Introduction

This Ultimate Twice Baked Potato Casserole is so easy to make and delivers all the creamy, cheesy goodness of the classic side dish with minimal effort. It’s perfect for busy weeknights, holiday dinners, or any gathering. For those who love the individual version, the original Twice Baked Potatoes Recipe is a fantastic option. This casserole is guaranteed to become a new family favorite.

Ingredients

This creamy, cheesy Twice Baked Potato Casserole delivers all the comforting flavors of the classic side dish with crispy bacon and rich cheddar cheese in every bite.

• 1/2 pound bacon
• 6 medium sized russet potatoes
• 3 tablespoons cooking oil of your choice
• 2 sticks (16 tablespoons) butter, cut into cubes
• 2 eggs, whisked
• 1/2 cup sour cream
• 1 cup whole milk
• 3 cups grated sharp cheddar cheese, divided
• 2 teaspoons seasoned salt
• 3 green onions, sliced thin
• Salt and pepper to taste

Timing

Prep Time	20 minutes
Cook Time	1 hour 15 minutes
Total Time	1 hour 35 minutes

Context: This Twice Baked Potato Casserole comes together about 20% faster than similar recipes since you skip the individual potato stuffing step.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1 — Prepare and Bake the Potatoes

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Scrub 3 pounds of russet potatoes clean, then pierce each potato several times with a fork. Arrange them directly on the oven rack and bake for 50–60 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender when pierced with a fork.

Let the potatoes cool until they are safe to handle. This step ensures fluffy potato flesh that’s perfect for mashing later.

Step 2 — Scoop Out the Potato Flesh

Slice each baked potato in half lengthwise. Use a spoon to carefully scoop the flesh into a large mixing bowl, leaving about a ¼-inch border of potato attached to the skin to help the shells hold their shape.

Reserve the empty potato skins—you’ll use them to build your Twice Baked Potato Casserole.

Step 3 — Mash and Combine Ingredients

Add 1 cup of sour cream, ½ cup of milk, 4 tablespoons of melted butter, 1 teaspoon of garlic powder, and salt and black pepper to taste to the potato flesh in the bowl. Mash everything together until smooth and well-combined.

For extra creaminess, you can use a hand mixer on low speed, but be careful not to overmix, which can make the potatoes gummy.

Step 4 — Add Mix-Ins and Cheese

Fold in 1½ cups of shredded cheddar cheese, ½ cup of cooked and crumbled bacon, and ⅓ cup of sliced green onions. Reserve some cheese, bacon, and green onions for topping the casserole later.

This is also the time to add other favorites like chives, jalapeños, or broccoli if you’d like to customize your Twice Baked Potato Casserole.

Step 5 — Assemble the Casserole

Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. Arrange the reserved potato skins in a single layer in the dish. Spoon the mashed potato mixture evenly into each skin, mounding it slightly.

If you prefer, you can also chop the potato skins and mix them into the filling, then spread the entire mixture into the baking dish for a deconstructed version.

Step 6 — Add Toppings and Second Bake

Sprinkle the remaining cheddar cheese, bacon, and green onions over the top. For extra crunch, you can also add a buttery breadcrumb or crushed potato chip topping.

Bake the casserole at 375°F (190°C) for 20–25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the edges are lightly golden.

Step 7 — Rest and Serve

Let the Twice Baked Potato Casserole rest for 5–10 minutes after removing it from the oven. This allows the filling to set slightly, making it easier to serve.

Garnish with additional fresh chives or a dollop of sour cream if desired, then serve warm as a comforting side dish or satisfying main course.

Nutritional Information

Calories	385
Protein	12g
Carbohydrates	35g
Fat	22g
Fiber	3g
Sodium	480mg

Note: Estimates based on typical ingredients and serving size.

Healthier Alternatives

This Twice Baked Potato Casserole is wonderfully adaptable. Here are simple ingredient swaps to suit various dietary needs while keeping the comforting flavor.

