Twice Baked Potato Casserole

Few dishes capture the spirit of comfort food quite like Twice Baked Potato Casserole. This rich and creamy side dish transforms a classic favorite—twice-baked potatoes—into an easy-to-make, family-style casserole that’s perfect for every occasion. Whether you’re prepping for a holiday gathering, a backyard barbecue, a casual potluck, or just a cozy weeknight dinner, this recipe is guaranteed to deliver comfort in every spoonful.

Imagine the best parts of a loaded baked potato—cheesy, buttery mash, crispy bacon, tangy sour cream, and fresh green onions—all melded together in one bubbly, oven-baked dish. That’s exactly what you get here, minus the tedious task of scooping and stuffing potato skins. It’s practical, flavorful, and a certified crowd-pleaser.

Even better, this dish is make-ahead friendly, freezer-friendly, and endlessly customizable. Toss in your favorite cheese blend, a handful of chopped veggies, or swap the bacon for a vegetarian alternative—it’s the kind of recipe that adapts to your kitchen and your tastes.

If you’re looking for a reliable side dish that checks all the boxes—comforting, easy, impressive, and satisfying—this Twice Baked Potato Casserole is about to become a go-to in your recipe rotation.

Why You’ll Love This Twice Baked Potato Casserole

This Twice Baked Potato Casserole takes all the rich, indulgent flavors of traditional twice-baked potatoes—melted cheese, smoky bacon, tangy sour cream, and zesty green onions—and transforms them into a luscious, fuss-free casserole that’s guaranteed to impress. It’s a recipe designed with ease and flavor in mind, perfect for family gatherings, potlucks, holidays, or weeknight comfort meals.

Here’s why you’ll fall in love with this recipe:

• No tedious scooping – All the taste of stuffed potatoes without the labor.
• Make-ahead friendly – Assemble it up to two days in advance.
• Rich and creamy – It’s loaded with dairy and layered with flavor.
• Crowd-pleasing – A favorite for kids and adults alike.
• Versatile – Pair it with your favorite proteins or enjoy it as a vegetarian main.
• Customizable – Make it spicier, smokier, or more veggie-packed to suit your tastes.

Whether it’s for a holiday buffet, Sunday dinner, or a midweek meal with leftovers in mind, this dish checks all the boxes for comfort and convenience.

Ingredients for Twice Baked Potato Casserole

Here’s a breakdown of the simple ingredients that bring this creamy, cheesy casserole to life:

Main Ingredients:

• 6 medium to large russet or Yukon Gold potatoes – For the fluffiest mash.
• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter – Adds richness and flavor.
• 3/4 cup sour cream – Use full-fat for the creamiest texture.
• 1/2 cup milk – Whole or 2% will help achieve a smooth consistency.
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder – For depth of flavor.
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder – Complements the savory profile.
• 1/2 teaspoon salt – Adjust to taste.
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper – For balance and subtle heat.

Cheese & Toppings:

• 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese – Melts beautifully with bold flavor.
• 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese – Creamy and mild.
• 8 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled – Oven-cooked bacon works well for crispy results.
• 4 green onions, sliced – Adds freshness and color.

Optional Additions:

• 2 oz cream cheese – For extra creamy texture.
• 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika – Adds subtle heat and smokiness.
• 1 tablespoon chopped chives or parsley – For garnish.
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan – For a cheesy top crust.
• 1/2 cup steamed broccoli florets or caramelized onions – For added texture and flavor.

How to Make a Twice Baked Potato Casserole

This dish is simple, satisfying, and scalable. Follow these steps for perfect results every time.

Step 1: Bake the Potatoes

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Wash and dry the potatoes. Prick each one a few times with a fork and place directly on the oven rack or on a baking sheet. Bake for 45–60 minutes or until fork-tender.

Step 2: Cool and Peel

Transfer the hot potatoes into an ice water bath to cool slightly. Once they’re easy to handle, peel off the skins using your hands. The skins should come off easily.

Step 3: Mash and Mix

Roughly chop the peeled potatoes and add them to a large mixing bowl. Add butter, sour cream, milk, onion powder, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mash using a handheld potato masher, leaving some chunks for texture.

Stir in half the shredded cheese, half the bacon, and half the green onions. Mix gently until just combined.

Step 4: Assemble

Spoon the potato mixture into a greased 2-quart baking dish. Smooth the top and sprinkle with the remaining cheddar and Monterey Jack cheese. Top with the rest of the bacon and green onions. For extra richness, sprinkle with Parmesan and a dusting of paprika.

Step 5: Bake

Cover the casserole dish with aluminum foil and bake at 375°F for 30 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10–15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and the casserole is bubbling and golden brown on top.

FAQs About Twice Baked Potato Casserole

Can I prepare this ahead of time?

Yes! You can assemble the casserole up to 48 hours in advance. Cover it tightly with plastic wrap or foil and refrigerate. Remove from the fridge 45 minutes before baking.

How should I reheat leftovers?

Reheat individual servings in the microwave at 50% power for 2–3 minutes. For larger portions, cover with foil and bake at 350°F for 20–30 minutes.

Can I freeze it?

Absolutely. Let the casserole cool completely, wrap in two layers of plastic wrap, then cover with foil. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

What are some good substitutions for bacon?

Try turkey bacon, plant-based bacon, or sautéed mushrooms for a vegetarian option. Crumbled tempeh or seasoned lentils also work well.

Can I use red or sweet potatoes?

Red potatoes can work, but the texture will be creamier and slightly waxy. Sweet potatoes provide a totally different flavor and pair well with brown sugar, pecans, or goat cheese.

Can I make this in a slow cooker?

Yes. After assembling the dish, place it in your slow cooker. Heat on LOW for 2–3 hours or HIGH for 1–1.5 hours. Switch to WARM when ready to serve.

Is this gluten-free?

Yes, this dish is naturally gluten-free, just ensure all added ingredients (like bacon or cheese) are certified gluten-free.

More Delicious Potato Recipes

Love this casserole? Here are more hearty and comforting potato recipes to try next:

• Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes – Thinly sliced potatoes in a creamy, cheesy sauce.
• Garlic Mashed Potatoes – Perfectly whipped and seasoned for holidays or any day.
• Loaded Potato Skins – Great appetizer for game day or parties.
• Creamy Potato Leek Soup – Velvety and cozy for chilly nights.
• Hasselback Potatoes – Crispy edges and buttery centers.
• Baked Sweet Potato Casserole – A sweet and savory twist with pecans.

Final Thoughts

Twice Baked Potato Casserole is the kind of comfort food that makes a meal feel complete. Rich, creamy, cheesy, and loaded with bacon, this dish is easy to assemble and guaranteed to please. Whether you’re preparing a special holiday dinner or a casual meal with family, this casserole brings warmth and satisfaction to the table.

What makes this recipe even better is how flexible and foolproof it is. It adapts to your schedule (hello, make-ahead!) and welcomes your favorite cheeses, veggies, and add-ins. It’s a dish you’ll come back to time and time again.

Save this recipe, pin it, and don’t forget to share it with anyone who appreciates a great side dish. Once you’ve tried it, you’ll wonder how you ever hosted a dinner without it.

Happy cooking—and happy eating!

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