Description
This Twice Baked Potato Casserole is a comforting and cheesy side dish made with creamy mashed potatoes blended with sour cream, cream cheese, cheddar cheese, and bacon bits. Baked until golden and bubbly, it’s perfect for family dinners or holiday gatherings, delivering rich flavors and a satisfying texture.
Ingredients
Scale
Potatoes
- 4 large russet potatoes
Mix-ins
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/2 cup cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
Add-ins
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese, plus extra for topping
- 1/2 cup cooked bacon bits (optional)
- 1/4 cup green onions, chopped (plus more for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to ensure it reaches the perfect temperature for baking the potatoes and casserole.
- Prepare the Potatoes: Scrub the potatoes clean under running water and pierce several holes in each with a fork. Place them on a baking sheet and bake for 45-60 minutes until tender when pierced. Allow to cool slightly so they can be handled safely.
- Prepare the Casserole Mixture: Once cooled enough to handle, peel the potatoes and place the flesh into a large bowl. Mash until smooth, then add sour cream, cream cheese, milk, melted butter, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Mix well until creamy and evenly combined.
- Add Cheese and Bacon: Fold in shredded cheddar cheese, cooked bacon bits if using, and chopped green onions gently into the mashed potato mixture to distribute evenly.
- Transfer to Baking Dish: Spoon the prepared potato mixture into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, spreading it out evenly for uniform cooking.
- Add Toppings: Sprinkle additional shredded cheddar cheese over the top to create a golden, bubbling crust during baking.
- Bake: Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese on top is melted, bubbly, and slightly browned.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove from the oven and allow it to cool for a few minutes. Garnish with extra chopped green onions before serving hot.
Notes
- You can omit the bacon bits for a vegetarian version.
- Use sharp cheddar for the best flavor, but feel free to mix cheeses as desired.
- To save time, bake potatoes in advance or microwave them if short on time, but baking yields best texture.
- Ensure potatoes are fully cooled before mashing to achieve smooth texture.
- Adjust salt and pepper to taste depending on cheese and bacon saltiness.
