Twice Baked Potato Casserole

Twice Baked Potato Casserole is a fun twist on the classic baked potato. It’s creamy, cheesy, and full of flavor. This casserole brings all the goodness of a baked potato together in one dish that everyone will love. It’s perfect for family dinners or potlucks, and it’s easy to make ahead of time.

Why Make This Recipe

You should make Twice Baked Potato Casserole because it’s simple, delicious, and a great way to feed a crowd. Everyone enjoys potatoes, and this dish combines the best flavors of a loaded baked potato into a cozy casserole. It’s creamy, cheesy, and has bacon and green onions for added flavor. Plus, it’s easy to prepare and can be customized to suit your taste!

How to Make Twice Baked Potato Casserole

Ingredients:

• 6 medium to large potatoes (russet or gold)
• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
• ¾ cup sour cream
• ½ cup whole or 2% milk
• ½ teaspoon onion powder
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon fresh ground black pepper
• 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
• 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
• 8 slices bacon cooked crispy and crumbled
• 4 green onions, chopped

Directions:

1. Preheat your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit.
2. Wash, dry, and prick the potatoes with a fork. Place them in the oven and bake for 45-60 minutes or until they are fork-tender.
3. Once baked, place the potatoes into ice cold water to cool them down. This makes them easier to peel. Gently peel off the skins using your fingers.
4. Cut the hot potatoes into large cubes and scoop them into a large bowl.
5. Add the butter, sour cream, milk, onion powder, garlic powder, salt, pepper, ½ cup of cheddar cheese, ½ cup of Monterey Jack cheese, half of the bacon, and half of the green onions.
6. Mash everything together with a handheld potato masher until it’s nice and creamy.
7. Spoon the mixture into a 2-quart baking dish sprayed with nonstick cooking spray.
8. Top with the remaining cheese, bacon, and green onions.
9. Cover the dish with foil and bake for 30 minutes. After that, remove the foil and bake for another 10 minutes or until the cheese is melted and the casserole is heated through.

How to Serve Twice Baked Potato Casserole

Serve this casserole warm as a side dish. It goes well with grilled meats, roasted chicken, or even a simple salad. Everyone can scoop out a generous helping and enjoy the creamy, cheesy goodness.

How to Store Twice Baked Potato Casserole

You can store any leftover casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, simply place it in the oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit until it is heated through.

Tips to Make Twice Baked Potato Casserole

• Choose potatoes that are similar in size for even cooking.
• Experiment with different cheeses to find your favorite blend.
• Add sour cream on top just before serving for extra creaminess.
• Feel free to add vegetables like broccoli or spinach for a healthier version.

Variation

You can make a vegetarian version by leaving out the bacon. You can also add different toppings like chives, jalapeños, or even use different cheeses for variety.

FAQs

1. Can I use pre-baked potatoes for this recipe?
Yes, if you already have baked potatoes, you can certainly use them to save time.

2. Is this casserole gluten-free?
Yes, as long as you ensure the bacon and any toppings you add are gluten-free, it will be a gluten-free dish.

3. Can this casserole be made ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare it a day in advance. Just cover it and place it in the fridge, then bake it before serving.

Twice Baked Potato Casserole is a delicious and comforting dish everyone will enjoy. Try making it for your next meal!