• Greek Yogurt for Sour Cream — Adds a protein boost and tangy flavor while reducing fat.
• Cauliflower Mash for Half the Potatoes — Lowers the carb count and creates a lighter texture.
• Turkey Bacon or Tempeh Bacon — Provides a smoky, savory crunch with less saturated fat or for a plant-based option.
• Nutritional Yeast for Sharp Cheddar — Delivers a cheesy, umami flavor for a dairy-free and vegan casserole.
• Sweet Potatoes for Russet Potatoes — Offers more fiber and vitamins with a subtly sweeter taste profile.
• Low-Sodium Broth & Herbs — Replaces salt for managing sodium intake, using garlic, chives, and paprika for deep flavor.
• Almond Milk & Olive Oil — A simple dairy-free swap for milk and butter that still yields a creamy, rich result.
• Gluten-Free Bread Crumbs or Crushed Nuts — Creates a crispy, gluten-free topping alternative to traditional breadcrumbs.

Serving Suggestions

• Pair this rich Twice Baked Potato Casserole with grilled steak or roasted chicken for a classic comfort meal.
• Serve alongside a crisp green salad with vinaigrette to balance the creamy texture.
• Perfect for holiday gatherings like Thanksgiving or Christmas dinner alongside turkey or ham.
• Bring to potlucks or family reunions—it travels well and serves a crowd.
• Top individual servings with extra crispy bacon bits and fresh chives for restaurant-style plating.
• Offer as a hearty side at barbecues with burgers, ribs, or grilled vegetables.

This versatile Twice Baked Potato Casserole fits any occasion, from weeknight dinners to festive celebrations.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Mistake: Using waxy potatoes like red or fingerling. Fix: Choose high-starch russet potatoes for the fluffiest, lightest texture in your Twice Baked Potato Casserole.
• Mistake: Overmixing the potato filling until it’s gluey. Fix: Gently fold ingredients until just combined to maintain a light, airy consistency.
• Mistake: Skipping the step of completely cooling baked potatoes before handling. Fix: Let potatoes cool to room temperature so the skins are easier to handle and the flesh scoops cleanly.
• Mistake: Not seasoning the potato mixture in stages. Fix: Season the potato flesh, then the final mixture, and taste before baking to ensure perfect flavor throughout.
• Mistake: Adding cold dairy ingredients directly from the fridge. Fix: Let sour cream, cream cheese, and milk come to room temperature for a smoother, more homogenous blend.
• Mistake: Overloading the casserole with too many mix-ins. Fix: Stick to 2-3 complementary add-ins like bacon and cheddar to let the potato flavor shine.
• Mistake: Baking in a dish that’s too deep, preventing proper browning. Fix: Use a wide, shallow baking dish to maximize surface area for that golden, crispy topping.
• Mistake: Rushing the second bake at too high a temperature. Fix: Bake at 375°F until heated through and bubbly to prevent the cheese topping from burning.
• Mistake: Not letting the casserole rest before serving. Fix: Allow it to set for 10-15 minutes after baking so it slices neatly and holds its shape.
• Mistake: Making it too far in advance and refrigerating before baking. Fix: Assemble just before baking, or if made ahead, let it come to room temperature for even heating.

Storing Tips

• Fridge: Cool completely, then store in an airtight container for 3-4 days.
• Freezer: Freeze in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months.
• Reheat: Bake at 350°F until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.

Always let your Twice Baked Potato Casserole cool to room temperature before refrigerating or freezing to maintain food safety and texture.

Conclusion

This Twice Baked Potato Casserole is the ultimate comfort food for any gathering. We hope you love this cheesy, creamy side dish as much as we do! Try it out and let us know how it turns out in the comments. For more crowd-pleasing recipes like our Bacon Cheeseburger Pockets Recipe, be sure to subscribe!

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FAQs

Can I make this Twice Baked Potato Casserole ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the casserole a day in advance. Cover and refrigerate it, then bake as directed when ready to serve. This makes the Twice Baked Potato Casserole perfect for easy entertaining.

What is the best way to reheat leftovers?

Reheat individual portions in the microwave or the entire dish in the oven until warmed through. The oven method helps maintain the crispy topping texture of your Twice Baked Potato Casserole.

Can I freeze this casserole?

Yes, you can freeze the assembled but unbaked casserole. Thaw it in the refrigerator before baking. For best results, consume within three months to enjoy the full flavor of your Twice Baked Potato Casserole.