some bacon and green onions for the final topping.

4. Create the Creamy Base:

• Add the softened butter, sour cream, and cream cheese to the bowl with the potato flesh.
• Using a potato masher or electric mixer, mash the potatoes until smooth and creamy.
• Gradually add the milk, starting with 2 tablespoons and adding more as needed for your desired consistency.

5. Mix in the Flavorings:

• Fold in 1 cup of the shredded cheddar cheese (saving ½ cup for topping).
• Add the crumbled bacon (reserving some for garnish), chopped green onions, and minced garlic.
• Season with salt, pepper, and paprika, then taste and adjust seasonings as needed.

6. Assemble and Bake the Casserole:

• Reduce oven temperature to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
• Spread the potato mixture evenly in the prepared dish, smoothing the top with a spatula.
• Sprinkle the remaining ½ cup of cheddar cheese over the surface.
• Bake for 25-30 minutes, until the top is golden brown and the edges are bubbling.

7. Add Final Touches:

• Remove from oven and immediately sprinkle with the reserved crumbled bacon and fresh chives.
• Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes before serving to allow it to set properly.

Substitutions and Variations

I love how versatile this Twice Baked Potato Casserole recipe is! Here are some substitutions and variations you can try to customize it for your family’s preferences:

• Potato Types: While russet potatoes work best for their fluffy texture, you can use Yukon Gold potatoes for a creamier, slightly denser result.
• Cheese Options: Try Gruyere for a sophisticated flavor, pepper jack for heat, or a Mexican cheese blend for a southwestern twist.
• Dairy Alternatives: Substitute Greek yogurt for sour cream, or use plant-based alternatives like cashew cream and vegan cheese for a dairy-free version.
• Protein Variations: Replace bacon with ham, cooked sausage, or even seasoned ground turkey for different flavor profiles.
• Vegetarian Version: Skip the bacon and add roasted garlic, caramelized onions, or sautéed mushrooms for rich, savory flavor.
• Add Vegetables: Fold in steamed broccoli, roasted bell peppers, or corn for extra nutrition and color.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Having made this casserole countless times, I’ve learned to avoid these common pitfalls that can affect the final result:

• Using Undercooked Potatoes: Make sure your potatoes are completely tender before scooping. Undercooked potatoes will result in a lumpy, uneven texture.
• Adding Too Much Liquid: Start with less milk and add gradually. Too much liquid will make your casserole watery and prevent it from setting properly.
• Overmixing: Once you add the ingredients, mix just until combined. Overmixing can make the potatoes gluey rather than fluffy.
• Skipping the Seasoning Taste Test: Always taste your mixture before baking and adjust salt, pepper, and other seasonings as needed.
• Not Letting It Rest: Allow the casserole to cool for a few minutes after baking so it can firm up and be easier to serve.

How to Serve Twice Baked Potato Casserole

This versatile casserole works beautifully as both a side dish and a main course, depending on your menu. As a side dish, it pairs wonderfully with grilled steaks, roasted chicken, or holiday ham. The rich, creamy texture complements lean proteins perfectly.

For a complete meal, I love serving it alongside a crisp green salad with vinaigrette dressing to cut through the richness. Steamed vegetables like green beans or roasted Brussels sprouts also make excellent accompaniments.

During holidays, this casserole fits right in with traditional favorites while being much easier to serve than individual twice-baked potatoes.

Presentation Ideas for Twice Baked Potato Casserole

Make your Twice Baked Potato Casserole look as incredible as it tastes with these presentation ideas:

• Rustic Charm: Serve directly from the baking dish with a wooden spoon for a cozy, family-style presentation.
• Individual Portions: Divide the mixture among individual ramekins before the final baking for elegant single servings.
• Colorful Garnish: Top with a mixture of fresh herbs like chives, parsley, and dill for a beautiful pop of green color.
• Bacon Artistry: Arrange the final bacon pieces in an attractive pattern on top before serving.

Twice Baked Potato Casserole Recipe Tips

Here are my best tips for ensuring your casserole turns out perfectly every time:

• Choose the Right Potatoes: Russet potatoes have the best texture for this recipe due to their high starch content and fluffy interior.
• Don’t Skip the Salt: Properly seasoning each layer is crucial. Season the potatoes while they’re still warm for maximum flavor absorption.
• Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure your butter, sour cream, and cream cheese are at room temperature for easier mixing and smoother texture.
• Make-Ahead Friendly: Assemble the casserole up to 2 days ahead, cover tightly, and refrigerate. Add 10-15 minutes to the baking time if cooking from cold.
• Crispy Top Secret: For an extra crispy top, broil for the last 2-3 minutes of cooking time, watching carefully to prevent burning.

How to Store Twice Baked Potato Casserole

Proper storage will help you enjoy leftovers safely and maintain the best quality. Allow the casserole to cool completely to room temperature before covering tightly with plastic wrap or transferring to an airtight container.

Refrigerate for up to 4 days. When reheating, cover with foil and warm in a 350°F oven for 15-20 minutes, or until heated through. You can also reheat individual portions in the microwave for 1-2 minutes.

For longer storage, this casserole freezes well for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
A: Absolutely! You can assemble the entire casserole up to 2 days ahead and store it covered in the refrigerator. Just add 10-15 minutes to the baking time since it will be cold from the fridge.

Q: Can I freeze Twice Baked Potato Casserole?
A: Yes, this casserole freezes beautifully for up to 3 months. Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, or store in a freezer-safe container. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Q: What’s the best way to reheat leftovers?
A: Cover with foil and reheat in a 350°F oven for 15-20 minutes until warmed through. For individual portions, the microwave works well for 1-2 minutes.

Q: Can I make this dairy-free?
A: Yes! Substitute the butter with vegan butter, use coconut cream instead of sour cream, and choose your favorite dairy-free cheese. The results are still deliciously creamy.

Q: Why did my casserole turn out watery?
A: This usually happens when too much liquid is added. Start with less milk and add gradually until you reach the desired consistency. Also, make sure your potatoes are fully cooked and well-drained.

Q: Can I add other vegetables to this recipe?
A: Definitely! Steamed broccoli, roasted bell peppers, corn, or sautéed mushrooms all work well. Just make sure any vegetables you add are cooked and well-drained first.

Conclusion

This Twice Baked Potato Casserole recipe has become one of my go-to comfort food dishes because it delivers all the satisfaction of traditional twice-baked potatoes with half the work. The combination of fluffy potatoes, creamy dairy, sharp cheese, and smoky bacon creates a dish that’s both comforting and impressive enough for special occasions.

I love how this recipe brings people together around the dinner table, whether it’s a casual weeknight meal or a holiday celebration. The best part is watching everyone go back for seconds (and sometimes thirds!) because it’s just that irresistible.

Remember to take your time with each step, taste and adjust seasonings, and don’t be afraid to make this recipe your own with different cheese combinations or add-ins. With a little practice, you’ll have this crowd-pleasing casserole perfected and ready to become a family favorite. Happy cooking!