Cheesy Twice Baked Potato Casserole Recipe for Cozy Dinners

Comfort food reaches new heights with this creamy twice baked potato casserole that brings together crispy bacon, melted cheese, and tender potatoes.

Every forkful promises a delightful blend of rich, savory flavors that warm the soul.

The golden-brown surface hints at the delectable layers waiting underneath.

Crisp green onions add a fresh pop of color and zesty crunch to this hearty dish.

Packed with classic ingredients and simple preparation, this casserole transforms ordinary potatoes into an extraordinary meal.

Cheesy, indulgent, and utterly irresistible, this recipe will become your new go-to side dish for any gathering.

Serve it hot and watch as everyone asks for seconds.

FAQs

• What ingredients make this Twice Baked Potato Casserole special?

This casserole combines classic potato ingredients like cheddar and Monterey Jack cheese, crispy bacon, and fresh green onions, creating a rich, flavorful comfort food that elevates traditional mashed potatoes.

• Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the casserole earlier in the day and refrigerate it before baking. Just add an extra 10-15 minutes to the baking time if you’re cooking it straight from the refrigerator.

• Is this dish good for feeding a crowd?

Absolutely! This recipe serves about 6-8 people and can easily be doubled for larger gatherings. It’s a crowd-pleaser that works great for potlucks, family dinners, and holiday side dishes.

• Can I use different types of cheese?

Definitely! While cheddar and Monterey Jack work perfectly, you can substitute with other melting cheeses like gruyère, gouda, or pepper jack for a unique flavor twist.

Reasons to Make Twice Baked Potato Casserole

• A creamy, cheesy potato casserole that delivers ultimate comfort with minimal kitchen effort, perfect for busy home cooks wanting a delicious meal without complicated techniques.
• Ideal for family dinners, potlucks, and gatherings where everyone craves a hearty side dish that appeals to both kids and adults with its rich, familiar flavors.
• Easily adaptable recipe allows swapping ingredients, adding extra toppings like jalapeños or different cheese varieties, making it a flexible dish that suits various taste preferences.
• Prep ahead and reheat, making it an excellent option for those wanting to plan meals in advance or create quick, satisfying dinners after a long day.

What You’ll Need for Twice Baked Potato Casserole

• Potatoes: Starchy vegetables that provide the hearty base for this comforting casserole.
• Butter: Adds rich, creamy flavor and helps create a smooth texture.
• Sour Cream: Contributes tanginess and helps create a creamy consistency.

• Cheddar Cheese, Monterey Jack Cheese: Melty cheeses that provide sharp and creamy flavor layers.
• Bacon: Crispy, salty meat that adds smoky depth and crunch to the casserole.

• Onion Powder, Garlic Powder: Provides subtle, aromatic background flavor to enhance the potato mixture.
• Salt, Pepper: Essential seasonings that balance and bring out the natural flavors of the ingredients.
• Green Onions: Fresh herb that adds a mild, sharp note and bright color to the dish.

• Milk: Helps create a smooth, creamy texture and prevents the casserole from becoming too dry.

Steps to Make Twice Baked Potato Casserole

Step 1: Prepare Potatoes for Baking

Preheat the oven to 375°F.

Thoroughly wash potatoes and use a fork to create small punctures across the surface.

Place potatoes directly on the oven rack and bake for 45-60 minutes until they feel soft when pierced with a fork.

Step 2: Cool and Peel Potatoes

Remove potatoes from the oven and immediately submerge them in ice water.

This technique helps the skin slip off easily.

Gently remove the skin using your fingers and chop the potatoes into chunky cubes.

Step 3: Create Creamy Potato Base

Transfer potato chunks to a large mixing bowl.

• Butter
• Sour cream
• Milk
• Onion powder
• Garlic powder
• Salt
• Black pepper
• Cheddar cheese
• Monterey Jack cheese
• Crumbled bacon
• Green onions

Mash everything together, maintaining a slightly chunky texture for added character.

Step 4: Assemble Casserole Layers

Grease a 2-quart baking dish and spread the potato mixture evenly.

• Cheese
• Bacon bits
• Chopped green onions

Step 5: Bake and Melt

Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake at 375°F for 30 minutes.

Remove foil and continue baking for an additional 10 minutes until cheese becomes golden and bubbly.

Step 6: Serve and Savor

Allow the casserole to rest for a few minutes before serving.

Enjoy the rich, comforting flavors of this delightful potato dish.

Tips to Get That Creamy, Cheesy Finish

• Use starchy russet potatoes for the fluffiest, most creamy consistency that melts in your mouth.
• Pat potatoes dry after boiling to remove excess moisture, ensuring a rich and thick casserole texture.
• Cook bacon separately until extra crispy, then crumble to maintain its satisfying crunch throughout the dish.
• Roast garlic before adding to the mixture for a deeper, more complex and robust taste profile.
• Prepare the casserole ahead of time and refrigerate, then bake when ready to serve for maximum convenience and minimal day-of cooking stress.

