Cheesy Twice Baked Potato Casserole Recipe

Indulge in the ultimate comfort food experience with this delectable Twice Baked Potato Casserole. Packed with creamy sour cream, savory bacon, sharp cheddar, and Monterey Jack cheese, this dish elevates basic baked potatoes to a whole new level of deliciousness. Whether you’re hosting a holiday gathering or craving a cozy family meal, this casserole is sure to be a crowd-pleaser.

I first whipped up this Twice Baked Potato Casserole when time was short, and the need for a hearty dish was high. The rave reviews and requests for seconds were all the validation I needed to know this recipe was a winner. With a nod to tradition and a touch of modern convenience, this casserole is a tribute to the magic of transforming simple ingredients into something extraordinary, just like my grandmother taught me.

Perfect for make-ahead preparations, this casserole can be assembled in advance, making it a lifesaver for busy days or special occasions. Whether baked in the oven or kept warm in a slow cooker, this versatile dish is a delicious way to bring comfort and joy to your table. So, gather your loved ones and get ready to savor every spoonful of this Twice Baked Potato Casserole that’s bound to become a family favorite.

Quick Benefits

• Comforting and crowd-pleasing dish loaded with crispy bacon, sharp cheddar, Monterey Jack cheese, and fresh scallions
• Versatile recipe that allows for creative modifications to suit different taste preferences
• Make-ahead and freezer-friendly for convenient meal planning and entertaining
• Textural excellence achieved by gentle hand-mashing of potatoes, preserving natural texture

Why You’ll Love This Cheesy Twice Baked Potato Casserole Recipe Recipe

• Restaurant-Quality Flavor: The blend of crispy bacon, sharp cheddar, Monterey Jack cheese, and fresh scallions creates a rich and savory taste that rivals any restaurant dish.
• Convenient Crowd-Pleaser: Perfect for gatherings, this casserole is a time-saving alternative to stuffing individual potato skins, making it ideal for potlucks or family functions.
• Texture and Flavor: By mashing the potatoes by hand and adding a mix of seasonings and cheeses, this casserole achieves a creamy and indulgent texture with bursts of flavor in every bite.
• Make-Ahead Option: The ability to assemble the casserole up to 24 hours in advance provides flexibility for busy holidays or entertaining, allowing you to simply bake when ready.
• Slow Cooker Versatility: Ideal for buffet-style gatherings, the casserole can be cooked in a slow cooker, offering a convenient and space-saving option while keeping the dish warm.
• Customization: The recipe’s adaptability allows for creative modifications, whether adding different meats or vegetables, experimenting with cheese variations, or adjusting seasoning levels to suit personal preferences.
• Freezing and Reheating: The convenience extends to freezing both assembled and unbaked dishes, with options to thaw and reheat in the microwave or oven, making it a practical choice for meal prep and leftovers.
• Potato Varieties: While the recipe calls for russet potatoes, the option to use Yukon Gold potatoes offers a creamier texture, providing flexibility based on personal preference or ingredient availability.

Ingredients for Cheesy Twice Baked Potato Casserole Recipe

• 8 slices bacon, cooked crispy and crumbled
• 4 green onions, chopped
• ¼ teaspoon fresh ground black pepper
• 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
• ½ teaspoon onion powder
• ½ cup whole or 2% milk
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
• ¾ cup sour cream
• 6 medium to large russet or gold potatoes

How to Make Cheesy Twice Baked Potato Casserole Recipe

Step 1: Bake potatoes

Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Wash and dry potatoes, then pierce with a fork. Bake in the oven for 45-60 minutes until tender when pierced with a fork.

Step 2: Prepare potatoes

Immediately submerge the baked potatoes in ice-cold water, then peel them gently with your fingers. Cut the potatoes into large cubes and transfer to a large bowl.

Step 3: Mash and mix ingredients

Combine butter, sour cream, milk, onion powder, garlic powder, salt, pepper, cheddar cheese, Monterey Jack cheese, half of the bacon, and half of the scallions. Mash with a handheld potato masher and transfer to a 2-quart baking dish coated with nonstick cooking spray.

Step 4: Top and bake

Sprinkle the remaining cheese, bacon, and green onions over the top. Cover with foil and bake for 30 minutes. Uncover and bake for an additional 10 minutes until cheese is melted and casserole is heated through.

Storage Tips

After preparing the Twice Baked Potato Casserole, you have a few options for storing the finished dish. If you plan to serve it within 24 hours, you can assemble the casserole ahead, cover it tightly with plastic wrap, and refrigerate it until you’re ready to bake it. Remember to remove it from the refrigerator about 30 minutes before baking to take the chill off. When baking, add about 10 extra minutes to the covered baking time to ensure it heats through completely.

If you want to store the casserole for an extended period, you can freeze the fully assembled but unbaked dish. Make sure to thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before baking it as directed. This way, you can enjoy the delicious Twice Baked Potato Casserole at a later time without compromising its flavor and texture. To reheat leftovers, you can use the microwave at reduced power or cover the dish in the oven at 350°F for approximately 30 minutes until warmed through.

