Introduction

This Twice Baked Potato Casserole is the ultimate side dish for any occasion! It captures all the creamy, cheesy goodness of classic twice-baked potatoes in an easy-to-serve format. Perfect for a holiday feast, a potluck, or a cozy family dinner, it’s guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser. If you enjoy cheesy comfort food, you might also love this Ultimate Cheesy Ground Beef and Rice Casserole Ready in 30 Minutes.

Ingredients

This casserole combines creamy, fluffy potatoes with rich sour cream, sharp cheddar, and savory bacon for a truly irresistible side dish.

• 6 large baking potatoes
• 1 cup sour cream
• 1/2 cup butter, softened
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1/2 cup cooked and crumbled bacon
• 1/4 cup chopped green onions
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 cup milk
• 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (optional topping)

Timing

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

Context: This streamlined process is about 20% faster than similar recipes that require individually stuffing potato skins.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1 — Bake the Potatoes

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Thoroughly scrub 4 large russet potatoes and pat them dry. Prick each potato several times with a fork to allow steam to escape during baking.

Place the potatoes directly on the oven rack and bake for 60-75 minutes, or until the skins are crisp and the insides are tender when pierced with a fork. Let them cool until they are safe to handle.

Step 2 — Scoop Out the Potato Flesh

Once the potatoes are cool enough to handle, slice each one in half lengthwise. Use a spoon to carefully scoop the fluffy potato flesh into a large mixing bowl, leaving a thin layer of potato attached to the skin to help the shells hold their shape.

Arrange the empty potato skin shells in a single layer in a 9×13 inch baking dish; these will form the base of your casserole.

Step 3 — Mash and Combine Ingredients

Add 1/2 cup of sour cream, 1/4 cup of milk, 4 tablespoons of melted butter, 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese, and 1/2 teaspoon each of salt and black pepper to the bowl with the potato flesh.

Use a potato masher or hand mixer on low speed to combine everything until smooth and creamy. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the potatoes gummy.

Step 4 — Fill the Casserole Dish

Spoon the creamy potato mixture evenly back into the potato skin shells arranged in the baking dish. Use the back of the spoon to create a smooth, even layer.

For an extra-cheesy top, sprinkle an additional 1/2 cup of shredded cheddar cheese over the entire casserole.

Step 5 — Add the Topping

In a small bowl, combine 1/2 cup of cooked, crumbled bacon (or real bacon bits) with 2 tablespoons of finely sliced green onions or chives.

Evenly sprinkle the bacon and green onion mixture over the top of the cheesy potato layer. This adds a delicious crunch and savory flavor.

Step 6 — Bake Until Golden and Bubbly

Place the uncovered casserole dish back into the oven, which should still be at 400°F (200°C). Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is completely melted and the edges are golden brown.

The casserole is done when the filling is hot all the way through and the top is beautifully bubbly. For a more browned top, you can broil for the last 1-2 minutes, watching carefully to prevent burning.

Step 7 — Serve and Enjoy

Remove the casserole from the oven and let it rest for about 5 minutes before serving. This allows the filling to set slightly, making it easier to scoop.

Garnish with a dollop of extra sour cream and a sprinkle of fresh chives for a beautiful presentation. This ultimate side dish is best served warm and is sure to be a hit at any occasion.

Nutritional Information

Calories	320
Protein	12g
Carbohydrates	28g
Fat	18g
Fiber	3g
Sodium	480mg

Note: Estimates based on typical ingredients and serving size.

Healthier Alternatives

This versatile recipe is easily adapted to meet different dietary needs and flavor preferences, making it truly the ultimate side dish for any occasion.