How to Store and Reheat Potato Casserole Easily

• Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keep in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days, ensuring the container is sealed tightly to maintain freshness and prevent moisture absorption.
• Transfer cooled casserole to a freezer-safe dish with an airtight lid. Wrap securely with plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 2 months. Label with the date to track storage time.
• Place individual portions on a microwave-safe plate. Cover with a damp paper towel to prevent drying. Heat on medium power in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval until thoroughly warmed.
• Preheat oven to 350°F. Remove casserole from refrigerator and let sit at room temperature for 15 minutes. Cover with foil to prevent excessive browning. Bake for 20-25 minutes until heated completely through, removing foil during the last 5 minutes for crispy top.

What to Serve With Potato Casserole

Savor Flavor-Packed Pairings: Perfect Companions for Twice Baked Potato Casserole

• Beef It Up: Pair this creamy potato casserole with a juicy grilled ribeye steak or tender roast beef for a hearty protein-rich meal that satisfies deep comfort food cravings.
• Wine Wonderland: Select a medium-bodied red wine like Pinot Noir or Zinfandel to complement the rich, cheesy potato flavors and cut through the creamy texture with its bright acidity.
• Fresh Contrast: Balance the heavy casserole with a crisp, light side salad featuring mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, and a tangy vinaigrette to add refreshing brightness and nutritional balance.
• Herb-Infused Brew: Match the casserole with a craft amber ale or hoppy pale ale that echoes the dish's robust flavors and provides a complementary malty undertone.

Delicious Ways to Remix Your Potato Casserole

• Vegan Potato Comfort: Replace dairy with cashew cream, nutritional yeast, and plant-based cheese alternatives. Use smoked tofu or tempeh bacon crumbles instead of traditional bacon for protein and smoky flavor.
• Herb-Infused Potato Delight: Add fresh rosemary, thyme, and sage to elevate the potato mixture. Incorporate roasted garlic for deeper, more complex flavor profile.
• Low-Carb Cauliflower Swap: Substitute potatoes with steamed cauliflower florets. Use Greek yogurt for creaminess and add extra sharp cheddar to maintain rich taste. Top with crispy turkey bacon for lower-fat protein option.
• Gluten-Free Wellness Bowl: Ensure all ingredients are certified gluten-free. Add chopped spinach or kale for extra nutrients. Sprinkle almond flour or gluten-free breadcrumbs on top for added crunch before final baking.

Twice Baked Potato Casserole Recipe

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4.7 from 25 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 25 minutes
• Yield: 8 1x

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Description

Rich, cheesy twice baked potato casserole delivers comfort in every creamy, golden-brown bite. Potatoes layered with crispy bacon, sharp cheddar, and green onions create a hearty side dish that will satisfy hungry diners at any gathering.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 6 potatoes (russet or gold)
• 1 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
• 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
• 8 slices bacon (cooked crispy and crumbled)

Dairy and Liquid Ingredients:

• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 3/4 cup sour cream
• 1/2 cup whole or 2% milk

Seasoning Ingredients:

• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon fresh ground black pepper
• 4 green onions

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Instructions

1. Prepare potatoes by scrubbing clean and piercing with a fork. Roast at 375°F for 45-60 minutes until tender throughout, developing rich, earthy potato flavors.
2. Remove potatoes from oven and immediately submerge in ice water. Gently remove skins using fingertips, then slice into substantial chunks in a spacious mixing bowl.
3. While potatoes remain warm, incorporate butter, sour cream, milk, onion powder, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Blend ingredients using a masher, maintaining a rustic, slightly chunky texture.
4. Fold in half the cheddar, Monterey Jack, crumbled bacon, and chopped green onions into the potato mixture, ensuring even distribution of ingredients.
5. Transfer potato blend into a greased 2-quart baking dish, spreading evenly with a spatula. Garnish top with remaining cheese, bacon bits, and green onion slices.
6. Cover casserole with aluminum foil and return to 375°F oven. Bake covered for 30 minutes, then remove foil and continue baking 10 more minutes until cheese melts and surface turns golden.
7. Allow casserole to rest 5-7 minutes before serving, permitting flavors to settle and temperature to moderate for optimal enjoyment.

Notes

• Make sure potatoes are thoroughly dried before baking to achieve crispy skin and prevent excess moisture.
• Use starchy potatoes like Russet for the creamiest, fluffiest texture in the casserole.
• For a lighter version, substitute full-fat dairy with Greek yogurt, low-fat milk, and turkey bacon to reduce calories without sacrificing taste.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch, Appetizer
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 300
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 600 mg
• Fat: 18 g
• Saturated Fat: 10 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 32 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 10 g
• Cholesterol: 40 mg