Twice Baked Potato Casserole
Twice Baked Potato Casserole is a delicious twist on the classic baked potato, perfect for gatherings or family dinners. This dish combines creamy potatoes, crispy bacon, and melted cheese, making it a crowd-pleaser. Its rich flavors and easy preparation make it suitable for various occasions, from holidays to potlucks. Enjoy this comforting casserole as a side dish that will leave everyone asking for seconds.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Rich and Creamy Flavor: The combination of sour cream, cheddar cheese, and butter makes each bite melt-in-your-mouth delicious.
- Easy to Prepare: This casserole takes the hassle out of traditional twice-baked potatoes by mixing everything into one dish.
- Perfect for Sharing: With 12 servings, this twice baked potato casserole is ideal for parties or family gatherings, ensuring there’s enough to go around.
- Versatile Ingredients: You can customize the recipe with your favorite toppings or add-ins like green chiles or extra vegetables.
- Make-Ahead Option: Prepare it in advance and bake when you’re ready to serve, saving time on busy days.
Tools and Preparation
Using the right tools can simplify the cooking process and ensure your twice baked potato casserole turns out perfectly. Here’s what you’ll need:
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Baking sheet
- Large mixing bowl
- Potato masher
- Large skillet
- 13×9-inch baking dish
Importance of Each Tool
- Baking sheet: Essential for roasting the potatoes evenly without mess.
- Large mixing bowl: Provides enough space to mix all ingredients thoroughly without spilling.
- Potato masher: Helps create that perfect chunky texture in the potatoes.
- Large skillet: Ideal for cooking bacon to crispy perfection before adding it to the casserole.
Ingredients
- 6 large russet baking potatoes (About 4lbs)
- 1 Tbsp vegetable oil
- 2 tsp kosher salt
- 1 tsp cracked black pepper
- 12 oz bacon
- 1 8 oz container sour cream
- 1 cup half and half or heavy cream
- 1/2 cup salted butter, melted (plus 3 Tbsp sliced for dotting the top)
- 3 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese (divided use)
- 1 packet (1.0 oz) dry Ranch salad dressing mix
- 1 1/2 tsp garlic salt
- 1 tsp granulated garlic
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp cracked black pepper
- 1 small bunch green onions, thinly sliced
- Snipped chives or additional green onions for garnishing
How to Make Twice Baked Potato Casserole
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 450°F. Clean and scrub the potatoes thoroughly to remove any blemishes. Rub each potato with vegetable oil and sprinkle with kosher salt and cracked black pepper on all sides.
Step 2: Bake Potatoes
Pierce each potato several times with a knife. Place them on a baking sheet. Bake in the preheated oven for about 60–75 minutes, or until a knife easily glides through the middle. Once done, lower the oven temperature to 350°F.
Step 3: Cook Bacon
In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook the bacon until crispy. Remove from pan and place on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess fat. Chop or crumble the bacon once cooled and set aside.
Step 4: Prepare Potatoes for Mixing
Cut each baked potato in half lengthwise and scoop out the insides into a large mixing bowl using a spoon. Be careful not to tear the skins too much; you’ll use them later if desired.
Step 5: Mix Ingredients
To the bowl with mashed potatoes, add sour cream, half and half, melted butter, dry ranch seasoning mix, garlic salt, granulated garlic, onion powder, and cracked black pepper. Mix well until combined but keep some chunkiness.
Step 6: Add Bacon and Cheese
Fold in chopped bacon, two cups of shredded cheese, and sliced green onions into the mixture. Ensure everything is evenly distributed but reserve some bacon for garnishing later.
Step 7: Transfer Mixture to Baking Dish
Spray a 13×9-inch baking dish with cooking spray. Pour your creamy potato mixture into this dish. Top with remaining one cup of shredded cheese and dot with three tablespoons of sliced butter.
Step 8: Bake Casserole
Place in your preheated oven at 350°F and bake for about 35–45 minutes until golden brown and bubbly on top.
Step 9: Garnish and Serve
Once baked, garnish your twice baked potato casserole with reserved bacon bits and fresh chives before serving hot!
How to Serve Twice Baked Potato Casserole
Twice Baked Potato Casserole is a versatile dish that can elevate any meal. It pairs well with various foods, making it a favorite for gatherings and family dinners.
As a Main Dish
- Add protein: Serve with grilled chicken or steak for a hearty meal.
- Vegetarian option: Pair with a fresh salad to keep it light and healthy.
At BBQs or Picnics
- Serve warm: This casserole holds heat well, making it perfect for outdoor events.
- Pair with baked beans: The sweetness of baked beans complements the savory flavors of the casserole.
With Breakfast Dishes
- Include with eggs: Serve alongside scrambled eggs or an omelet for a filling breakfast.
- Offer as brunch: Perfect for brunch tables, this casserole can be easily reheated.
As Party Food
- Buffet style: Place in a large dish for guests to serve themselves at parties.
- Garnish attractively: Top with extra chives and bacon for visual appeal.
How to Perfect Twice Baked Potato Casserole
To ensure your Twice Baked Potato Casserole turns out perfectly every time, consider these helpful tips.