• Lower-Carb Swap — Replace half the potatoes with steamed cauliflower for a lighter, lower-carb version with a similar creamy texture.
• Dairy-Free Version — Use plant-based sour cream and shredded cheese alternatives to create a rich, creamy casserole without dairy.
• Boosted Protein — Stir in a cup of cooked, crumbled turkey bacon or diced ham for a savory, protein-packed twist.
• Gluten-Free Assurance — The base recipe is naturally gluten-free; just double-check that any pre-shredded cheese or bacon bits are certified gluten-free.
• Low-Sodium Option — Omit added salt and use low-sodium cheese and bacon to significantly reduce the sodium content without sacrificing flavor.
• Lighter & Creamier — Substitute full-fat sour cream and cream cheese with Greek yogurt and light cream cheese for a tangy, protein-rich creaminess.
• Extra Veggie Power — Fold in a cup of finely chopped steamed broccoli or sautéed spinach for added color, nutrients, and flavor.

Serving Suggestions

• For a classic holiday feast, serve this casserole alongside a roast turkey or a glazed ham.
• Bring this ultimate side dish to a potluck; it travels well in its baking dish and stays warm for hours.
• Create a comforting weeknight meal by pairing it with a simple grilled chicken breast or pan-seared pork chops.
• Elevate a casual barbecue by serving it next to juicy burgers or hot dogs.
• For a cozy family dinner, serve smaller portions in ramekins for a personalized touch.
• Garnish with extra shredded cheddar, chopped chives, or crispy bacon bits right before serving for a beautiful presentation.
• This casserole is rich, so balance the plate with a light, crisp side salad or steamed green vegetables like broccoli.

No matter the occasion, this Twice Baked Potato Casserole is guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser and the first dish to disappear.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Mistake: Using waxy potatoes like red potatoes, which don’t get fluffy. Fix: Stick with high-starch Russet or Idaho potatoes for the creamiest texture.
• Mistake: Not baking the potatoes long enough initially, leading to a lumpy mash. Fix: Bake until a knife slides in effortlessly for perfectly smooth potatoes.
• Mistake: Adding cold dairy ingredients directly to the hot potatoes, which can make the mixture gluey. Fix: Let cream cheese, sour cream, and butter come to room temperature first.
• Mistake: Overmixing the potato filling until it becomes gummy. Fix: Gently fold the ingredients together just until combined.
• Mistake: Skipping the step of letting the potato skins crisp up before chopping them. Fix: Brush the empty skins with oil and broil for a few minutes for maximum crunch.
• Mistake: Underseasoning the base mixture, as potatoes need a generous amount of salt. Fix: Taste and season the filling well before transferring it to the baking dish.
• Mistake: Using a bland cheese topping that doesn’t brown nicely. Fix: A combination of sharp cheddar and Parmesan provides great flavor and a beautiful golden crust.
• Mistake: Overbaking the assembled casserole, which can dry it out. Fix: Bake just until the top is golden and the center is heated through, about 20-25 minutes.
• Mistake: Not letting the casserole rest before serving, causing it to be soupy. Fix: Allow it to set for 10-15 minutes so the flavors meld and it slices cleanly.

Storing Tips

• Fridge: Store the casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
• Freezer: For longer storage, freeze the casserole in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
• Reheat: Reheat individual portions in the microwave until hot, or cover the entire casserole with foil and bake at 350°F (175°C) until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).

Proper storage ensures this ultimate side dish for any occasion remains delicious and safe to enjoy later.

Conclusion

This Twice Baked Potato Casserole truly is the ultimate side dish for any occasion. It’s creamy, cheesy, and guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser. If you’re looking for another potato favorite, try these Cheesy Potatoes also called Funeral Potatoes are the ultimate side dish. Give this recipe a try and let us know what you think in the comments!

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FAQs

Can I make this casserole ahead of time?

Yes, this casserole is perfect for making ahead. Assemble it completely, cover, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. You may need to add a few extra minutes to the baking time if it goes into the oven cold. This makes it the ultimate side dish for any occasion.

What are the best potatoes to use?

Russet potatoes are ideal because of their high starch content and fluffy texture when baked. This creates the perfect creamy base for the casserole. Avoid waxy potatoes like red potatoes for this recipe.

Can I freeze the leftovers?

Yes, you can freeze leftovers for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating in the oven for the best texture. The creamy consistency holds up well to freezing and reheating.