Twice Baked Potato Casserole

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 45 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
Difficulty: Easy
Servings: 8
Course: Side Dish / Comfort Food
Cuisine: American

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Introduction

If you love the creamy, cheesy, bacon-loaded goodness of a classic twice-baked potato, then you’re going to fall in love with this Twice Baked Potato Casserole. It’s everything you adore about the original — fluffy mashed potatoes, melted cheese, crispy bacon, and a hint of green onion — all baked into a hearty, crowd-pleasing casserole.

This recipe takes the time-consuming process of individually scooping and refilling baked potato shells and transforms it into an easy, comforting casserole that’s perfect for family dinners, holidays, or potlucks.

Every bite is pure comfort: creamy potatoes with smoky bacon, tangy sour cream, and melted cheddar — it’s like loaded baked potatoes on a grander, cozier scale.

Whether you serve it as a side for roast chicken or steak, or as a main dish with a crisp green salad, this casserole is guaranteed to be the star of your dinner table.

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Ingredients

Main Ingredients

• 6 large russet potatoes (about 3 pounds), scrubbed and cleaned

• 1 cup sour cream

• ½ cup whole milk

• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter

• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (divided)

• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (divided)

• 6 slices bacon, cooked until crispy and crumbled

• 3 green onions, chopped (plus more for garnish)

• 1 teaspoon salt

• ½ teaspoon black pepper

• ½ teaspoon garlic powder (optional, for flavor)

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Equipment

• Baking dish (9×13-inch)

• Large pot

• Potato masher or hand mixer

• Skillet (for bacon)

• Mixing bowls

• Foil (for baking potatoes)

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Directions

Step 1: Bake the Potatoes

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).

2. Pierce each potato several times with a fork and wrap them in foil.

3. Place them directly on the oven rack and bake for 50–60 minutes, or until tender when pierced with a fork.

4. Allow the potatoes to cool slightly until they’re easy to handle.

⏰ Shortcut: You can also microwave the potatoes to save time — pierce them, then microwave for 10–12 minutes until soft.

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Step 2: Cook the Bacon

While the potatoes bake, cook your bacon in a skillet over medium heat until crispy.

Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate to drain, then crumble into small pieces once cooled.

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Step 3: Mash the Potatoes

Peel the skins off the potatoes (leave some for texture if you like) and place the potato flesh in a large mixing bowl.

Add butter, sour cream, milk, salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Mash until smooth and creamy — or use a hand mixer for a fluffier texture.

Taste and adjust seasonings as needed.

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Step 4: Build the Casserole

1. Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or cooking spray.

2. Spread half of the mashed potato mixture into the dish.

3. Sprinkle half of the cheddar, mozzarella, bacon, and green onions over the top.

4. Add the remaining mashed potatoes, spreading them evenly.

5. Top with the rest of the cheeses, bacon, and green onions.

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Step 5: Bake

Reduce the oven temperature to 350°F (175°C).

Cover the dish with foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for another 10–15 minutes, or until the cheese on top is melted and bubbly with golden brown edges.

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Step 6: Serve

Let the casserole rest for 5–10 minutes before serving to help it set slightly.

Top with an extra sprinkle of green onions and a dollop of sour cream if desired.

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Serving Suggestions

• Holiday Favorite: Perfect for Thanksgiving, Christmas, or Easter dinners.

• Weeknight Comfort: Pair with roasted chicken, meatloaf, or grilled steak.

• Potluck Star: Travels easily and reheats beautifully — everyone will want the recipe!

• Vegetarian Twist: Skip the bacon and add sautéed mushrooms or caramelized onions instead.

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Tips for Perfect Twice Baked Potato Casserole

1. Use starchy potatoes: Russets or Yukon Golds create the fluffiest texture.

2. Don’t overmix: Overworking the potatoes can make them gluey — mash gently!

3. Adjust creaminess: Add more milk or sour cream if you prefer softer, creamier potatoes.

4. Mix up the cheese: Try Monterey Jack, Gruyère, or Colby for different flavors.

5. Make ahead: Assemble the casserole up to a day in advance, refrigerate, and bake before serving.

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Time & Intensity Breakdown

Total Time: ~1 hour 5 minutes
Overall Intensity: Easy

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Storage & Reheating

• Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.

• Freezer: Wrap tightly in foil or an airtight container and freeze for up to 2 months.

• Reheat: Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 20–25 minutes or until heated through. For single portions, microwave for 1–2 minutes.

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Nutrition Information (per serving)

Values are approximate and may vary depending on specific ingredients used.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Twice Baked Potato Casserole is everything comfort food should be: rich, creamy, cheesy, and satisfying. It’s the kind of dish that makes you go back for seconds (and maybe thirds).

Unlike traditional twice-baked potatoes that require scooping and refilling, this casserole delivers the same flavor and texture with a fraction of the work. It’s also incredibly versatile — customize it with different cheeses, add-ins, or toppings to make it your own.

From weeknight dinners to holiday feasts, this dish never disappoints. It’s easy, indulgent, and always a crowd-pleaser.

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Final Thoughts

If you’re looking for a comforting, make-ahead side that everyone will love, this Twice Baked Potato Casserole deserves a permanent spot in your recipe collection. It’s rich enough for special occasions yet simple enough for everyday meals.

Creamy mashed potatoes, gooey cheese, smoky bacon, and tangy sour cream all come together in one bubbling dish of comfort — a true taste of home.

Make it once, and it’ll quickly become one of your go-to recipes for any gathering or family dinner.