The EASIEST Twice Baked Potato Casserole (Family Friendly)
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Let’s whip up one of my year-round go-to side dishes, it’s a family favorite! This delicious potato casserole will level up your Thanksgiving, Christmas, and other holiday dinners! It’s perfectly creamy, cheesy, and topped with crispy bacon, yum! This Twice Baked Potato Casserole is a family staple that’s both easy and simple to make. So, let’s dive into the recipe and see why it’s a hit with kids and adults alike.
This has to be one of my favorite recipes to make for the family, whether we’re pairing it with a meat dish or eating it with chicken, it goes well with almost any main entree! It’s also a great side dish to make during the holidays because who doesn’t love potato recipes when they’re loaded with cheese and other tasty flavors? It’s no surprise it’s a huge hit with anyone who tries it, so let’s get to cooking.
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How to Make This Delicious Twice Baked Potato Casserole
Lets talk about the good stuff, this recipe will serve around 8 people and takes about 1.5 hours in total, including preparation time (most of that time is cooking). Once these cheesy potatoes are finished cooking, you can cover them up in an airtight container like this one for up to 6-7 days in the refrigerator. Any longer they start to get too mushy and gross, so be sure to track your date of when you make it and stick it in the fridge.
Cooking Tools Needed:
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Sharp knife
- Cutting board
- Small skillet
- Casserole dish (this is our favorite baking dish set, but you can also use a 9×9 or 8×8 square pan too)
Ingredients:
- 3 lbs russet potatoes (I used medium size potatoes)
- 6 slices bacon, chopped into 1-inch pieces and cooked
- 2 tbsp butter
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 cup cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tsp pepper
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 2 green onions (or chives), sliced
Step By Step Twice Baked Potato Casserole Cooking Instructions
1) Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 400 degrees F.
2) Wash & Bake the Potatoes: While the oven is preheating, wash the potatoes and poke holes into them with a fork. Place them on a baking sheet in the middle rack of the preheated oven and bake for 40 minutes. (Adjust the time if using small or large potatoes. Some ovens also have preset settings allowing you to cook up tender potatoes with the push of a button.)
3) Cook the Bacon: While the potatoes are baking, use that time to chop up your bacon, then cook it over medium heat in a small skillet. Drain the grease and set the crumbled bacon aside.
4) Mash the Potatoes: Add the baked potatoes to a large bowl and roughly mash them with a potato masher, including the potato skins. You don’t need to completely mash them as you will mash more in the next step.
5) Mix together all ingredients: Add the butter, sour cream, shredded cheese, salt, black pepper, and garlic powder to the mashed potatoes. Mash a bit more to combine.
6) Fold in the Bacon: Stir to combine the ingredients, then gently fold in the bacon pieces.
7) Bake the Casserole: Layer the mixture into a 2-quart casserole dish. Bake for 30 minutes.
8) Prepare the Onions: While the casserole is baking, chop the green onions or chives.
9) Serve it up & enjoy: Remove the casserole from the oven, and sprinkle chopped green onions or chives over the top before serving.
Why This Twice Baked Potato Casserole Recipe is Perfect for Moms:
This Twice Baked Potato Casserole is a dream come true for busy moms, mostly because it’s toddler approved, meaning even those picky littler eaters won’t resist it’s deliciousness. Also because:
This Recipe Uses Simple Ingredients: You likely already have most of these ingredients in your kitchen, making it a hassle-free dish to prepare. If not, they’re affordable to stock up on!
Easy Prep: With a quick prep time of just 15 minutes, you can get this dish ready while managing other tasks or spending time with your little ones.
Crowd-Pleaser: Kids love the creamy potatoes with extra cheese and bacon bits, while adults appreciate the hearty, comforting flavors. It’s a win-win for family & holiday meals.
Versatile: This casserole isn’t just for holidays. It’s perfect for any family dinner, potlucks, or gatherings, making it a versatile addition to your recipe repertoire.
Tips for Your Twice Baked Potato Casserole
Leftovers: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They reheat beautifully the next day, making for a quick and easy side dish.
Make Ahead: You can prepare this casserole ahead of time and refrigerate it. When ready to serve, just pop it in the oven to heat through.
Variations: Swap out russet potatoes for red potatoes or even sweet potatoes for a different twist. You can also add cream cheese or heavy cream for an even richer texture.
Common Questions About This Easy Casserole Dish:
Can I use leftover potatoes or mashed potatoes in this recipe? Yes, you can! Using leftover mashed potatoes is a great way to save time and reduce waste.
Can I freeze this casserole? Absolutely! Wrap the casserole tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil before freezing. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
What can I serve with this potato casserole? This dish pairs perfectly with a variety of main dishes such as roasted chicken, grilled steak, or even a simple salad. It’s also a great side dish for your holiday meal or potluck.
Did you make this recipe?
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