Description
This Twice Baked Potato Casserole is a comforting and delicious side dish that combines creamy mashed potatoes with sour cream, cream cheese, cheddar cheese, crispy bacon, and fresh green onions. Baked to golden perfection, it’s perfect for family dinners or holiday gatherings, delivering rich flavors and a delightful cheesy texture in every bite.
Ingredients
Scale
Potatoes
- 5 large russet potatoes
Potato Mixture
- 1 cup sour cream
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup whole milk
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (divided from 2 cups total)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Toppings
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (remaining from 2 cups total)
- 6 slices cooked bacon, crumbled (divided)
- 1/4 cup chopped green onions (divided)
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Dish: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier.
- Bake Potatoes: Scrub the russet potatoes thoroughly and place them on a baking sheet. Bake at 400°F (200°C) for 1 hour, or until the potatoes are fork-tender, then let them cool slightly to handle.
- Mash Potatoes: Peel the cooled potatoes and mash them in a large mixing bowl until smooth and lump-free.
- Mix Ingredients: To the mashed potatoes, add sour cream, softened cream cheese, whole milk, melted butter, 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese, and season generously with salt and pepper. Mix everything until well combined and creamy.
- Add Bacon and Green Onions: Gently fold in half of the crumbled bacon and half of the chopped green onions to distribute flavor evenly throughout the mixture.
- Assemble in Baking Dish: Transfer the potato mixture into the prepared baking dish and smooth the top evenly using a spatula.
- Add Toppings: Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese and the rest of the crumbled bacon over the top for a cheesy, crispy finish.
- Bake Casserole: Bake the assembled casserole for 25 to 30 minutes until it is hot, bubbly, and the cheese is melted and golden on top.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove from oven, garnish with the remaining chopped green onions, and serve warm for the best flavor and texture.
Notes
- For extra creaminess, you can add a little more sour cream or milk as needed.
- Use sharp cheddar cheese for a more robust cheese flavor.
- To make it easier, you can bake the potatoes the day before and refrigerate overnight before assembling the casserole.
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven.
- To keep bacon crispy on top, add it halfway through the baking or broil for 1-2 minutes after baking.
