Twice Baked Potato Casserole is comfort food at its finest—warm, creamy, and cheesily irresistible, topped with crisp bacon and a sprinkle of fresh green onions. The very best part? It captures all the flavors of classic twice baked potatoes, but baked casserole-style to feed a hungry crowd or make any weeknight meal feel like a celebration. Whether you’re gathering the family for a holiday or just want a cozy side dish that goes with everything, this dish is a game changer you’ll want to make again and again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of Twice Baked Potato Casserole comes from familiar, honest ingredients that work in perfect harmony. Each adds something special—creamy texture, rich flavor, or a satisfying bite—to create a dish that always gets requested seconds.
- Russet potatoes: These are ideal for baking and mashing, giving your casserole the fluffy, hearty base it deserves.
- Sour cream: Brings tanginess and creaminess, making every bite lusciously smooth.
- Cream cheese: Adds body and a subtle, decadent richness that takes this casserole over the top.
- Whole milk: Keeps everything moist and blends the flavors perfectly without thinning the mash.
- Unsalted butter: For that unmistakable buttery flavor; use unsalted so you can control the seasoning.
- Shredded cheddar cheese: Melty, tangy, and golden—cheddar is the soul of any cheesy casserole!
- Bacon: Smoky, salty, and bold—bacon delivers a perfect crunchy contrast to the creamy potatoes.
- Green onions: Their fresh, zippy bite brings brightness and color right at the end.
- Garlic powder: Rounds out the flavors with mellow, savory warmth.
- Salt: Essential for bringing out every distinct flavor in the dish.
- Black pepper: Adds gentle heat and complexity to balance the richness.
How to Make Twice Baked Potato Casserole
Step 1: Bake the Potatoes
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Give your russet potatoes a good scrubbing—keep those skins clean for the best flavor—and use a fork to poke holes all over each potato. Place them directly on the rack, no foil needed. This helps the skins get just the right texture and ensures they bake evenly for those fluffy interiors.
Step 2: Mash and Mix
Once your potatoes are fork-tender and cool enough to handle, peel off the skins (they should slip away easily) and place all the potato flesh in a large mixing bowl. Now, add the sour cream, softened cream cheese, melted butter, whole milk, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Get your masher or electric mixer and blend everything until it’s completely smooth and ultra-creamy with no lumps in sight.
Step 3: Stir in the Mix-Ins
Gently fold in 1 1/2 cups of the shredded cheddar cheese, half of the crumbled bacon, and half of the sliced green onions. These bits of cheddar and bacon tucked inside give every scoop loads of melty cheese and pops of savory, smoky goodness. Save the other half for the irresistible topping!
Step 4: Assemble and Top
Lightly butter or spray a 9×13-inch baking dish, then spread your potato mixture in evenly, smoothing out the top with a spatula. Next, sprinkle on the remaining cheddar cheese and crumbled bacon—this is what gives you that picture-perfect, bubbly crust that everyone fights over.
Step 5: Bake and Serve
Pop your casserole into the oven for 20 to 25 minutes, until the cheese is melted, golden, and bubbling all around the edges. Right when it comes out, scatter the rest of your green onions on top for a fresh, bright finish. Serve hot and enjoy the oohs and aahs at your table!
How to Serve Twice Baked Potato Casserole
Garnishes
The garnish truly completes this dish. A handful of fresh green onions not only adds a splash of color but brings a crisp, zesty note that perfectly cuts through the creamy richness. For extra flair, add a sprinkle of freshly cracked black pepper, a dollop of sour cream, or even a light scattering of chives if you like.
Side Dishes
Twice Baked Potato Casserole is ready to steal the show alongside all your favorite main courses. It pairs like a dream with roasted chicken, steak, baked ham, or grilled turkey. If you want to keep things simple, enjoy it with a big bowl of green salad or some roasted seasonal veggies for a meal that’s both hearty and balanced.
Creative Ways to Present
For holidays or dinner parties, scoop servings into small ramekins for individual portions—every guest gets their own bubbling, cheesy top. Or, transform leftovers into loaded lunch bowls by topping with a fried egg or sautéed spinach. However you serve it, Twice Baked Potato Casserole always impresses with its homey, crowd-pleasing appeal.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep any remaining Twice Baked Potato Casserole covered in the refrigerator. It will last for up to four days and reheats beautifully, making it perfect for meal prep or lazy leftovers the next day.
Freezing
Want to get ahead? Twice Baked Potato Casserole freezes incredibly well. Prepare right up until baking, then cover tightly with foil and freeze for up to two months. When you’re ready, thaw overnight in the fridge and bake as directed, adding a few minutes if needed to heat through.
Reheating
To reheat, simply scoop portions onto a microwave-safe plate or dish and microwave until hot, about 2-3 minutes. For a crispier cheese top, reheat in a 350°F oven for 15-20 minutes. The casserole stays creamy and delicious—even after reheating!
FAQs
Can I use a different kind of cheese in this casserole?
Absolutely! While sharp cheddar melts beautifully, you can swap in pepper jack, Monterey jack, or a blend of cheeses for extra flavor. Just make sure to use a good melting cheese for that bubbly finish.
Do I have to use russet potatoes?
Russets are the classic choice because they’re starchy and mash so well, but Yukon Golds also work and yield a slightly richer, creamier texture. Red potatoes are less ideal as they can be a bit waxy.
How far in advance can I prepare Twice Baked Potato Casserole?
You can assemble the entire casserole up to a day ahead and store it in the refrigerator before baking. When ready to serve, bake as directed, adding a few extra minutes if it’s going straight from the fridge to the oven.
Is this casserole gluten-free?
Yes, when made as written, Twice Baked Potato Casserole is naturally gluten-free since it doesn’t contain flour or wheat-based ingredients. Just double-check all packaged items to be sure.
Can I make this dish vegetarian?
Definitely! Skip the bacon or swap in a plant-based bacon alternative for a satisfying vegetarian version. The casserole will be just as rich and comforting without it.
Final Thoughts
If you’re craving a side dish that’s pure comfort and crowd-pleaser in every bite, you simply have to try Twice Baked Potato Casserole. It’s an easy favorite in my home, and I have a feeling your family and friends will fall for it too. Serve it at your next cozy meal or festive gathering—you’ll never look at baked potatoes the same way again!
