Twice Baked Potato Casserole is a comforting and flavorful dish that combines the creamy goodness of mashed potatoes with the savory elements of bacon, cheese, and green onions. It’s perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or any occasion where you want to impress with a delicious side dish. Let’s dive into this delightful recipe step-by-step.
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
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Potatoes
- Preheat Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Bake Potatoes:
- Wash and scrub the potatoes thoroughly. Pierce each potato several times with a fork. Place the potatoes directly on the oven rack and bake for 45-60 minutes, or until tender when pierced with a fork.
- Cool and Scoop:
- Remove the potatoes from the oven and let them cool slightly. Cut each potato in half lengthwise and scoop out the flesh into a large mixing bowl, leaving a small rim of potato attached to the skin.
Step 2: Make the Potato Mixture
- Mash Potatoes:
- Add the butter, sour cream, milk, onion powder, garlic powder, salt, and pepper to the bowl with the potato flesh. Mash until smooth and creamy.
- Add Cheese and Bacon:
- Stir in ¾ cup of the shredded sharp cheddar cheese, ¾ cup of the shredded Monterey Jack cheese, and half of the crumbled bacon.
Step 3: Assemble the Casserole
- Transfer to Baking Dish:
- Transfer the mashed potato mixture to a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, spreading it out evenly.
- Top with Cheese and Bacon:
- Sprinkle the remaining cheddar cheese, Monterey Jack cheese, and crumbled bacon evenly over the top of the mashed potatoes.
- Bake:
- Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Step 4: Serve
- Garnish:
- Remove the casserole from the oven and sprinkle the chopped green onions over the top.
- Serve Hot:
- Serve the Twice Baked Potato Casserole hot as a side dish or main course.
Cooking Notes and Tips
- Potatoes: Use russet or gold potatoes for the best texture and flavor.
- Bacon: Cook the bacon until crispy for the best texture. You can cook it in a skillet, oven, or microwave.
- Cheese: Use freshly shredded cheese for better melting and texture.
Variations
Loaded Twice Baked Potato Casserole
- Add Veggies:
- Stir in 1 cup of cooked broccoli or spinach for a loaded version.
Spicy Twice Baked Potato Casserole
- Add Spice:
- Add 1-2 diced jalapeños or 1 teaspoon of red pepper flakes to the potato mixture for a spicy kick.
Meat Lover’s Twice Baked Potato Casserole
- Add Meat:
- Stir in 1 cup of cooked, diced ham or sausage to the potato mixture for a heartier dish.
Serving Suggestions
With Sides
- With Salad:
- Serve with a fresh green salad or coleslaw for a balanced meal.
- With Vegetables:
- Pair with roasted or steamed vegetables for a complete meal.
With Beverages
- With Beer:
- Enjoy with a cold beer for a perfect pairing.
- With Lemonade:
- Serve with iced tea or lemonade for a refreshing drink.
FAQs
Q: Can I make this casserole ahead of time? A: Yes, you can prepare the casserole up to the point of baking, cover it, and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours. When ready to bake, add an additional 10-15 minutes to the baking time.
Q: How do I store leftovers? A: Store any leftover casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave before serving.
Q: Can I freeze this casserole? A: Yes, you can freeze the assembled but unbaked casserole. Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before baking.
Q: Can I use other types of cheese? A: Yes, feel free to use any cheese you prefer, such as Colby Jack, mozzarella, or Swiss.
Q: What if I don’t have sour cream? A: You can substitute with Greek yogurt or crème fraîche for a similar creamy texture and tangy flavor.
Twice Baked Potato Casserole is a comforting and flavorful dish that’s perfect for any occasion. With its creamy mashed potatoes, crispy bacon, and melty cheese, this casserole is sure to be a hit. Whether you stick to the classic recipe or try one of the variations, Twice Baked Potato Casserole is always delicious and satisfying. Enjoy making and sharing this delightful dish with your family and friends!