- Use starchy potatoes: Russet potatoes provide the best texture for mashing.
- Don’t over-mash: Leave some chunks for added texture and heartiness.
- Adjust seasoning: Taste the mixture before baking and adjust salt or spices as needed.
- Add more cheese: Feel free to sprinkle extra cheese on top before baking for a cheesier flavor.
- Bake until bubbly: Ensure it’s golden brown on top for that perfect finish.
- Let it rest: Allow it to sit for a few minutes after baking; this helps set the layers.
Best Side Dishes for Twice Baked Potato Casserole
When serving Twice Baked Potato Casserole, complement it with these delightful side dishes that enhance its flavors.
- Grilled Vegetables: A colorful mix of zucchini, bell peppers, and asparagus adds freshness and crunch.
- Caesar Salad: Crisp romaine lettuce tossed in creamy dressing provides a nice contrast to the rich casserole.
- Corn on the Cob: Sweet corn pairs perfectly with the savory elements of the casserole.
- Coleslaw: A tangy coleslaw can add a refreshing bite that balances the richness of the potato dish.
- Garlic Bread: Crunchy garlic bread is always a favorite and adds an extra layer of flavor to your meal.
- Roasted Brussels Sprouts: These offer a nutty taste that complements the cheesy goodness of the casserole.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When making Twice Baked Potato Casserole, it’s easy to make a few errors that can affect the final result. Here are some common mistakes to watch out for.
- Using unwashed potatoes – Always scrub your russet potatoes clean to remove dirt and pesticides. This ensures a tasty and safe dish.
- Mashing the potatoes too smooth – Aim for a chunky texture rather than completely smooth. This keeps the casserole hearty and flavorful.
- Skipping the seasoning – Don’t forget to season your potato mixture well. Adding garlic salt and ranch mix enhances the flavor significantly.
- Overbaking the casserole – Keep an eye on your casserole as it bakes. Overbaking can lead to dry potatoes instead of creamy goodness.
- Not garnishing before serving – A simple garnish of chives or green onions adds color and freshness, making your dish more inviting.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store leftovers in an airtight container.
- Consume within 3-5 days for the best flavor and freshness.
Freezing Twice Baked Potato Casserole
- Freeze in a freezer-safe container or wrap tightly in plastic wrap.
- Best used within 2-3 months for optimal taste.
Reheating Twice Baked Potato Casserole
- Oven – Preheat to 350°F and cover with foil. Heat for about 20-30 minutes until warmed through.
- Microwave – Place a serving in a microwave-safe dish and heat on high for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through.
- Stovetop – Heat in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a splash of milk or cream if it seems dry, stirring occasionally.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some frequently asked questions about Twice Baked Potato Casserole.
What is Twice Baked Potato Casserole?
Twice Baked Potato Casserole is a comforting side dish made from baked potatoes mixed with creamy ingredients like sour cream and cheese, then baked again until golden.
Can I customize my Twice Baked Potato Casserole?
Absolutely! You can add different cheeses, vegetables, or even proteins like chicken or ham to make it your own.
How do I make this recipe vegetarian?
To make a vegetarian version of Twice Baked Potato Casserole, simply omit the bacon or replace it with a plant-based alternative.
Is Twice Baked Potato Casserole gluten-free?
Yes, as long as you use gluten-free ranch dressing mix. Always check labels on packaged ingredients to ensure they meet gluten-free standards.
Final Thoughts
Twice Baked Potato Casserole is an incredible dish that offers comfort and satisfaction in every bite. It’s perfect for gatherings or as a side dish for any meal. Feel free to customize it with your favorite toppings or ingredients to suit your taste!
Twice Baked Potato Casserole
- Total Time: 1 hour 35 minutes
- Yield: Serves 12 1x
Description
Twice Baked Potato Casserole is a delightful, creamy twist on the classic baked potato, perfect for family gatherings and special occasions. This comforting dish combines fluffy russet potatoes with rich sour cream, crispy bacon, and gooey cheddar cheese, creating a flavor explosion that will leave everyone wanting more. Easy to prepare and ideal for sharing, this casserole is not just a side dish; it’s the star of any meal. Whether you’re hosting a holiday feast or a casual potluck, this Twice Baked Potato Casserole guarantees satisfaction in every bite.
Ingredients
- 6 large russet baking potatoes
- 12 oz bacon
- 1 cup half and half or heavy cream
- 1 cup sour cream
- 3 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1 packet dry Ranch dressing mix
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 450°F. Scrub potatoes, rub with vegetable oil, sprinkle with salt and pepper.
- Pierce potatoes with a knife and bake for 60–75 minutes until tender. Lower the oven to 350°F.
- Cook bacon in a skillet until crispy, then chop.
- Scoop out potato flesh into a bowl, mix with sour cream, cream, melted butter, ranch mix, garlic salt, and seasonings until combined.
- Fold in chopped bacon and two cups of cheese. Transfer to a greased baking dish.
- Top with remaining cheese and bake at 350°F for 35–45 minutes until golden.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 75 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/12 casserole (approximately 200g)
- Calories: 352
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 660mg
- Fat: 21g
- Saturated Fat: 11g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 10g
- Cholesterol: 43mg
