Twice Baked Potato Casserole: The Ultimate Comfort Food Classic
This Twice Baked Potato Casserole takes all the beloved flavors of classic twice baked potatoes and transforms them into an easy-to-make, crowd-pleasing dish. Imagine creamy mashed potatoes loaded with cheese, bacon, and green onions, then baked to golden perfection. The result is a comforting side dish that’s perfect for family dinners, holiday gatherings, or potluck events.
What makes this Twice Baked Potato Casserole special is its perfect balance of textures and flavors. The creamy potato base contrasts beautifully with crispy bacon bits, while melted cheddar cheese creates a rich, gooey layer on top. The green onions add freshness that cuts through the richness, making each bite irresistible. Whether you’re serving it alongside roasted meats or enjoying it as a main dish, this casserole is guaranteed to become a family favorite.
Quick Recipe Highlights
- Flavor Profile: Rich and savory with the perfect balance of creamy potatoes, sharp cheddar, smoky bacon, and fresh green onions.
- Texture: Creamy mashed potatoes with crispy bacon bits and a golden cheese crust create wonderful textural contrast.
- Aroma: The mouthwatering scent of baking potatoes, melted cheese, and smoky bacon will fill your kitchen.
- Visual Appeal: Golden brown crust with flecks of green onion and bacon makes for an impressive presentation.
- Skill Level Needed: Beginner-friendly with simple techniques anyone can master.
- Special Equipment: Just basic kitchen tools – a potato masher, mixing bowls, and a casserole dish.
Recipe Overview
- Difficulty Level: This Twice Baked Potato Casserole is rated easy because it uses simple techniques like boiling potatoes and mixing ingredients. Even novice cooks can achieve great results.
- Category: Perfect as a hearty side dish for dinner or as a main dish for lunch. Also great for brunch when served with eggs.
- Cuisine: American comfort food with roots in traditional baked potato preparations, elevated to casserole form for easier serving.
- Cost: Budget-friendly using affordable ingredients like potatoes, with optional splurges on premium bacon or cheese.
- Season: Excellent year-round but particularly comforting in fall and winter months.
- Occasion: Ideal for holiday meals, potlucks, game day gatherings, or family Sunday dinners.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
The Twice Baked Potato Casserole delivers all the satisfaction of traditional twice baked potatoes without the fuss of stuffing individual potato skins. The creamy potato mixture bakes up light and fluffy, while the cheese topping becomes beautifully golden and slightly crisp. Every bite offers the perfect combination of textures and flavors that comfort food lovers crave.
This recipe is incredibly convenient for feeding a crowd. Unlike traditional twice baked potatoes that require careful stuffing of each potato half, this casserole version lets you simply spread the mixture in a baking dish. It’s much easier to transport to potlucks and makes serving a breeze. The casserole can be prepared ahead of time and baked when needed, making it perfect for busy hosts.
Nutritionally, potatoes provide vitamin C, potassium, and fiber, especially when you leave the skins on. Using Greek yogurt instead of sour cream adds protein while keeping the texture creamy. You can easily adjust the ingredients to make it lighter or richer depending on your preferences.
For entertaining, this dish always receives rave reviews. The familiar flavors appeal to all ages, and the presentation looks impressive with minimal effort. It pairs beautifully with everything from roasted chicken to grilled steaks, making it a versatile addition to any menu.
Cost-wise, this is an affordable dish that stretches well. Potatoes are inexpensive, and the other ingredients are pantry staples for most home cooks. The recipe yields generous portions, making it excellent value for family meals or large gatherings.
The Recipe
Twice Baked Potato Casserole
Serves: 8
Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 60 mins
Total Time: 80 mins
Kitchen Equipment Needed
- Large pot
- Mixing bowls
- Potato masher or ricer
- 9×13 inch baking dish
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Mixing spoons
Ingredients
- 3 lbs russet potatoes, scrubbed and cubed (peeling optional)
- 1/2 cup butter, softened
- 1 cup sour cream or Greek yogurt
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided
- 8 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
- 1/4 cup chopped green onions
- 1/4 tsp garlic powder (optional)
Directions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.
- Place cubed potatoes in a large pot and cover with cold water. Bring to a boil and cook until tender, about 15 minutes.
- Drain potatoes and return to pot. Mash with butter until smooth.
- Stir in sour cream, milk, salt, pepper, and garlic powder (if using) until well combined.
- Fold in 1 cup cheddar cheese, half the bacon, and half the green onions.
- Spread mixture evenly in prepared baking dish. Top with remaining cheese.
- Bake for 30-40 minutes until heated through and cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Sprinkle with remaining bacon and green onions before serving.
Recipe Notes
- For extra crispy topping, broil for last 2-3 minutes of baking.
- Make ahead: Prepare through step 6, cover and refrigerate up to 24 hours before baking.
- Substitute cooked sausage or ham for bacon if preferred.
- For lighter version, use reduced-fat dairy products.