While russet potatoes are recommended for their fluffy texture in this casserole, you can also use Yukon Gold potatoes for a creamier result. Additionally, if you want to experiment with different cheeses, options like mozzarella, Colby Jack, or Gruyere can be substituted for a similar melted texture and flavor in the dish, allowing for endless customization while maintaining its comforting appeal.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you prefer a different type of potato, such as Yukon Gold, they can be used interchangeably with russet potatoes for a creamier texture in the casserole.

If you don’t have sharp cheddar or Monterey Jack cheese, you can substitute with cheeses like mozzarella, Colby Jack, or Gruyere for a similar melted texture and flavor profile.

For a different twist, you can replace the bacon with 1 cup of chopped ham for a smoky flavor variation. Additionally, you could experiment with incorporating roasted garlic cloves instead of garlic powder for a more intense flavor profile. Feel free to customize the cheese combinations with options like pepper jack for heat or smoked gouda for depth to suit your taste preferences.

Serving Suggestions

To elevate the presentation of this Twice Baked Potato Casserole, consider serving individual portions in mini cast iron skillets or ramekins. Top each serving with a sprinkle of crispy bacon crumbles, a drizzle of sour cream, a generous handful of shredded cheese, and a few fresh green onion slices for a restaurant-worthy presentation. This individual plating not only adds a touch of elegance but also allows guests to enjoy their own personal portion of this comforting dish.

For a fun twist on serving this casserole at a gathering, create a DIY potato bar station. Set out bowls of additional toppings such as chopped ham, roasted garlic cloves, steamed broccoli florets, corn kernels, different types of cheeses, and even some hot sauce or salsa for a customizable experience. Let guests build their own ultimate loaded potato creation, encouraging creativity and exploration of flavors while making the meal interactive and engaging for everyone.

FAQs for Cheesy Twice Baked Potato Casserole Recipe

Can I prepare the Twice Baked Potato Casserole in advance?

Yes, you can assemble the casserole ahead, cover it tightly, and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours. Bake it as directed when ready to serve.

Can I freeze the Twice Baked Potato Casserole?

Yes, freeze the fully assembled but unbaked dish. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before baking as directed.

How should I reheat leftovers of the Twice Baked Potato Casserole?

Reheat leftovers in the microwave at reduced power or covered in the oven at 350°F for about 30 minutes until warm.

Can I use a different type of potato or cheese in this recipe?

Yes, russet potatoes are ideal for their fluffiness, but Yukon Gold potatoes work well for a creamier texture. For the cheese, you can use mozzarella, Colby Jack, or even Gruyere for a similar melted texture and flavor.

Conclusion

In conclusion, this Twice Baked Potato Casserole is not just a dish; it’s a memory-maker, a crowd-pleaser, and a versatile canvas for your culinary creativity. Whether you’re preparing it for a festive gathering, a cozy family dinner, or simply a comforting weeknight meal, this recipe never fails to deliver on flavor and satisfaction.

So, roll up your sleeves, gather your ingredients, and embark on a culinary journey that celebrates the simple joys of good food and shared moments. With this Twice Baked Potato Casserole in your repertoire, you’re equipped to delight taste buds and create lasting memories around the dining table. Cheers to delicious comfort food made easy, delicious, and unforgettable!

Cheesy Twice Baked Potato Casserole Recipe

Creamy Twice Baked Potato Casserole loaded with crispy bacon, cheddar, Monterey Jack, and scallions—a comforting crowd-pleaser perfect for gatherings.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time15 Minutes

Cook Time75 Minutes

Total Time90 Minutes

CuisineAmerican

Skill LevelEasy

Servings10 Servings

Ingredients

• 8 slices bacon, cooked crispy and crumbled
• 4 green onions, chopped
• ¼ teaspoon fresh ground black pepper
• 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
• ½ teaspoon onion powder
• ½ cup whole or 2% milk
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
• ¾ cup sour cream
• 6 medium to large russet or gold potatoes

Instructions

1. Bake potatoes: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Wash and dry potatoes, then pierce with a fork. Bake in the oven for 45-60 minutes until tender when pierced with a fork.
2. Prepare potatoes: Immediately submerge the baked potatoes in ice-cold water, then peel them gently with your fingers. Cut the potatoes into large cubes and transfer to a large bowl.
3. Mash and mix ingredients: Combine butter, sour cream, milk, onion powder, garlic powder, salt, pepper, cheddar cheese, Monterey Jack cheese, half of the bacon, and half of the scallions. Mash with a handheld potato masher and transfer to a 2-quart baking dish coated with nonstick cooking spray.
4. Top and bake: Sprinkle the remaining cheese, bacon, and green onions over the top. Cover with foil and bake for 30 minutes. Uncover and bake for an additional 10 minutes until cheese is melted and casserole is heated through.