Description
This Twice Baked Potato Casserole is a comforting and cheesy dish featuring creamy mashed potatoes mixed with sour cream, butter, and milk, layered with crispy bacon and melted cheddar cheese. Perfect for a hearty side or satisfying main, it’s baked until bubbly and topped with fresh green onions for a flavorful finish.
Ingredients
Scale
Potatoes & Dairy
- 8 medium russet potatoes
- 3/4 cup salted butter (softened)
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 cup milk (2%)
- 2 cups shredded mild cheddar cheese
Bacon & Seasoning
- 1/2 pound bacon
- 2 teaspoons seasoned salt
- 1/2 teaspoon pepper
- 2 green onions (sliced)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Dairy: Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F. Leave the butter, sour cream, and milk out at room temperature to soften so they mix easily into the potatoes later.
- Bake Potatoes: Clean and scrub the potatoes well. Poke several holes in each potato with a fork. Place them on the center rack of the oven and bake for 45 minutes or until a fork slides in easily. Carefully remove the hot potatoes from the oven and reduce the oven temperature to 350 degrees F.
- Cook Bacon: While the potatoes bake, cook the bacon in a large skillet over low heat until it is crispy. Remove the bacon carefully and drain it on paper towels to remove excess grease. Once cooled, chop the bacon into small pieces and set aside.
- Prepare Potato Mixture: Peel the skins off the baked potatoes and transfer the flesh into a large bowl. Mash the potatoes with a potato masher. Add the softened butter, sour cream, and milk, and continue mashing until smooth and combined. Stir in half of the chopped bacon along with the seasoned salt and pepper.
- Assemble and Bake Casserole: Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish and spread the potato mixture evenly inside. Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese over the top, then add the remaining bacon pieces. Bake uncovered at 350 degrees F for 25 minutes or until the casserole is hot and the cheese is bubbly.
- Finish and Serve: Remove the casserole from the oven and let it stand for about 5 minutes to set. Sprinkle the sliced green onions over the top before serving. Enjoy your warm, cheesy twice baked potato casserole!
Notes
- For a smokier flavor, use smoked cheddar cheese.
- You can substitute Greek yogurt for sour cream for a tangier taste and added protein.
- Leftover casserole can be reheated in the oven or microwave.
- For a vegetarian version, omit the bacon and consider adding sautéed mushrooms or caramelized onions instead.
